Want Your Florida Vacation to Make Waves? Set Sail on a Dolphin Cruise at Panama City Beach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The weather is warming up. The wildlife are waking up. Winter is finally over. Travelers, it's time for an awesome outdoor adventure.
Sailing through the seas off Florida's Panama Beach, Island Time Sailing has earned a five-star rating on Tripadvisor with cruises dedicated to showing off wild dolphins, snorkeling for seashells, and classic 'fun in the sun' relaxation. It might be one of the best ways to break into spring this year.
What is Island Time Sailing?
Found at the Lagoon Pontoons Marina in Panama City Beach, Florida, Island Time Sailing is a catamaran cruise company. Catamarans are different from ordinary sail boats in a few ways. They feature two hulls, making them more spacious and are more stable on the water.
The company uses two catamarans to conduct its cruises: the Island Time and the Island Time II. The Island Time is a 50-foot-long vessel, while the Island Time II is three feet longer. Each boat takes a maximum of 65 passengers each trip and both have two bathrooms below deck.
Whichever boat passengers find themselves on, the cruises' focus will be the same: dolphins.
What is There To Do?
Island Time Sailing has two packages on offer: Shell Island Snorkel & Sail and the Dolphin Sunset Cruise. The Shell Island Snorkel & Sail package is a three hour cruise with classic 'fun in the sun' on offer.
Visitors will sail on the 'Island Time' catamaran across St. Andrews Bay for dolphin watching along Panama City Beach. The boat will then drop anchor at Shell Island so patrons can snorkel, hunt for seashells, and relax for about an hour.
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'Snorkeling on Island Time is an unforgettable experience,' according to the company's website. 'The calm, warm waters of the gulf are perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Take an adventure searching through the vibrant marine life near Shell Island.
'Around Shell Island you may find starfish, seashells, and all different fish. Our knowledgeable crew will guide you through the fun and interesting sights while answering any questions you may have.'
The boat will then set sail for the Gulf of Mexico for some more dolphin watching. Then it's back to Panama City Beach for some of Island Time Sailing's 'famous rum punch.'
'We always hope the conditions will line up just right and it's pretty rare not to see dolphins, but the itinerary is based on the weather and conditions for your safety and enjoyment,' the website notes. 'The cruise back to the dock is a fun sailing party at Panama City Beach with upbeat music, games, and dancing.'
The Dolphin Sunset Cruise is shorter, relaxing and more family friendly. The two-hour cruise takes visitors by St. Andrew's State Park and then onward to the Gulf of Mexico and back—all to see Panama City Beach's famous flippered friends.
'The dolphins are usually plentiful during our sunset dolphin tours, and we sometimes catch a glimpse of them leaping out of water or see a baby swimming alongside mom,' according to the website. 'Even our locally-based crew gets excited for those special occasions! If the Gulf is a little rough, our dolphin watching sailing cruise heads through St. Andrews Bay, plentiful with dolphins and brilliant sunsets over the water.'
How Much Does it Cost?
The Shell Island Snorkel & Sail package, which includes snorkel gear, costs $49 for people 13 and older, $35 for children 3 to 12, and $10 for infants up to 2 years old. The Dolphin Sunset Cruise costs $49 for people 13 and older and $35 for younger children.
