Panama City, FL: January 31, 2025 — Panama City, Florida, offers visitors a chance to celebrate Earth Day by immersing themselves in sustainable travel experiences that highlight the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. From responsible marine life encounters in the crystal-clear waters of St. Andrews Bay to paddling across one of the world’s rarest ecosystems—coastal dune lakes—Panama City blends adventure with conservation. Visitors can also enjoy fresh, sustainably sourced seafood straight from the Gulf, making every meal a celebration of the area’s rich maritime heritage.

Sustainable Marine Adventures in St. Andrews Bay

Surrounded by a vast network of waterways, Panama City is home to an abundance of marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike. However, the area’s true beauty lies beneath the surface, where seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and estuarine habitats serve as vital nurseries for countless marine species. Visitors can experience this underwater world firsthand through ethical, hands-on marine adventures that prioritize conservation and education.

Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, led by marine biologist Captain Chris Farley, offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore these delicate ecosystems while learning about marine preservation. Guests can snorkel among vast beds of sand dollars, observe pods of dolphins in their natural habitat, and participate in Critter Corner, where Captain Chris introduces guests to marine creatures caught through sustainable netting techniques before safely releasing them back into the bay. This interactive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the bay’s fragile ecosystem and the importance of protecting its biodiversity.

For those eager to take a more active role in conservation, Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures offers eco-tours designed to educate and inspire. These tours include activities like seine netting, where visitors help collect and identify local fish and invertebrates while learning about their role in the ecosystem. Guests also participate in water quality testing, gaining insight into how factors like runoff and pollution impact marine life. With each experience, visitors leave with not only unforgettable memories but also a newfound understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship.

Another way to explore the bay is through paddleboarding and kayaking tours that emphasize low-impact recreation. Paddlers can glide across St. Andrews Bay, where they may encounter sea turtles, rays, and schools of fish darting beneath the surface. Sunset eco-tours provide an especially magical experience, as the sky bursts into vibrant hues while dolphins surface nearby, offering an up-close look at these incredible creatures in a natural setting.

Discover the Rare Coastal Dune Lakes

Just a short drive from Panama City lies one of Florida’s most extraordinary natural wonders—Lake Powell, the largest and deepest coastal dune lake in the state. Coastal dune lakes are a globally rare phenomenon, found in only a handful of places around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and just two counties in North America—one of which is Bay County, where Panama City is located. These lakes are formed when freshwater from rainfall, streams, and groundwater meets the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico, creating a dynamic and ever-changing ecosystem.

What makes these lakes truly unique is their ability to “breathe” with the ocean. During periods of heavy rain, the lakes’ water levels rise, and when they reach a critical point, they create an outfall, a temporary channel that connects the lake to the Gulf. This process allows saltwater and freshwater species to mix, creating an incredibly diverse habitat. Depending on when you visit, you might see the lake brimming with freshwater fish like largemouth bass or teeming with saltwater species like redfish and flounder. This natural ebb and flow of water makes coastal dune lakes a living laboratory for biodiversity and conservation.

Visitors can explore Lake Powell by heading to Camp Helen State Park, where kayak and paddleboard rentals allow for a leisurely journey across the calm waters. Paddlers can witness firsthand the fascinating interplay between tides, rainfall, and the shifting coastal landscape. The lake’s unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, from wading birds and osprey to freshwater and saltwater fish coexisting in the same environment. By visiting these rare ecosystems, travelers can support their preservation while experiencing one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena firsthand.

Sea-to-Table Dining: Fresh, Sustainable, and Straight from the Gulf

In Panama City, sustainability extends to the dining table, where fresh Gulf seafood is sourced straight from the boats to local restaurants. Tarpon Dock Seafood Market, situated on St. Andrews Bay, operates its own fleet of boats that dock daily with the freshest catch. Visitors can purchase seafood to take home or enjoy a meal cooked on-site at the outdoor kitchen, where they can savor the flavors of the Gulf while overlooking the bay. Many local restaurants source their seafood directly from Tarpon Dock, ensuring a true sea-to-table experience.

For those who want to take part in the fishing tradition themselves, Hook and Cook experiences provide the ultimate hands-on adventure. Local fishing charters take guests out on the water to reel in their own catch before heading to a participating restaurant, where chefs prepare the freshly caught fish for a delicious, locally sourced meal. Alice’s on Bayview, Hunt’s Oyster Bar, and Captain’s Table Fish House in St. Andrews all offer Hook and Cook services, ensuring guests enjoy the freshest seafood possible—one they caught themselves. Also, at Captain’s Table Fish House, a family-owned restaurant since 1967, guests can enjoy seafood caught on their very own boats, reinforcing Panama City’s deep-rooted connection to the Gulf.

Make Your Earth Day Getaway Count

Panama City offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Earth Day by immersing yourself in sustainable travel experiences. Whether you’re exploring marine life in St. Andrews Bay, paddling through a rare coastal dune lake, or indulging in fresh-caught seafood straight from the Gulf, every moment spent here supports environmental preservation while providing an unforgettable adventure.