Things to do
Things to do in Panama City Beach, FL
Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach, FL? Look no further than the beach and the Gulf. Voted a top destination year after year, PCB has countless activities and tours to try on your trip. Some essential experiences are dinner cruises, fishing, and watersport rentals (pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and more). Once the Spring Break capitol, Panama City Beach is now considered a great place for families, couples, and young travelers looking for great nightlife!
Read moreTop Panama City Beach Attractions, Tours & Rentals
Featured Panama City Beach Activities
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May 19 - May 25
Sunset Dolphin Encounter Aboard Captain Anderson III
1,665 ratings
1.5 Hrs.
Take part in an unforgettable Panama City Beach sunset cruise. Sunset Dolphin Encounter Aboard Captain Anderson III is the ideal way to travel through the historic Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay to the edge of the Gulf, and watch dolphins play. Being out on the water and watching these graceful, wild animals in their natural habitat is one of the greatest experiences in beautiful Panama City Beach. Book your cruise today!
Read moreBooked 2 times in last 48 hrs
Shell Island Dolphin Sea-fari Boat Tour
940 ratings
3.5 Hrs.
Journey the Historic Grand Lagoon on the unforgettable Shell Island Dolphin Sea-fari Boat Tour! Watch for a variety of aquatic wonders, sea shells, and wildlife. Explore Shell Island and swim, go shelling, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful island! Book your Shell Island Dolphin Sea-fari Boat Tour today and make memories that last a lifetime!
Read moreBooked 2 times in last 48 hrs
Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard The Privateer Catamaran
780 ratings
2 Hrs.
Sail into the sunset aboard the Privateer Catamaran! This exhilarating sail along the Gulf of Mexico offers a great opportunity to relax and leave your worries behind. Listen to tropical music and enjoy a complimentary beverage aboard Panama City Beach’s best sunset cruise. Don't forget to relax on the deck and look for Flipper and his friends!
Read moreBooked 3 times in last 48 hrs
4 Hour Shell Island Dolphin Swim Experience
185 ratings
4 Hrs.
Take advantage of this opportunity of a lifetime and swim with wild dolphins in Panama City Beach, Florida. Spend the morning or afternoon with a professional team of instructors that will educate you on the proper way to interact with these amazing creatures. Finish off the tour with a dip in the emerald water of Shell Island for potential dolphin encounters. Book today for an experience you'll never forget!
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Big Kahuna's Water Park Admission Tickets
366 ratings
With more than 40 water attractions and an Adventure Park, Big Kahuna’s offers something for every member of the family. Take a break from the beach and enjoy a fun-filled day at the water park on slides like the Cowabunga Racer, Jumanji, and the Hammerhead. Book your tickets today for big fun at Big Kahuna's!
Read moreBooked 4 times in last 48 hrs
Private Shell Island Snorkeling Excursion
36 ratings
3 Hrs.
Discover the hidden gems of the Panama City area on a Private Shell Island Snorkeling Excursion in St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This cruise takes guests to Shell Island, known for its abundance of sea shells and marine life. Guests will explore the shallow reefs and search for shells while encountering a wide variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. All equipment is provided and guides are certified for a safe and amazing experience.
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Private Dolphin Excursion
25 ratings
3 Hrs.
Explore Panama City and Panama City Beach from the water as you cruise through St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Let your captain take the wheel while you sit back and enjoy the sights and the breeze. Watch dolphins play in the water and unwind as you sip on your favorite beverage and have the opportunity to see wild birds, dolphins, fish, and maybe even spot a manatee! Book your Private Dolphin Excursion today!
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Sandbar Snorkeling Excursion
28 ratings
3 Hrs.
Experience the beautiful emerald green water and white sugar shores on this Sandbar Snorkeling Excursion. If you have never experienced snorkeling, you are in for a real treat! As you open your eyes to a whole new world of underwater intrigue, you will have the opportunity to see seahorses, puffer fish, scallops, hermit crabs, and so much more. Cruise on a center console, snorkel and chill on a sandbar or opt for some island hopping fun. Book your totally customizable Sandbar Snorkeling Excursion today!
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Panama City Beach BYOB Sunset Cruise
35 ratings
2 Hrs.
Enjoy a serene evening on the water with this Panama City Beach BYOB Sunset Cruise and experience the scenic views of Saint Andrews Bay, Grand Lagoon, and Shell Island. Explore the bay with a frosty beverage in hand as you take in the surreal beauty around you. The Emerald Coast is known for its unrivaled cotton candy sunsets. So sit atop the gentle waves and capture some postcard-quality photos of the day. Don't miss your chance to see a Panama City Beach sunset tonight!
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All Inclusive Private Charter
13 ratings
4 - 8 Hrs.
Gaze at the beauty of the natural world around you on this All Inclusive Private Charter. Customize your trip to your liking. Feel like just lounging on the beach? You got it! Do you want to cruise around looking for dolphins? No problem! Do you want to stop at a restaurant for dinner and watch the sunset? Let's Go! Cruise in comfort on a 21' Robalo center console. Don't miss the boat, book today!
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Private Panama City Beach Sunset Cruise
13 ratings
2 Hrs.
Enjoy a serene evening on the water with this Private Panama City Beach Sunset Cruise and experience the scenic views of Saint Andrews Bay, Grand Lagoon, and Shell Island. Float around and gaze at the sky as you take in the surreal beauty around you. The Emerald Coast is known for its unrivaled cotton candy sunsets. So, sit atop the gentle waves and capture some postcard quality photos of the day. Don't miss your chance to see a Panama City Beach sunset tonight!
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Small Group Dolphin & Snorkel Tour
429 ratings
2 Hrs.
Take a cruise around the area in search of wild, bottlenose dolphins. This guided cruise is a fun trip for the entire family! Not only do you get an exciting dolphin tour experience, but snorkel gear is available for those wanting to park the boat and cool off. Grab your sunscreen and hit the water Panama City style! Book your spot today!
