Excursions

Explore our private boat excursions in Panama City Beach, from dolphin tours and snorkeling trips to scenic cruises around Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay.

Private Boat Excursions in Panama City Beach, Shell Island & St. Andrews Bay

Looking for the best private boat excursions in Panama City Beach? Chilly Down Charters offers small-group private trips designed around the kind of day you want to have on the water — whether that means dolphin spotting, snorkeling, a laid-back morning cruise, or a scenic sunset trip along the bay.

Our excursions explore some of the most popular and beautiful local waters in the area, including Panama City Beach, St. Andrews Bay, Shell Island, and nearby coastal spots known for wildlife, clear water, and unforgettable views. Every trip is private for your group only, with Captain Amanda providing a personal, relaxed experience from start to finish.

If you are comparing Panama City Beach boat tours and want something more personal than a crowded public trip, our private excursions are built to give you more flexibility, more comfort, and a better overall day on the water.

Why book your private excursion with Chilly Down Charters?

  • Private trips only – no strangers onboard

  • Up to 6 guests per trip

  • USCG licensed local captain

  • Scenic, flexible experience built around your group

  • Easy access to Shell Island, St. Andrews Bay, and local wildlife areas

Chilly Down Charters Excursions

From wildlife-focused cruises to easygoing scenic trips, each Chilly Down Charters excursion is designed to give you a memorable private experience in Panama City Beach.

Some guests want dolphins and sightseeing. Others want snorkeling, a relaxing morning on the bay, or a beautiful sunset cruise. This page gives you a simple place to compare your options before heading to the dedicated page for each trip.

Snorkeling Adventure

From $375

For guests who want something a little more active, our Snorkeling Adventure combines private boat time with the chance to enjoy some of the most popular snorkeling areas around Shell Island and nearby waters. Panama City Beach and the Shell Island area are strongly associated with snorkeling-focused trips, which makes this a valuable excursion page both for buyers and for search intent. 

This excursion is ideal for groups who want a mix of cruising, swimming, and exploring. It gives you the fun of a private boat trip with the added experience of getting in the water when conditions are right.

Best for: snorkeling, Shell Island area, active groups, families, mixed sightseeing + swim time

Dolphin & Wildlife Tour

From $375

If your ideal Panama City Beach boat tour includes wildlife, scenic cruising, and time to enjoy the local water without rushing, our Dolphin & Wildlife Tour is a great place to start. This private excursion is built around dolphin spotting and sightseeing in some of the most scenic local waters around Panama City Beach and St. Andrews Bay.

Dolphin sightings are common in the area, and private trips give you a much more personal way to enjoy the experience than a busy public cruise. It is a great fit for families, couples, and small groups who want something easy, memorable, and local.

Best for: dolphin spotting, sightseeing, families, couples, relaxed private trips

Morning Mimosa Cruise

From $375

Not every excursion needs to be fast-paced. Our Morning Mimosa Cruise is designed for guests who want an easier start to the day, with calm water, scenic surroundings, and a more relaxed private experience on the bay. It is a great option for couples, friends, and families who want something a little different from a standard tour.

Morning trips can be a great fit for guests who want pleasant temperatures, beautiful light, and a more laid-back atmosphere before the busier part of the day begins. If you want a scenic private Panama City Beach excursion without turning it into a full activity-heavy outing, this is a great choice.

Best for: relaxed sightseeing, couples, morning outings, small groups, easy private cruises

Sunset Cruise

From $375

A sunset cruise is one of the most popular types of water-based experiences in Panama City Beach, and for good reason.

Our private Sunset Cruise is designed for guests who want an easy, scenic evening on the water with their own group. It is ideal for couples, families, celebrations, or anyone who wants a more personal alternative to a crowded public cruise. Expect beautiful light, relaxed cruising, and a memorable end to the day around Panama City Beach and the bay.

Best for: sunset views, couples, celebrations, relaxed evenings, private group trips

Where We Go

Panama City Beach, Shell Island & St. Andrews Bay

Chilly Down Charters is built around private, personal experiences on the water — not crowded boats, rushed trips, or generic tourist experiences.

Chilly Down Charters operates in one of the most naturally beautiful boating areas on the Florida Panhandle. Our excursions are built around the waters and scenery that make this area so popular with visitors: Panama City Beach, St. Andrews Bay, and Shell Island.

Our goal is not to rush you through a checklist of landmarks. It is to give your group a flexible private experience in the waters people actually come here to enjoy.

Depending on the excursion and conditions, your trip may include time around:

Panama City Beach

St. Andrews Bay

Shell Island

Scenic coastal water & wildlife areas

Dolphin & sightseeing routes used by local captains

Why Private Excursions Work Better

Many Panama City Beach excursions are built for volume. Chilly Down Charters is built for experience.

When you book a private excursion, you get:

  • a trip built around your group only
  • more flexibility and a more relaxed pace
  • a better fit for families, couples, and small groups
  • direct access to local knowledge from your local captain

  • a more personal way to experience dolphins, Shell Island, snorkeling, and sunset views

Explore St. Andrews Bay, Shell Island & Beyond

Chilly Down Charters offers private boat tours around Panama City, Panama City Beach, St. Andrews Bay, Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park, and nearby waters.

Because the boat is trailered, launch locations can be flexible depending on weather, conditions, and your group’s location. That means your tour can be planned around the day’s best setup for comfort, convenience, and the best possible time on the water.

Whether you’re visiting Panama City Beach and looking for a dolphin cruise, planning a Shell Island snorkeling trip, or simply wanting a private boat charter around St. Andrews Bay, Chilly Down Charters offers a fun and memorable way to experience the area.

FAQs

Answers to some of the most common questions before you book your trip.

Yes. Every Chilly Down Charters excursion is private for your group only.

Trips can take up to 6 guests total, including children and infants.

Not every trip is built around the exact same route, but Shell Island and nearby waters are a key part of the local experience and may feature depending on the excursion and conditions.

No. Dolphins and other wildlife are commonly seen, but wildlife is never guaranteed on public waterways.

Dolphin & Wildlife Tour and Morning Mimosa Cruise are both great family-friendly options, depending on the kind of day you want.

Sunset Cruise and Morning Mimosa Cruise are especially strong options for couples looking for a scenic private trip.

Ready to Book Your Excursion?

Whether you are planning a dolphin tour, snorkeling trip, morning cruise, or sunset outing, Chilly Down Charters makes it easy to enjoy a more personal private boat experience in Panama City Beach, Shell Island, and St. Andrews Bay.

Private Tours Only • Up to 6 Guests • Captain Amanda