1. The Beaches of Panama City Beach, FL
   Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
2. Panama City Dive Charters
   (Diving and Spear Fishing)
   5512 Thomas Drive
   Panama City, FL 32408
   850-588-8077
3. St. Andrews State Park
   4607 State Park Lane
   Panama City, FL 32408
   850-233-5140
4. Panama City Beach Winery
   8730 Thomas Drive
   Suite 1103-B
   Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   850-233-5950
   866-494-6379
5. Pier Park Panama City Beach, FL
   600 Pier Park Drive – Suite 125
   Panama City Beach, FL 32413
   850-236-9974
6. Adventures at Sea
   5711 North Lagoon Drive
   Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   850-235-0009
7. Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
   5325 N. Lagoon Drive
   Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   850-234-7400
8. Sea Screamer – Sightseeing Speed Boat
   Lighthouse Marina
   5325 N. Lagoon Drive
   Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   850-233-9107
9. Shell Island Florida
   Accessible from – St. Andrew’s State Park Shuttle
   4607 Thomas Drive
   Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   850-233-0504
10. Airboat Adventures
    14854 Bayview Circle
    Panama City Beach, FL 32413
    850-230-3822

If you have been to any of these things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best condos in Panama City Beach, Florida! Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

The Best Things to do in Panama City Beach Florida is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

Visitors to the area could easily spend an entire day and evening at Pier Park or choose to take it in a little at the time during multiple excursions. The outdoor atmosphere of the park allows shoppers to walk along the streets in the open air while traveling from shop to shop. This is a very nice alternative to a closed in mall. With close to 100 retail shops and many excellent dining options, the Park has much to offer.

Vacationers and locals alike will find some of their favorite stores in this large outdoor shopping mall that offers both upscale and affordable shopping. Some of the best known stores are Target, Dillard’s, Old Navy and of course, Ron Jon Surf shop. You’ll also find some great retailers like Borders, Victoria’s Secret, Game Stop, Lids, Aeropostale, Nike, Coldwater Creek and Zales Jewelers. Some of the specialty shops include Crocs, Beach Scene, Aqua Gallery, Ava Blue Boutique, Peace Frogs and Vice & Virtue. Shimmering Seas Jewelry is a favorite. That only touches the surface of the many shopping opportunities you’ll find at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Many people go to Pier Park simply for the great restaurant choices. Among the favorites are Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Longhorn Steakhouse, Back Porch Seafood and Hofbrau Beer Garden with great German food. Guy Harvey’s Island Grill seems to be one of the top choices and is said to have terrific atmosphere with great food and service. You can purchase Guy Harvey art and clothing while you’re there. The art work hangs on the walls and the dining room is decked out with a large aquarium and sharks dangling from the ceiling. Another attention-getter, Five Guys Famous Hamburgers and Fries, is just what the name says and is said to have great food. Bootleg Barbeque, Red Robin and Raggae J’s are some other good choices. Some of the restaurants offer beautiful views of the ocean and the Russell-Fields pier to enjoy while dining. Russell-Fields is a great place to take a $2 per person after-dinner walk to help digest your meal with beautiful scenery.

And for dessert or a snack, Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream has some very tempting and refreshing treats to enjoy. There’s also Marble Slab Creamery that custom mixes ice cream as you watch. Coffee lovers will enjoy stopping for a jolting cup of java at Starbucks, while candy fans will be totally in their element at the Candy Maker Candy Store

For your movie entertainment, there is The Grand 16 Theatres, featuring all the latest and greatest movies in the comfort of stadium seating with digital sound. The movie theater also includes a game room and specialty cafe for fun and food. You can take advantage of the economical matinee prices at $6.50. Evening prices are $9 for adults and $7 for seniors, kids (ages 3-12) and college students with ID’s. Military ID’s will get you in for $7.50.

The Miracle Strip Amusement Park that shut its doors in 2004 is set to reopen in March of 2010 at Pier Park! Those that miss the old and classic Miracle Strip Carousel will be thrilled to once again be able to enjoy the nostalgia while watching their own kids take a ride. The carousel is already up and running since it found a welcome home in the Park in 2009. The new park will begin on a smaller scale with hopes to eventually expand.

