Frequently Asked Questions
-
We have almost everything you need onboard. We supply full high-quality snorkel gear, life jackets, an iced cooler, and drink refreshments. We recommend bringing a towel, polarized sunglasses, and a sweater or jacket, just in case. It is always cooler on the water than it is on land because of the breeze on the open air boat.
You are welcome to bring any drinks, snacks, or alcohol.
-
There are around 50 species of sharks that live in the Gulf of Mexico. Not to fear! They seem to shy away from people and you most likely have to be actively looking for them to be fortunate enough to see them. We get asked this question by worried guests so many times that we printed out statistics to keep on the boat. Vending machines and elephants kill more people than sharks do, for example. The fear of sharks is a media-made fear. Before scary movies about sharks came out, no one gave sharks a second thought. The chances of getting attacked by a shark are so small that it is not worth worrying about. Not to mention, sharks do most of their feeding at night.
-
All reservations must me cancelled 48 hours prior to your reservation in order to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made after the 48 hour time frame you will not be eligible for a refund for any reason other than unsafe weather conditions as determined by our crew.
Should the Captain cancel due to unsafe weather conditions you will be given the option to receive a full refund or to reschedule your tour.
No shows are not eligible for a refund for any reason. If you are over 15 minutes late for your tour you are considered a no show.
Tours may be subject to cancellation should there be small craft advisories or thunderstorms in the area where we are going during the time of your tour.
We will call you as soon as we make the decision to cancel your tour.
-
There is a 6 guest maximum per US Coast Guard on all trips, children and babies count as guests. All guests are adult prices. All ages are welcome on our charters.
With groups exceeding 6 guests, we take multiple boats and the boats stay together for the entire tour.
-
Yes, all humans count as passengers or guests. All guests are adult prices. We are strictly limited to 6 guests per boat (this number does not include crew).
-
If you have more then 6 people in your party we can put you on multiple boats and the boats stay together for the entire tour.
-
On our tours we encounter and observe wild dolphins in their natural habitat on their terms. We do not guarantee any swimming with the dolphins. If the conditions are safe we may be able to put you in the water near the dolphins. This is up to the captains discretion. If the dolphins are mating, swimming near a shipping channel, or swimming in rough waves we will not be able to swim near them. We will however, usually get some very good and closeup views of the dolphins from the boat.
Swimming with them means that you may be swimming in waters close to them. Sometimes they choose to be 5 feet from you and sometimes they will avoid altogether and you will not see them at all while you are in the water. Although we wish the dolphins were as excited to see us as we are them, this would mean that we would have to feed them. Feeding dolphins is illegal and very bad and dangerous for the dolphins. Wild dolphins being fed by humans often end up very sick or being struck by boat propellers. We are very strict about following the laws of The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and subsequent amendments, in addition to the laws of the State of Florida.
-
Yes, we can customize times and different tours to some extent. If you would like a different tour then you can see online call us at (850)866-8815.
-
Dogs are welcome on private tours.
-
Please be there 10 minutes before your boat tour time.
If you are more then 15 minutes late to your tour, the boat must leave without you, and you are considered a no show.
-
Although we see cool wildlife all day, earlier in the day is usually less windy making the water smoother. This is why I would recommend earlier rather than later.
Dolphin and Snorkel Tours
Coastal Wildlife Adventures ®
3901 Thomas Drive,
Panama City Beach, FL
32408