Four Experiences Worth Trying in Panama City Beach
Four Experiences Worth Trying in Panama City Beach

Our Favorite Ways to Explore Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach Activities: 4 Local Picks

We often recommend a few of our favorite things to do in Panama City Beach to guests staying at The Beach Break.

Explore Shell Island

Shell Island is a seven-mile stretch of undeveloped coastline between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, accessible only by boat. With clear turquoise water, white sand, natural dunes, and no buildings or roads, it's a beautiful place to explore a different side of Panama City Beach.

One of the highlights is snorkeling in the shallow waters, where visitors have spotted colorful fish, crabs, sea urchins, and even stingrays. Some families spend hours exploring the water together, while others enjoy walking along the Gulf shoreline, searching for seashells and sand dollars, or relaxing on the beach. You might also spot dolphins or sea turtles during the boat ride or around the island, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

You can reach Shell Island by ferry or rent a pontoon boat for a half-day adventure. A pontoon gives you more flexibility to explore the shoreline, stop for swimming, and spend time in different areas. If you're visiting with young children, the protected waters near the jetty can be a good option when conditions are calm.

A few things to know before you go. There are no restrooms, restaurants, trash cans, or shaded facilities on Shell Island. Bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a beach umbrella. If you plan to snorkel, watch where you step and avoid touching marine life, including sea urchins and stingrays. There are no lifeguards on the island, and currents can be strong, particularly near the channels. Check water conditions and ask your boat captain about safe swimming areas before entering the water.

Website: shellislandferry.com

Have Dinner at Schooners

Schooners is a casual beachfront restaurant on the east end of Panama City Beach, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, Gulf views, and live music on select evenings.

The menu includes seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and Southern favorites. Visitors often recommend the crab cakes, shrimp, and grilled fish.

One of the highlights is Schooners' nightly sunset celebration. As the sun goes down, everyone counts down the final moments before the restaurant fires its famous cannon to mark the end of another day. It's a longtime local tradition that's fun to experience, especially if you're visiting Panama City Beach for the first time.

Schooners doesn't accept reservations, and tables with beach views are especially popular. Expect a possible wait during busy hours, particularly around sunset, and arrive early if you want to catch the cannon celebration.

  • Address: 5121 Gulf Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
  • Website: schooners.com

Enjoy Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Pirates Voyage is a dinner show in Panama City Beach where two pirate crews compete aboard full-sized ships in a huge indoor lagoon. Expect sword fights, acrobats swinging high above the water, daring dives, fire performances, and appearances by mermaids and sea lions.

The audience becomes part of the action, with guests cheering for either the Crimson or Sapphire crew. This is especially fun for kids, although visitors of all ages praise the acrobatics and the performers' impressive physical skills. The production is packed with action, with something happening on stage almost constantly.

A four-course dinner is served right at your seat during the approximately 90-minute performance. Reviews of the food are mixed, but the entertainment is what makes the experience worth considering. It's a particularly good choice for families looking for an evening activity away from the beach.

Arrive about 45–60 minutes early to explore Pirates Village, watch the pre-show entertainment, and see the sea lions before the performance. Kids can also get pirate or mermaid makeovers for an additional charge. Tickets should be purchased in advance, and keep in mind that the show includes loud sounds, special effects, and plenty of excitement.

  • Address: 16061 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
  • Website: piratesvoyage.com

Take a Dolphin Cruise on the Sea Screamer

Watching wild dolphins leap through the waves behind a boat is one of the best reasons to take a Sea Screamer cruise. The captain knows where dolphins are often spotted, and when the two Sea Screamer boats travel together, their wakes sometimes attract dolphins that surf the waves and jump right out of the water.

The cruise also takes you along the Panama City Beach coastline, around Shell Island, and through St. Andrews Bay. Along the way, the crew shares stories about the area, plays music, and keeps the atmosphere lively. Drinks and snacks are available onboard, so you can enjoy the views with a cold drink in hand.

We especially recommend considering the two-hour sunset cruise. You'll have a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat and watch the sun set over the Gulf from the water. There's also a 1-hour-and-45-minute daytime option, which tends to have more interactive activities for children. Since the dolphins are wild, sightings aren't guaranteed.

Book in advance and arrive 30–40 minutes before departure. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and cash for onboard refreshments. Restrooms are available on the boat.

More to Explore in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including IRONMAN Florida, local festivals, and seasonal celebrations. It's worth checking what's happening around town when planning your visit.

We've also put together some recommendations for local cafés, restaurants, and shops you might enjoy during your stay.

Plan Your Stay at The Beach Break

Planning a trip to Panama City Beach? Make The Beach Break your home base for exploring the area. Our vacation house is located in a quiet neighborhood, just a five-minute walk from the beach.

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