Nighttime brings on a whole new atmosphere at Pier Park as the lights come up. They always have special events planned for those visiting Panama City Beach at the holiday times. You’ll find events such as parades, fireworks shows, summer concerts and other seasonal events. Buffalo Wild Wings invite their customers to watch their favorite sports teams play while enjoying a bite to eat among friends. For live country music bands and dancing, stop by Tootsies.

Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida offers hours and hours of enjoyment and entertainment for all ages and preferences. With so many choices, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Take your camera with you when you visit the Park, as there are many wonderful spots for that perfect vacation photo op. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for getting around. You’ll get in your exercise for the day while you have tons of fun!

If you have to Pier Park in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

Pier Park Panama City Beach Florida is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

The theme for PCB is “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.” This 27-mile stretch, without a doubt, is distinguished by pure white sandy beaches that glisten in the blazing sun and glow in the bright moonlight. That, combined with the clear emerald-green Gulf waters, certainly make for some spectacularly exquisite beaches. Though they are typically wide and able to accommodate large numbers of sun lovers, the arrangement of beach access in the area is limited. One of the best places to approach the sand and water is St. Andrews State Park on the east end of Thomas Drive where they charge $4-8 per vehicle for parking or $2 for pedestrians. The park is a great place to spend the day and it provides restrooms, showers, concessions and a visitor area. Be sure to read our write-up on St. Andrews for more information. Thomas Drive Park, located on the 7000 block, is another good place to try. Access is free and it is open from sunrise to sunset. Accommodations at Thomas Drive Park include showers and restrooms.

The beaches of Panama City Beach are known for gorgeous weather and the numerous activities that draw huge crowds from across the country. Among them are various sporting events such as boat racing, parasailing, jetskiing and sailing. Other popular activities and events are beach concerts, festivals, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, sunning, scuba diving, wreck diving, boating and fishing. The abundant wildlife found in the area are also a huge draw. Since it is one of the most populated habitats for bottle nose dolphin, sightings are abundant.

During the spring break season, Panama City Beaches are some of the most anticipated beaches frequented by fun-seeking high school and college crews. The crowds that take over the white sands are astounding and the beaches are full. If you want to be where the action is during this vacation time, PCB is the place to be! From March through Easter of each year, PCB becomes a temporary home to about 100,000 college-age beach enthusiasts. It is often referred to as “Party Headquarters!” and “The Spring Break Capital of the World.”

With its location on the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach is farther north of the areas that get the year-round warm subtropic weather, so the winters do get cold. The spring and summer months are the best times to enjoy the warm temperatures and water activities. However, many visitors will still bundle up and walk the beautiful beaches in the cooler weather.

Families, retirees, spring break crowds and visitors of all ages and descriptions will find a time and place on the beaches of Panama City Beach to accommodate their vacation needs with style. The blinding white quartz sand lining the emerald waters of the Gulf sit in wait for busy toes to bury themselves in its warmth.

The Beaches of Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
http://www.pcbgov.com/visitors_beaches.htm
http://www.pcbgov.com/visitors.htm
http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/see/beaches/

If you have been to the Beaches of Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

The Beaches of Panama City Beach is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

While there are quite a few dive charters in Panama City Beach to be found in the PCB area, Panama City Dive Charters just seems to stand out above the rest. Captain Pat and his crew provide an excellent experience in all parts of their operation. You’ll find friendly and professional service along with a highly educated and qualified crew. Customers never get the feeling of being rushed through their experience, but rather feel that extra efforts are made to ensure that they have a great time. Their prices are very competitive, making this an even better choice. Check on their terrific group rates if you’re traveling with a large number of people.

