Adventures at Sea

Adventures at Sea operates out of 5709 N. Lagoon Drive on the lower end of Grand Lagoon, a sheltered stretch of water tucked behind Panama City Beach’s dunes and connected to St. Andrews Bay. The company built its business around variety, renting pontoon boats and jet skis, running dolphin and Shell Island tours, launching parasail flights, and organizing beach bonfire packages, all from the same dock. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the team can be reached at 850-235-0009 or through watersportspc.com to check availability before a trip.

Pontoon rentals are the anchor of the operation, with standard models and double-decker pontoons that add a second level and a slide for jumping straight into the lagoon. These boats work well for a group that wants to set its own pace, whether that means idling out to a sandbar, running over toward Shell Island, or simply anchoring in the lagoon for an afternoon of swimming. Jet ski rentals run in one-hour blocks for guests who want something faster, and the same dock also handles two-hour boat tours and guided Waverunner runs out to Shell Island. Banana boat rides, which can carry up to six riders behind a towboat, add an option for larger families or groups traveling together.

Dolphin sightings are common on the lagoon-to-bay route, and Adventures at Sea runs dedicated dolphin tours in addition to folding dolphin watching into its Shell Island trips. For visitors who want to stay dry, the company also books Gulf of Mexico fishing charters and offers parasailing for anyone who wants an aerial view of the coastline instead of a seat on the water.

Beyond the boats, Adventures at Sea rents beach lounge chairs by the day, week, month, or season, a useful option for anyone staying nearby for an extended visit rather than lugging chairs down from a rental condo. As the sun goes down, the company runs beach bonfire packages, setting up a fire pit and seating on the sand for a low-key evening that does not require leaving the beach at all. Guests are welcome to bring coolers and snorkeling gear along on rentals, and an on-site restaurant, Off the Hook Bar & Grill, gives boaters a place to eat without leaving the marina. A live webcam on the company’s website lets visitors check current conditions on the water before heading out, a handy way to gauge wind and boat traffic on a given morning.

Adventures at Sea has built one of the stronger reputations among Grand Lagoon outfitters, holding a 4.6-star rating across nearly 3,000 reviews, with guests frequently mentioning the double-decker pontoons and the ease of spotting dolphins on the way to Shell Island. Because the lagoon connects directly to St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf, conditions can shift with the tide and wind, so calling ahead on gusty days is worth doing. The Lower Grand Lagoon location puts this outfitter within easy reach of the marinas, restaurants, and charter docks that line the lagoon’s southern shore, making it a practical stop for anyone staying on that side of Panama City Beach who wants a full day on the water without driving up toward Front Beach Road.