A Complete Guide to Water Sports in Panama City Beach

Are you looking to unleash your passion for water sports? Look no further than Panama City Beach in beautiful Northwest Florida! With miles and miles of shoreline, you and your group will have plenty of room to enjoy the beach or take a dip in the water. You’ll have access to everything in one place, so you can try out a new water sport or take a relaxing trip around the local waters.

Water sports in Panama City include kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, jet skis, banana boats, and even boat rentals. Here’s everything you should know before your trip!

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

For the ultimate kayaking in Panama City Beach, Shell Island is your go-to destination. Shell Island is located within St. Andrews State Park. Nestled on the beautiful white sand of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park is your starting point on your adventure to Shell Island.

To get to the Island, take the ferry that runs every 30 minutes during operating hours. Plan ahead in order to spend the best full day on Shell Island. You can bring beach chairs, coolers, beach towels, beach toys—whatever you need to have a full day of stress-free fun!

Once you arrive, you can take your kayak or paddleboard to the beautiful waters of the Florida Gulf Coast. You’ll also be able to fish, swim, or snorkel if you choose!

Sit-on-top style kayaks are perfectly safe for all ages and ability levels. They are made of soft, flexible plastic that does not cause bumps or bruises.

Boat Rentals

Are you and the family looking for a more private water experience? Check out Panama City Beach boat rentals. There are several options available. You can rent a party barge for slightly larger groups of up to ten.

There’s comfortable seating with plenty of room left over for coolers, beach gear, and other necessities, making it easy to let good times roll with a pontoon boat. You can explore the bay waterfront, keep a lookout for dolphins, swim, fish, snorkel, and hit the beach on Shell Island, all at your own speed. There’s also the option to dock up and grab a bit to eat if you need a break from the sun.

Parties of up to 12 can now enjoy an offshore retreat with the double-decker pontoon rental boats. Up top, you can enjoy vast views of the Gulf, catch some sun, and take off down the twin water slides. There’s also room for a picnic!

The new, well-maintained pontoon boats have all US Coast Guard required safety equipment and enough life jackets for all passengers. A full day’s worth of fuel for the quiet, efficient 4-stroke motor is included, as are maps of the area, operator training, and plenty of free advice concerning the best spots to visit and sights to see.

Pontoons have lots of storage space available, so you can come prepared for an active day, including bringing pets along for the ride. You’ll leave the dock fully prepared to enjoy the day on the Gulf. Just make sure that you plan ahead during the busy season. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun!

Plan Your Visit!

Ready for the vacation of a lifetime? Planning your escape to Panama City Beach is simple with the Dunes of Panama! Simply view our vacation rentals, reserve your favorite, and prepare to make endless memories with the ones you love the most!

Jet Skis

For jet ski rentals in Panama City Beach, head to AAA Jet Ski. They are Panama City Beach’s only jet ski company that offers partially guided dolphin tours with one hour of free ride time. If you are familiar with the waterways, they have an option for unguided tours. 

The tour is about an hour in length, and you’ll experience riding next to bottlenose dolphins in the gorgeous waters of the Emerald Coast. During your free hour, you can go at your own pace.

Maps are included, but you must have your phone or a watch to keep track of the time. Rest assured that, before the tour, all safety information and instructions will be provided. Reservations are required, so you’ll want to plan ahead for this activity. 

Parasailing

Contact Paradise Water Sports for parasailing at Panama City Beach for a unique view of Shell Island. You’ll experience expansive views of the 7.5-mile-long, uninhabited Shell Island.

Your adventure begins after you check in at their marina location. You’ll be educated and prepared thoroughly before taking off. At Paradise Watersports, they will make sure you have no worries and are ready to get your view from the top. You’ll be able to take in the fantastic views from above while feeling safe.

Here are some of the sights you may be able to see: marine life that is not visible from shore, bottlenose dolphins, sting rays, and the occasional manatee, miles of water in every direction, and the many ponds scattered throughout Shell Island (most of which is home to Florida’s native alligators), and fantastic panoramic views of Panama City Beaches beautiful coastline.

Banana Boats

Paradise Watersports also offers a banana boat Panama City Beach experience. These boats are for those looking for a little bit more thrill. They’re perfect for families, kids, friends on spring break, wedding parties, locals, or anyone who loves to have fun! 

These banana boats seat up to six people and are pulled by a jet ski. They are safe and are crewed by professionals with experience. Hit the waves and enjoy the beautiful resorts and beaches from afar. Once again, make reservations in advance!

Stay in Our Panama City Beach Condo Rentals

There are many options when trying to find an ideal Panama City Beach vacation rental. The search for the perfect location for the entire family can become a bit of an adventure. With our 3-bedroom rentals in Panama City Beach, you’ll have plenty of room for the whole family. You can end your search for Panama City Beach rentals with Dunes of Panama. If you’re with a smaller group, we also offer two-bedroom condos in Panama City Beach

At Dunes of Panama, we offer quality selections of Panama City vacation condos or Panama City beach condos. Both with elegant and up-to-date furnishings, you can vacation in style. All units have access to fully stocked kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

On-site amenities include three Gulf-front pools, Stingrays Restaurant, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and shuffleboard courts. Pickleball is available for use as well. All these activities are located right at the resort. Plus, the courts are lighted so you can play before or after sunset. 

At Dunes of Panama, we aim to make your vacation not just a visit, but a complete experience that you and your family won’t forget. We can’t wait to help you book your dream Panama City vacation. Get in touch today to learn more!