If you’ve always wanted to dive, but have never taken the time to get certified, why not fit some dive instruction classes in with your vacation to PCB? Panama City Dive Charters is there to begin your scuba diving education with beginner certification classes or to further your underwater experiences with advanced classes. Dependent on your length of stay in the area, the rate at which you become comfortable with various aspects of diving, and weather/water conditions, you’ll need to be sure you’re able to complete the class during your stay. The Core Water Diver class provides a basic certification for divers for up to 60-feet. This certification will take about 40 hours to complete and includes two days of confined water or pool work with two days of actual open water diving. You’ll need to provide your own snorkel, mask and fins. The price is a reasonable $250. The Advanced Open Water Diver certification is offered for the same price of $250. For this class, expect some book work and five specialty dives, including navigation and deep dives. This certification will take you up to 100′ deep.

Other instructional classes include the Rescue Diver and the Master Scuba Diver. The Rescue class includes CPR/First Aid Certification and you must have 20 previously logged dive hours. The Master Scuba instruction is for those who have completed five or more diving specialties and have taken the Rescue class. Their Divemaster class with Internship is a more extensive and time consuming class.

Panama City Beach Dive Charters are very proud of their new dive boat, a 36-foot Newton Dive Special named the Steel Slinger. They have added some really nice customizations such as a heavy-duty and oversized dive ladder, hot water showers, enlarged storage spaces and a fully enclosed cabin. It even has a misting system to help keep divers cool in the summer. The boat will hold up to 30 passengers but they limit it to 15 just to make sure everyone has enough space. Panama City Beach Dive Charters is now an authorized PADI dive boat, making them the only independent scuba diving charter in the area with that status. The boat is always stocked with plenty snacks and beverages to enjoy.

Certified divers are able to choose from a selection of inshore dives, offshore dives and even night dives. Prices for these options range from $80-110 with even better prices of $69-99 for groups. Private group boat trips are $720-990 for the various services.

Another spectacular service that Panama City Dive Charters offers is their Spearfishing Trips that are highly acclaimed by those who have experienced them. This is only for seasoned divers as there will be time spent diving without an instructor. Nitrox and a liberal dive computer are mandatory due to the 100-foot depths. Typically, you need a group to charter the whole boat for these trips costing $600 for up to the first five shooters and $120 for each additional participant. A group of four is ideal as they will only put down four divers at the time. If you need additional people to fill a party, just let them know and they’ll put you together with other small groups. Captain Pat and the crew will set you up in the best spots for spearing some terrific fish and educate you in the best ways to approach the different species. Spearfishing is definitely a thrilling experience that advanced divers will absolutely love.

Above all else, the safety of PC Dive Charter’s customers always comes first. They limit trips to those for which the individual diver has been trained. Anyone who makes three or more dives is required to have a dive computer, and a timing device is required for all dive trips. Dive lights (preferably two) are needed for night dives and they highly recommend diving gloves and a dive knife. Be sure to bring your dive certification with you, as it will be required.

The crew at PC Dive Charters are rated as absolutely fantastic and you would be hard pressed to find another outfit anywhere near their level of service and professionalism. If you look up customer reviews for this dive operation on the Internet, the compliments are boundless. Extremely well educated, personable, fun, light-hearted, genuine, punctual, prepared and extremely safe are the typical comments. Through their vast experience, they have acquired many handy tips and tricks of the trade that they gladly share with their divers. With the patience of a saint, they welcome everyone from the novice needing instruction to the expert seeking thrills. Teenagers are also welcome. They even try to customize your dive experience to include what you’re looking for in a great dive. They obviously love what they do and those that dive with this crew often won’t even consider going with anyone else.

Gratuity for your Divemaster and deckhands are both customary and greatly appreciated. Showers are available upon your return at Bay Point Marina to wash off the salt water from hours of diving, that is if you did not use the shower on their terrific boat. You can view all diving options and prices on their website, along with the minimum number of divers required for each. Feel free to call Panama City Dive Charters for further information.