Two-dollar snacks and nonalcoholic drinks will be available through either package, as well as stocked bars for alcoholic drinks. To book a trip, visit i
Copyright 2025 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Visitors can glide in gondolas along indoor canals under painted blue skies, shop in 350+ luxury boutiques, and enjoy global cuisine in over 30 restaurants. The Venetian's Cotai Arena hosts major concerts and sporting events, enhancing its appeal beyond the casino floor. Unique Features and Experiences : Often dubbed the "crown jewel of Macau's gaming scene," The Venetian Macao immerses guests in Italian Renaissance ambience on a colossal scale. Its Grand Canal Shoppes and replica St. Mark's Square create a romantic atmosphere, while 3,000 luxury suites cater to high-rollers and vacationers alike. Family-friendly entertainment like street performer shows and the indoor gondola rides make it more than just a gambler's haven. Notably, the Venetian drew over 30 million visitors annually in its heyday, underscoring its global allure. TripAdvisor Says: "Venetian is perhaps the most picturesque of casinos … They offer different alternatives to enjoy so it ranks as the best." Many travelers marvel at the resort's lavish décor and lively atmosphere - it's a must-see even for non-gamblers. One reviewer noted that "the scale and detail of the Venetian Macao are simply breathtaking, making every visitor feel like they've been transported to Italy." 2. Bellagio - Las Vegas Location and Highlights : Rising from the Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio is world-renowned for its elegance and the iconic Bellagio Fountains - a choreographed water show on an 8-acre lake. Opened in 1998 by legendary developer Steve Wynn, Bellagio brought a new level of luxury to Vegas with its Italian Lake Como inspiration and art-adorned interiors. The resort features a 116,000-square foot casino, a poker room famous for high-stakes games, and an on-site Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Its Conservatory and Botanical Gardens transform seasonally into stunning floral spectacles that attract millions of visitors. Unique Features and Experiences : The Bellagio epitomizes Las Vegas glamour - from its Dale Chihuly glass flower ceiling in the lobby to Michelin-starred dining (such as Picasso and Le Cirque). It's home to Cirque du Soleil's "O" aquatic show, performed in a custom theater and considered one of the most spectacular shows in Vegas. High-rollers appreciate "Bobby's Room," an elite poker enclave, while casual visitors simply enjoy the sumptuous atmosphere. The resort's dancing fountains, which perform every 30 minutes in the evenings, have become an attraction in their own right, enchanting over 80% of Vegas's 40+ million annual visitors. Bellagio's commitment to luxury and art (it even once housed an $88 million fine art collection) sets it apart on the Strip. TripAdvisor Says: "The atmosphere was vibrant, the staff were friendly and we had a fantastic time. We'll definitely be returning - highly recommended," one guest raved. Visitors frequently praise Bellagio's lively casino floor and stunning décor, noting that the "rooms are elegant, the casino is lively, and the Roman-inspired architecture is stunning" - a nod to its classically beautiful design and ambiance that elevates the Vegas experience. 3. Casino de Monte-Carlo - Monte Carlo, Monaco Location and Highlights : Nestled in the heart of Monaco, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is a legendary temple of chance that has been synonymous with European glamour since 1863. This historic casino, with its Belle Époque architecture designed by Charles Garnier (of Paris Opera fame), overlooks the Mediterranean and is surrounded by the elegant Monte Carlo Square and gardens. Inside, gilded halls and frescoed ceilings set the stage for classic games like roulette, chemin de fer, and baccarat. The casino famously helped save the Grimaldi principality's finances in the 19th century and has since become a playground for aristocrats and the international elite. 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Annual Visitor Numbers Comparison Table To put these destinations in perspective, here's a side-by-side look at the approximate annual visitor numbers for each of the top 10 casinos (latest available figures). This reflects the immense draw these resorts have as global attractions: (Note: Visitor numbers are approximate and refer to pre-2025 estimates; actual figures can fluctuate year by year. They include total resort visitors, not only casino patrons.) From the glittering skyline of Las Vegas to the cultural crossroads of Macau, these five casinos represent the pinnacle of what a gaming destination can offer. Each profile above illustrates that a great casino is not just about gambling - it's about the experience. Whether it's watching the Bellagio fountains dance to music, feeling the history in Monte Carlo's salons, enjoying a day at Sentosa before hitting the slots, or taking in Venetian Macao's over-the-top recreations of Italy, these casinos appeal to a broad spectrum of visitors. Gamblers will find top-notch tables and jackpots, tourists will find spectacles and attractions, and cultural travelers will find architecture, art, and stories that give each casino a distinct sense of place. In 2025, the world's top casinos are truly entertainment resorts that reflect their cities' character: the ambition of Singapore, the heritage of Monaco, the extravagance of Vegas, the innovation of Macau, and beyond. They've become bucket-list destinations in their own right. 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