Wild dolphins in the bay

The dolphins

The dolphins you'll see here are common bottlenose dolphins. They feed in the shallow water of St. Andrew Bay, around the pass and along Shell Island, and you can often spot them from the jetties at St. Andrews State Park.

Watch, don't feed

Feeding or trying to feed wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with fines of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail. NOAA asks people not to swim with or chase wild dolphins either, and to stay at least 50 yards away by boat or on land. NOAA has called Panama City a "hot spot" for illegal dolphin feeding, so pick a tour that keeps its distance.

• Never feed, touch, swim with or chase them.
• If dolphins come toward your boat, slow down and let them pass.

NOAA Dolphin SMART and viewing guidelines.

Tours from Grand Lagoon and Thomas Drive

• Capt. Anderson's Marina, 5550 North Lagoon Drive. The Capt. Anderson III runs Shell Island dolphin and eco tours with an hour ashore on the island.
• Treasure Island Marina, 3605 Thomas Drive. Dolphin tours, Shell Island trips and pontoon rentals.
• St. Andrews State Park, 4607 State Park Lane. The seasonal Shell Island shuttle leaves from the park.

If you see an injured or stranded dolphin, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.