If you have experienced Panama City Dive Charters in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

Panama City Dive Charters is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

Those who visit St. Andrews Park do so for a variety of reasons. On any given day, one might see a combination of picnic baskets and coolers, boogie boards, bicycles, surfboards, snorkeling gear and fishing gear. Kayaks, canoes and scuba gear may also be spotted. Many just come to enjoy the beauty and nature while seeking out deer, raccoon, marine life and a variety of birds. You’ll even find people there in the middle of winter, all bundled up enjoying the magnificent beauty.

The park also has a full-facility campground with well over a hundred camp sites for those wanting to stay overnight. The campgrounds are suitable for RV’s and primitive tent camping. The bathhouse is clean and well maintained while the washers and dryers seem to be in good order. With the park being right on the bay, campers are able to watch as the sun sets and the moon rises over the water while sailboats float by. Oh, and don’t forget the bug spray to keep the little pesky critters away. They will feel welcome to nibble away without it. Remember that the park gates close at sunset, so if you plan to arrive after that time on the day of your arrival, you’ll need to contact the park to make arrangements. Camping is located on the Grand Lagoon side of the park so they’re are not right on the beach. Bicycles are great for getting around the park and for getting to and from the campsite. The camping fees are currently $28 per night which includes electricity and water. Picnic tables and grills are also located at each campsite. Make your camping reservations as far ahead as possible since this is probably the best campground in the area and is usually in demand.

St. Andrews is home to the Shell Island shuttle that transports visitors from the park to the uninhabited island. It runs constantly during the day, making trips about every 30 minutes to and from the island. For more information including pricing, be sure to read our review of Shell Island.

Be sure not to overlook this treasure of a park when visiting PCB. It has a great deal to offer and makes a welcome distraction from the pace of a busy tourist town. You’ll be able to spend a leisurely day in the park sunning, swimming and enjoying the beauty of nature, or you might prefer to be a bit more active while snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. It’s up to you, do what it is you like best. That’s the beauty of this park; many choices for many people. You don’t have to do what everyone else does, just do your own thing.

St. Andrews State Park is open 365 days a year from 8 am until sundown. To get there from Highway 98, just take the Thomas Drive exit and follow the signs. Entrance prices are $4 for a single passenger vehicle, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers. The concession stand offers snacks and drinks along with fishing supplies and souvenirs. St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, FL offers a great value for a full day or a few hours of fun. This is a definite for every visit to PCB.

If you have to St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

St. Andrews State Park in Panama City is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

The Winery opened in 2000 and quickly made a name for itself in Panama City Beach due to its tasty and unusual offerings. Customers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere with a nice selection of wines and fun gifts. It’s a great place to pick up something interesting for yourself or to take back home for family and friends. The Honeycutt family takes great pride in this business and they work hard to made every visit to the Winery special.

The premium wines are all made of 100% pure Florida Citrus Juice. Visitors will find many choices that they are not familiar with and will be amazed at the high-quality wines ranging from sweet to dry. The Banana wine, made from 100% bananas, is great with talapia, scallops and pork. The Blueberry wine is semi-sweet and is made using three pints of blueberries for each bottle. It is best served with steak or used to make marinara. The surprising Carrot wine is a semi-dry white that is suggested to accompany shellfish and spicy foods. Then there is the interesting Tomato wine. This is a smooth dry white wine with a hint of tomatoes and peppers. It is recommended to be served with Mexican dishes or even oysters for some added spice. Other varieties include cranberry, pomegranate, key lime, mango, grapefruit, peach, chocolate, coconut and cherry.

Prices for these quality wines vary from $16.99-$25.99 with most of them being in the $19-23 range. They even offer a Strawberry Cream Sherry. It is made by combining their strawberry wine with a four year oak aged brandy and then aging it further for two more years. This Sherry runs $32.99.

One of the favorite draws to Panama City Beach Winery is the daily wine tasting tour offered during all hours of operation. This allows guests to sample a variety of wines that they might otherwise never experience. Be sure to come with an open mind to try some interesting wines that you never knew existed. Most people are very pleasantly surprised by what they find. You’ll be taken on a tour that provides very interesting histories of the wines and the wine making process. When you find a wine that you enjoy, your tour guide will recommend others that they feel are most suited to your tastes. Even people that have never had a taste for wine usually find at least one or two that they like.