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Pontoon Rental (12 Passengers) in Panama City Beach
435 ratings
8 Hrs.
A day on the water is guaranteed to please the whole crew! Captain your own boat from the still waters of serene Grand Lagoon where you can pull up on the beach and have a picnic or just gaze out at the beauty of the world. Whether you are looking for shells, looking for dolphins, going for a swim, or just relaxing, there is something for everyone! Book your pontoon rental today and experience Panama City Beach in style!
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Private Wild Dolphin Excursion
16 ratings
2 Hrs.
If you are looking for an adventure that is both exhilerating and relaxing, then look no further. This Private Wild Dolphin Excursion focuses on searching for and responsibly interacting with the amazing bottlenose dolphin in the wild. You will enjoy up close and personal encounters from the comfort and safety of your own 21' Robalo center console. Experience a day on the water and gaze at the beauty of the natural world around you. Book your Private Wild Dolphin Excursion today!
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Beach & Lagoon Shelling Excursion
13 ratings
2.5 - 3 Hrs.
If strolling barefoot along a white sandy beach with the backdrop of emerald green water behind you is on your bucket list, then this Beach & Lagoon Shelling Excursion is calling your name. Your knowledgeable guides will show you the ropes and explain the anatomy of the various mollusks you encounter, as well as give you and your crew important tidbits of information about all the shells you find. With onboard reference guides, your family will have an awesome time matching up and learning about the animals that once inhabited the shells collected. From Florida fighting conchs to Lightning Whelks, and Crown Conchs to driftwood, even the novice sheller will not go home empty handed. Book this excursion today!
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Adventure Tour With Inflatable Waterpark Aboard The Privateer Catamaran
334 ratings
3 Hrs.
Enjoy an exhilarating and relaxing sail along the beautiful beaches of Panama City Beach! Sail to the world famous Shell Island and play on the inflatable water slide, jump on the water trampoline, or try your hand at kayaking and paddleboarding. Guests can also swim, snorkel, and take in all of the amazing surroundings. The Adventure Tour aboard the Privateer Catamaran has something for everyone! Book yours today!
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Panama City Beach Helicopter Tour - Miracle Strip
1,026 ratings
10 Min.
View the majestic Panama City Beach coastline from above on a thrilling Miracle Strip helicopter tour. This activity is great for a first date or a fun family outing. Travel up to 14 miles as the helicopter takes you along the beach allowing you to see both city and county piers, over the Shipwreck Waterpark, and all of the hotels and beach life in between. Keep an eye out for marine life like dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles swimming below you. Plan a day you won't soon forget and book this Miracle Strip Panama City Beach Helicopter Tour now!
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St. Andrew Bay Pontoon Rental
4 ratings
4 - 8 Hrs.
Spend the day out on the water with this St. Andrew Bay Pontoon Rental in Panama City, Florida. Be your own captain and take your group in any direction you want...as long as you stay in the Bay. Pack some lunch and drinks and explore the famous Shell island or other islands off the beaten path if that is more your thing. Watch the dolphins swimming and passing your boat as you cruise atop the water. With a full tank of gas, the possibilities are endless. This rental promises a fun-filled adventure that family and friends will come back from smiling. Don't miss the boat, book your St. Andrew Bay Pontoon Rental today!
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Panama City Pontoon Boat Rental
88 ratings
4 - 8 Hrs.
Spend the day on the water with your crew as you captain your own boat from the still waters of Grand Lagoon. Located just minutes from Shell Island, you can pull up on the beach and enjoy the day. Whether you are shelling, dolphin watching, swimming, or just relaxing, there is something for everyone. Book your pontoon rental today and experience beautiful Panama City Beach!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to go to Panama City Beach?
The best time to go to Panama City Beach is in late-spring (May) and mid-fall (October). These times have the least traffic on roads and beaches, best rates for lodging and attractions, and weather warm enough for outdoor activities.
2. Why is Panama City Beach so popular?
Panama City Beach first grew to worldwide fame as a college spring break destination. Most recently, the beach town has become a family destination offering shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions and tours. Beachfront hotels and condos are very affordable, and the weather is warm enough for swimming and the beach 8+ months out of the year. The beaches are beautiful soft, white sand, and the waters are clear and emerald-green.
3. Is the water clear in Panama City Beach, FL?
Most of the year, the waters are clear with a beautiful emerald-green sheen in Panama City Beach. During warmer months (Mainly June and July), the "June Grass" reaches the shore. This algae is harmless, although it is a bit smelly and slimy. Florida Emerald Coast waters are considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful waters for swimming, watersports, fishing, and boat rides.
4. Does Panama City Beach have a boardwalk?
There is no real "boardwalk" in Panama City Beach. The closest thing to a boardwalk would "Pier Park", a large, beachside, shopping and entertainment complex. If you're looking for a boardwalk, head to Destin's Harborwalk Village, or the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.
5. Panama City Beach, FL vs Destin, FL, which is better?
Both destinations offer an incredible family-friendly atmosphere. Panama City Beach is a bit older, with newer attractions throughout. Overall, Panama City Beach is a little more affordable and closer to the neighborhoods and beaches of 30A. Panama City Beach is still a prime destination for adults and college students with lots of large night clubs and live music venues. Destin got its start as a fishing village. Saltwater fishing is still the main reason many visit Destin, with events like the Fishing Rodeo attracting thousands of anglers. Destin is newer overall, and as-a-whole, offers a more luxury vacation. And while Destin has tons of things to do, it also can be more congested in the warmer months. Destin is closer in proximity to Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island and the Sandestin area including Baytowne Wharf and the beaches of Old 98.
