Things to Do in PCB: Sea Screamer
- Carolyn
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
One of our favorite activities in Panama City Beach is taking a cruise on the Sea Screamer. The Sea Screamer offers three primary cruise options that all leave from the Treasure Island Marina, which is a short drive from the Joy Coastal condo.
They offer multiple daytime dolphin cruises with varying departure times based on the season . Additionally, during the summer months of May - September, they have morning snorkeling trips to Shell Island. Finally, my personal favorite is the sunset cruise. Departure times for the sunset cruise change throughout the year based on the time of the sunset.
Initially, I was concerned that the Sea Screamer cruise was a thrill ride on a speed boat. But my mom insisted that we try it, and asked the family to do a cruise for her birthday. As with most things in life, she was right. Our experience on the Sea Screamer was truly magical.
The cruise leaves the marina, passes by St. Andrews State Park and then usually heads up the coast. As you sail along the coast, the captain of the boat shares about interesting landmarks and the history of Panama City Beach. We really enjoyed seeing our condo from the water and getting a different perspective on the entire coastline.
The cruise is family friendly. Our daughter even had a chance to pilot the boat (under close supervision) for a few minutes.
Towards the end of our cruise, they dragged the bottom of the bay for a few minutes and then talk about whatever marine life they pull up. Kids (and adults!) are able to see various things up close. It was informative and such a unique experience!
If you've been on the Sea Screamer before, then you know I'm kind of burying the lead in this post so far. So, without further ado, here's the reason to do the Sea Screamer cruises - DOLPHINS! ALL THE DOLPHINS!
The dolphins that live along the gulf coast are truly one of the joys of life here. The Sea Screamer plays music from the boat which acts like a call to any dolphins in the water near by and they come to the boat because they love to jump in the wake of the Sea Screamer. And the experience of watching them jump and play in that wake is TRULY MAGICAL! The Sea Screamer Instagram account has some great videos showcasing what you can expect.
If you're interested in doing a Sea Screamer cruise on your trip to Panama City Beach, I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, because the sailings are known to sell out. Additionally, you'll want to arrive a few minutes before the arrival time they suggest, because groups board based on when they arrive. A cash bar, which includes some light snacks is available on the boat. Souvenir photos of your party boarding the Sea Screamer are also for sale at the end of the cruise.
A NOTE ON WIND AND WAVES: It's worth noting that weather conditions, specifically high waves and wind, impact the Sea Screamer cruises. If the wind and waves are significant, the Sea Screamer will do the cruise in the bay (not along the coast). I have been on cruises that go along the coast and cruises that just stay in the bay. They're both fun and you see interesting things (including dolphins), but they are different experiences. If going along the PCB coast matters to you, pick a day with calm wind and waves. A general idea is if the beach flags are yellow, you have a good chance of cruising along the coast. If the beach flags are single or double red, the cruise will probably stay in the bay.
Overall, this is such a special experience. If you're thinking of just one special activity on your trip, this just might be the one I would recommend.
As always, if you're looking for a place to stay on your vacation to Panama City Beach, we would love to have you stay with us in the Joy Coastal condo!