Everyone, including those of you that don’t consider yourself even close to being a wine connoisseur, will very likely enjoy participating. The hosts are wonderful and the information they offer very stimulating. If you’re traveling with children, they are welcome to go on the wine tour with you and most find it very interesting. Though they won’t be able to participate in the wine tastings, they will definitely enjoy tasting the chocolate cake.

The specialty items offered in the gift shop are varied and some of them delightful. One that you will find on their website is the wine bottle holders that come in the shape of various themes. Among the many choices are a monkey, pelican, elephant, motorcycle, dolphin and policeman. They also have a specialty product called Cool Freeze that is only sold by Panama City Beach Winery. These are to be mixed with their fruit wines for a unique cool and refreshing drink.

Even the most skeptical guests have walked away from the Winery with a new appreciation for wine. You’ll be glad you stepped outside of the typical tourist schedule to experience Panama City Beach Winery. Most visitors find a variety of wines and gifts to take home with them. Buy it by the bottle or purchase an entire case with a mixture of your favorites. Many people find themselves wishing they had taken home a greater selection and use the website or pick up the phone to order more. Larry is a name to be remembered when you go. Previous visitors declare that he, like the wine, is the best! Whether you are a seasoned wine authority or someone totally new to wine, this Winery promises a superb visit. On a note of interest, we have yet to find one single review by previous visitors to Panama City Beach Winery that was in the least bit unfavorable. That in itself speaks volumes!

If you have to the Panama City Beach Winery in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

Panama City Beach Winery is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

Parasailing is always one of the favorites among beach travelers as they sail through the sky and soar over the sparkling water. It’s your choice whether you want to just dangle your feet over the water or actually touch down for a dip. Unlike the earlier days of parasailing, it’s fairly effortless these days. Once the crew makes sure your harness is secure, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the outstanding sights. You’ll see everything from other water enthusiasts enjoying their day, hotels and condos, Shell Island, sea gulls and hopefully, a few dolphins. A waterproof camera is a great idea to use for taking pictures from above. For your safety, they’ll never take you up in the air when the weather is not suitable. You might want to schedule this one early in your trip in case you have to reschedule due to the weather. Parasailing is $44, $54 or $64 per ride (1-mile, 2-mile or 3-mile) and observers riding in the boat pay only $19. Anyone over the age of 80 goes for free!

The two-hour Wave Runner Tours will consist of a guide and several wave runners. Each runner seats up to two people. The guide will direct you on a tour of some of the surrounding sights such as St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, the Bay Area and Grand Lagoon. They will help you find dolphins for a closeup view. Those who like to soar ahead will be able to do so, while the ones who want to hang back a bit to enjoy the sights or accommodate younger kids can do that as well. The tour guide will be able to round up everyone and make sure no ones strays too far away. A waterproof camera is a definite, especially if you get to frolic with the dolphins. Bring your own snorkeling gear to spend some time in the water or rent it from Adventures at Sea. Wave Runner Dolphin Tours are $120 per wave runner.

Jet skis are also available for up to three people per vehicle with a combined weight of no more than 400 pounds. Life jackets are provided and are mandatory for everyone’s safety. They have jackets to fit everyone from 30-300 pounds. The trained staff will provide instructions for those that are inexperienced. There are no limits to the speed that is allowed, so you can go as fast or slow as you’re able to safely drive. A half hour is $59 and a full hour is $94 for a thrilling ride.

Banana Boat Rides always provide loads of fun as you skim across the water in an inflatable banana boat that holds up to six passengers. This is something the whole family can do together. Kids as young as 4 years can ride and have a terrific time. All you do is sit and hold on as the jet ski pulls the boat across the coastal waters. A three mile ride is $19 per person. Special rates are available for large groups.

