When you go on vacation, you probably want to experience as much of your destination as possible. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find plenty of ways to spend your time and get a taste of the local life. Whether you’re looking for a heart-racing excursion, a peaceful way to enjoy nature, or a romantic outing, you’re bound to have a range of options.
That’s certainly true in the Florida Panhandle where you’ll find any number of experiences to take advantage of. From incredible shopping and dining opportunities to amusement parks, museums, and historic sites, there’s something there for everyone.
Of course, you’ll also want to experience the beaches and all the natural beauty and wonder they have to offer. Maybe you want to have a few water-based side quests while you’re there too. With the right marine adventure company, you’ll be able to pack as much fun and excitement as possible into your vacation. The following 5 have been named the best the Panhandle has to offer, and they can help you experience some of the most interesting and unique outings available in the area.
1) Dolphin Cruise Co.
First, let’s take a look at Dolphin Cruise Co., one of the Florida Panhandle’s most highly rated excursion companies. They have two locations, one in Panama City Beach and one in Destin. They also offer a variety of adventures to take advantage of. As the name indicates, their dolphin cruises are one of their most popular excursions. That’s only the beginning, though. They also offer:
- Snorkeling
- Parasailing
- Sunset Cruises
- Crab Island Tours
- Shell Island Tiki Tours
- Sunset Tiki Cruises
- Private Pontoon Rentals
Additional options are also available; those are just some of the highlights. As you can see, they have outings that can suit virtually any tastes. Their crews are highly trained and experienced, and their captains are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. They’re also extremely knowledgeable about the local waters and wildlife, so they can give you information you might not be able to find in a book or on a website. Some of their additional strong suits are:
- Ensuring Fun Without Sacrificing Safety
- Focusing on Respecting the Local Wildlife and Observing It Responsibly
- Guaranteed Dolphin Sightings or You Get a Rain Check for a Free Cruise
- Affordable Pricing
Those are some of the main points that set Dolphin Cruise Co. apart from their competitors. They want their guests to not only have numerous ways to enjoy what the Panhandle has to offer but also get as much as possible out of their experiences. You could potentially book multiple outings with them and have a completely different experience with each one.
2) Chase-N-Fins
Another top marine adventure company on the Panhandle is Chase-N-Fins. They’re located in Pensacola near Casino Beach. They’re a bit of a smaller operation, and they have fewer options than some of the other companies listed here. They offer dolphin cruises along with a similar sighting guarantee to that of Dolphin Cruise Co.
They also have a unique Blue Angels Cruise that’s available on specific days during certain times of the year. This outing entails watching for dolphins as well as seeing the Navy’s Blue Angels practice their maneuvers. It’s a distinct option that other excursion companies don’t advertise. Chase-N-Fins likewise offers private charters for special events. Pricing for those varies by event type, timeframe, and other factors. Individual quotes are available via the company’s website.
Their knowledgeable crews can tell you all about the local wildlife and some of the history of the areas they visit. They provide basic safety education for their cruisers before departing. As is the case with many tour companies, their boats have both open areas and shaded seating to ensure guests are as comfortable as possible during their outings.
3) Sea Screamer
Next on the list is Sea Screamer. Located in Panama City Beach, they focus specifically on dolphin cruises with daytime and sunset bookings available. Their crew members enjoy telling tales and providing in-depth information on local sites and marine life. Basic boat safety information is provided before setting out as well. While Sea Screamer offers fewer options than some other companies and has a smaller fleet, they do boast a few features that their competitors don’t.
- Kritter Encounters – Crew members put out crab traps and allow cruisers to see and hold the marine life they catch.
- Water Gun Battles – On daytime cruises during the warmer months, they have boat-to-boat water gun fights.
- Multiple Stops – Cruises stop briefly at various points of interest.
- Longer Cruises – Some of their cruises are slightly longer than those with certain other companies, by about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Onboard Restrooms – Sea Screamer has bathrooms below deck, which is a convenience most marine adventure companies don’t mention.
That being said, Sea Screamer’s cruises can be a bit pricier than some of their competitors’ depending on how many people are in a party. Since their fleet is smaller, booking a time during your vacation may be a challenge as well. Still, they make every effort to accommodate their guests without foregoing quality and safety. While they don’t allow outside coolers onboard, they do offer snacks and drinks for cruisers to purchase.
4) Southern Star
Southern Star is also one of the Panhandle’s most highly rated marine tour companies. The lengths of their cruises are on par with those of the other companies listed here, and their prices fall in line with those on the higher end of spectrum. On the other hand, they also have a bigger, more well-appointed tour boat. Some of the features that set it apart are:
- A Two-Story Deck
- A Glass Bottom
- Air Conditioned Cabins
- Onboard Restrooms
- Onboard Gift Shop
This marine adventure company offers a variety of cruises. Like the others on the list, they have dolphin and sunset cruises. They also offer private group outings. A few unique options are available from Southern Star as well. For one, they have a Buccaneer Pirate Cruise that’s quite unique. It includes pirate training, sword fights, and cannons. They also offer special holiday cruises for Valentine’s Day and Christmas as well as weekly Fireworks Cruises in October.
5) AJ’s Water Adventures
Last, but definitely not least, there’s AJ’s Water Adventures. Operating out of Destin, Florida, they have a variety of outings to choose from, including daytime and sunset dolphin cruises, snorkeling and dolphin sighting experiences, and seasonal fireworks cruises. They offer military discounts and other special rates as well. Their captains have ample experience and in-depth knowledge of local marine life and points of interest. They also point out that they love entertaining their cruisers.
During the spring and fall, bird feeding opportunities are offered on certain cruises. During the summer months, their onboard water cannons make cruising a little cooler. Though they don’t allow outside drinks or coolers on their boats, they do provide complimentary drinks for their guests. Prices for their dolphin cruises are a little lower than some of the more expensive companies listed here. During their Snorkel and Dolphin Cruise, guests have opportunities to feed fish and play in the water. Children even get a chance to captain the boat.
Making the Most of Your Florida Panhandle Vacation
You’ll find an endless list of things to do and sights to see in the Florida Panhandle. There’s something for everyone to enjoy regardless of age or interests. The 5 marine adventure companies listed here are among the best in the area to help you make the most of your trip to the Florida Panhandle.
Each of these companies has its own unique features and offerings. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of selection and value, though, Dolphin Cruise Co. may be your best bet. They have a variety of experiences for guests to enjoy at prices that won’t take up your entire vacation budget.