Panama City, FL: June 30, 2025 — Panama City, Florida, is a prime destination for experiencing the state’s diverse wildlife on land, at sea, and in the air. From watching dolphins play in St. Andrews Bay to fishing in the rich waters surrounding the city and spotting migratory birds along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Panama City offers countless opportunities to connect with nature year-round.

Dolphin Tours and Excursions on St. Andrews Bay

Dolphins are year-round residents of St. Andrews Bay, making dolphin tours one of the most popular wildlife experiences in Panama City. Local tour operators offer guided cruises that provide an opportunity to observe these intelligent marine mammals in their natural habitat. Experienced guides know the best times and locations to maximize your chances of seeing dolphins, offering a memorable and educational adventure on the water.

Fishing in Panama City’s Diverse Waters

Panama City is a top destination for anglers, offering exceptional year-round fishing. Its unique location on St. Andrews Bay, just minutes from Gulf waters, provides access to a range of aquatic habitats, including bayous, inlets, and freshwater environments. Anglers can catch a variety of species, such as redfish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, amberjack, red snapper, tarpon, flounder, and more.

With six marinas and numerous charter operators, visitors can easily arrange inshore or deep-sea fishing excursions led by knowledgeable local captains. For those who prefer to fish from shore, Panama City’s bay-side beaches offer excellent onshore fishing spots where you can cast a line and enjoy the coastal scenery.

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Panama City is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a statewide network of 510 premier wildlife viewing sites. Located along the Atlantic Flyway—a 3,000-mile migration route stretching from the Arctic tundra to the Caribbean—Panama City’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of bird species throughout the year.

During spring and fall migrations, visitors can observe a variety of species passing through the region, while resident birds can be seen year-round. Bird watchers are encouraged to share their sightings on platforms like eBird and Florida Nature Trackers, contributing valuable data to citizen science efforts.

Trail sites in Panama City include Oaks by the Bay Park, where visitors can stroll along accessible pathways while spotting native and migratory birds. Additional nearby birding destinations include St. Andrews State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Pine Log State Forest, Parker Environmental Exploratorium Park, Lynn Haven Nature Trail, and Pitt and Sylvan Springs.

From the waters of St. Andrews Bay to the skies above the Great Florida Birding Trail, Panama City offers a wealth of wildlife experiences for nature enthusiasts of all kinds.