Pontoon Boats are another great idea for a fun excursion for your crew. With ease of operation, learning to drive and maneuver these boats is not a problem. Maps are always provided so you never have to be concerned that you’ll be lost and stranded on an uninhabited island. Capacity is 12 people, so they’re great for groups. Plan to share with another family or group, if needed, to make the rates more affordable. Pontoon boats are perfect for fishing and sightseeing or even for watching dolphins up close. It’s possible you might even come across a sea turtle or two. You may want to make a stop at Shell Island for a walk on the beach to view the wildlife or to snorkel in the shallow waters. Take along a cooler and snacks to help enjoy your day. Half day prices are $179 and a full day is $249. Gas is included in the price. There is an additional fee of $20 for insurance on the Pontoon that is definitely worth the price for those off-chance things that sometimes just happen.

For those looking for a more authentic fishing experience, Charter Fishing is the way to go. Previous experience is not necessary as the crew will show you everything you need to know. The day will start early to get everyone ready and all the equipment stowed. They provide the bait and the poles. Inshore fishing trips will have you bringing back Spanish mackerel, King mackerel, Ling and Blues. The bottom fishing of the offshore excursions will result in some great catches of Black and Red Grouper, Snapper, B-Liners, Cobia, Triggers and more. The boats will hold up to 20 people and accommodate large or small groups. You’ll need to call 850-236-0056 for pricing, reservations and additional information.

And you must not forget the Sail Boat Rides! Four people at the time can enjoy sailing together. No previous experience is required for sailing, as they will teach you all you need to know. Instructions only take about 20 minutes and you’ll be a pro in no time. You will always be within sight of the instructor during the entire time, so no worries. Or if you prefer, the instructor can come along and do all the driving for you. Life jackets are provided for added safety. One hour will run $59.

The newest attraction at Adventures at Sea is the Boat Cruises to the beautiful Shell Island. During the cruise, passengers will be able to swim with dolphins. Be sure to take your waterproof camera along to take some pictures of the dolphins. The captain will teach you everything you want to know about the Bay area as you cruise through Grand Lagoon, St. Andrew’s Bay and on into the Gulf of Mexico. Your stop at Shell Island will offer the opportunity to discover the beauty of an island inhabited only by wildlife and natural sand dunes. Plan to also spend some time snorkeling in the shallow waters and collecting starfish and sand dollars on the shore. Each boat accommodates up to six people for $54 per person. If your party is larger than six, you can reserve more than one.

What a super way to spend your vacation! Adventures at Sea provides so many opportunities that you could spend your entire vacation just enjoying them all. Take a look at their website before you go for more information and to print out their valuable online coupons to many area attractions and lodging options. The coupons do change often so check them often.

We have just a few words of advice to make your vacation more satisfying. Use the coupons for booking online and you can often get some great deals such as 25% off. If you’re renting a pontoon boat, get there as early as possible the morning of your trip. They officially open at 8 am and advise you to be there between 7:30 and 8am to pick out your boat, as some of them are newer and in much better shape than the others. They rent on a first come, first serve basis. Some of the older boats may have ripped seats, louder motors and slower speeds, which can be expected as the boat ages. Also, if you’re there early they may let you pull out before the scheduled time, adding an extra 30 minutes or so to your day. The extra $20 for the insurance is definitely worth the extra. Even the good drivers may come across something unforeseen and unavoidable. One reviewer accidentally ran aground and caused $400 worth of damage and the $20 insurance completely covered it. Boy, were they relieved!

If you have experienced any of the activities offered by Adventures at Sea in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

Adventures at Sea in Panama City Beach is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

Captain “Fearless” Phil and his terrific pirate crew make sure that there is never a dull moment during this two-hour cruise. The kids will be busy and entranced the entire time. Your faithful pirate captain is there to direct the ship and make sure everyone is doing their job. He also plays lively pirate music to encourage everyone to play their roles and dance to the tunes.

After all the kids are supplied with water guns for a fun wet time, the boys get to be deck hands as they mop or ‘swab the deck.’ The girls will take their time getting their faces painted and wearing pirate hats. Then it’s time to get serious about this swashbuckling adventure full of sword fights and pirate games. As things begin to get really exciting, the cannons are ignited and a sunken treasure is retrieved from the ocean depths with treasure for all the kids. All of the plundering young pirates will receive some type of sea roving treasure with their adventure on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise in Panama City Beach, Florida.

The Sea Dragon is great for most kids from the age of 2 or 3 up to about 9-13. The upper ages just depends on the individual and if they’re willing to still let loose and be a kid. Take care and have an adult guide the younger ones through all the activities, especially the dungeon, just so they don’t get pushed around in all the excitement.

Prices for this amusing two-hour cruise are very reasonable for the quality and entertainment value. Compared to other tourist attractions, most families feel that the Sea Dragon offers a great deal for the money. Remember to check the website for printable coupons for discounts on these listed prices. An example would be $2.00 off adult tickets for trips before 4 pm. If you choose to take the sunset cruise, add an additional $2.00 per ticket. In addition to the spectacular view while roaming over the ocean as the sun goes down, the trip at sunset is usually a little longer and definitely cooler.

Adults and kids will all enjoy the view along the entire tour. Once the captain and his crew take the kids below deck for fun and games, parents of the more independent kids will have the most part of the two hours to enjoy themselves. There are plenty of places for the adults to sit and enjoy a cool drink while the kids play. The snack bar is stocked with sodas, bottled water, pink lemonade, “Dragon tail” hot dogs and other snacks. There’s also plenty of cold beer, margaritas, wine and rum punch. Be prepared for the kids to ask for one of the many souvenirs that are sold.

Hats and sunscreens are a must for this cruise with tons of bright exposure to the outdoors on the water. Don’t forget that things do get a bit wet while the kids play with the squirt guns, so a towel and an extra shirt would come in handy for them.

Reservations for the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise are very highly recommended. You’ll probably need to give them 2-5 days advance notice since this is a very popular and much enjoyed excursion. They close for the season during the last week of October and reopen for the new season in very early March. Always check their website calendar for exact dates and for scheduled cruise times. If you’re going to be in Panama City Beach for a special birthday or group event, private charters aboard the Sea Dragon are available.

This Pirate Cruise is one of those rare opportunities to entertain a broad rage of ages. It’s fantastic for the little ones, and the older preteens will find most parts of the trip to be loads of fun for them as well. They’ll talk about this one for months to come.

If you have been on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise in Panama City Beach is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

The crew of the Sea Screamer is welcoming as they play host on this trip. Captain Andy and his first mate, Cody, know all the right spots to stop for the most interesting sights. With many great stories to tell, the captain keeps the passengers very entertained. The ocean comes to life with many marine creatures, including common sighting of playful dolphin. Dependent on the time you go and with lots of luck, the dolphin are sometimes very abundant. Everybody absolutely loves to watch them play and Captain Andy is very good at finding them. They often swim and jump in the wake of the boat. Kids sometimes get to experience a turn at the wheel while they steer under the captains attentive supervision. There’s a cannon on the boat that creates great fun and the sound it makes as it bounces back off the hotels and condos is pretty neat. The cruise comes equipped with water blasters for spraying on really hot days. Kids and adults alike welcome being sprayed with the cool refreshing water.

The season aboard the Sea Screamer begins towards the end of March. The 1 pm daily cruise runs from March through May with 6 pm Sunset Cruises during May. During the busy months of June through August, reservations are highly recommended and they fill up quickly. June and July offer Dolphin Cruises at various times throughout the day. August usually only provides the 5:30 Sunset Cruises and the cruise time in September moves up to 5:00 due to the earlier setting sun. During at least part of the season, they are closed on Mondays. Just call ahead of time when you’re planning to visit to be sure you get on the list. Cruise opportunities shorten during October when they’re closed on Mondays and Fridays, and November only offers 3pm cruises on the first two Saturdays before they close for the winter.

The Sea Screamer is one of the more affordable activities around and you certainly get a lot of bang for your buck. Cruise prices are $19 for adults (12 years and up), $18 for seniors (60+) and $15 for children (4-11 years). Toddlers 3 and under have no charge if they are held in an adult’s lap. Affordable snacks and drinks are available on board when you get hungry or thirsty and they even have restrooms below deck. Coupons can be found on their website, so be sure to print them out before you go. They coupon takes $1.50 off each adult or teen ticket and gives a dollar off the purchase of an adult size t-shirt. Coupons are not good for the June or July Sunset and Evening Cruises. Each coupon can be used for parties of 1-8 people. You do have to print and present the coupon to get the discount. Check the local coupon books to see if they any other deals. The boarding passes usually have discounts for the Boatyard Restaurant, so check that out too.

The Sea Screamer is a thrilling and interesting ride that many travelers return to on every visit to Panama City Beach. This is great fun for all ages, young, old and in between. Families, couples and large groups will find this to be a very satisfying outing.

If you have ridden the Sea Screamer Sightseeing Speed Boat in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos! Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

Sea Screamer Sightseeing Speed Boat is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida

There are a variety of ways to gain transportation to Shell Island in Florida. The best known way is to take the shuttle that runs from St. Andrews State Park to the island every half hour from 9 am to 5 pm daily, seven days a week. The last shuttle going to the island is at 4 pm. If you use this means, just be absolutely sure you don’t miss the last shuttle of the day at 5 pm, unless the idea of being stranded on an uninhabited island overnight appeals to you. Shell Island Shuttle does not come free, the price is $14.95 for adults and $6.95 for children. Infants receive complimentary rides. Most people feel that it is worth the price to spend a day on the island, while other prefer renting a pontoon boat and going on their own. They also offer snorkeling packages that include equipment and transportation at $21.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids 12 and under. Kayaking is another activity that they offer. A single kayak is $55/day while the tandem kayaks run $65/day. Transportation is included in the kayak rental prices. When you visit the website at http://www.shellislandshuttle.com/ click on the link for Discount Coupons. Though they may change, the coupons offer $1 off Shuttle Boat tickets and $2 off Snorkeling Packages.

For those of you planning on renting wave runners, jet skis or the previously mentioned pontoon boats during your stay, most of them allow or offer excursions to Shell Island as part of the rental. Captain Anderson’s Marina offers Shell Island and Dolphin cruises in the morning and afternoon aboard their glass bottom boat, dubbed Capt. Anderson III. Their prices are $18 for adults and $10 for kids ages 2-11. Those under the age of two are free. They usually run their cruises from March through October. Shell Island Cruises are also offered aboard the Ashely Gorman which can be found across from Gulf Coast College. A quick web search for “Shell Island tours” will bring up a number of outfits that provide boat or jet ski tours of the island.

The Gulf waters of Panama City Beach are honored with one of the world’s highest concentrations of beautiful bottle-nosed dolphins. Due to this fact, sightings are fairly common place on the trip to and from the island and even from the island itself. It’s not unusual for one of these friendly swimmers to come up close when you are snorkeling or fishing. You’ll definitely want to bring along a waterproof camera to preserve this amazing experience. You are also likely to see a multitude of wild birds that include sea gulls, snowy plovers, sand pipers and pelicans. The water is filled with vibrant fish and sea urchins that can be viewed while snorkeling. The usual hermit crabs and sea slugs can be found in the shallow water spots found around the rocks. If you get really lucky, you may even catch a sight of an endangered green sea turtle or a loggerhead sea turtle.

With the exception of the snack boat (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) that is located near the shore, Shell Island has no other facilities. Feel welcome to bring a cooler with food and drinks for an ideal breakfast, lunch or mid-afternoon refresher.

The pristine white sandy beaches of Shell Island Florida are gorgeous, as is the natural and undisturbed landscape. Take a day or at least a several hours of your Panama City Beach vacation to soak in the tranquil sights and sounds of Shell Island. Enjoy the wildlife, the ocean waters and a walk along the beach collecting seashells and starfish. Everyone will enjoy this day packed full of beauty and nature.

If you have been to Shell Island in Florida then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos! Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!

Shell Island Florida is a post from: Inside Panama City Beach Florida