Panama City Beach 2-Night Ecology & Marine Biology SerVacation

The Hyatt Place is a brand-new beachfront hotel with a tropical resort-style pool and lazy river, steps away from the white, sandy beaches and clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy spacious, modern guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and a plush, sectional couch in every room for seating or sleeping. Your package includes a hot breakfast buffet and parking.

Tonight our group will be dining on the Hyatt’s terrace overlooking the ocean while enjoying a sumptuous Beach BBQ buffet where you can get to know your fellow travelers, share stories from home, and get briefed on tomorrow’s adventures!

We will spend Saturday morning at the beach planting sea oats with the Coastal Resource Coordinator for Bay County, a marine scientist and National Geographic educator! Unidos paniculata (sea oats) are critical to the coastal habitat and erosion control as they trap wind-blown sand and promote sand dune growth, while their deep roots stabilize them and prevent damage from storm surges and tides. They also provide food and habitat for birds, small animals, and insects.

After planting sea oats we will enjoy lunch and depart for a one hour airboat ecotour of the intercoastal waterways, creeks, marsh areas and backwaters of West Bay where you may see dolphin, osprey, eagles, and more! Your adventure starts with an alligator demonstration at the outfitter’s alligator exhibit so you can explore up close the creatures that you may spot out on the water.

Return to the hotel to enjoy the beach or relax in the lazy river. This evening we will have a shuttle running from the hotel to nearby Pier Park. Pier Park is Panama City Beach’s premier shopping and entertainment destination. This outdoor complex boasts 124 stores, amazing restaurants, and lots of entertainment including the exciting Skywheel, an IMAX theater, and of course the gorgeous pier!

After a delicious buffet breakfast, you’ll drive down the street to enjoy the morning at Gulf World Marine Park. Your whole family will experience a VIP Dolphin Interaction that will take place poolside where you will meet with expert dolphin trainers and get all of your questions about dolphins answered while learning about anatomy, behaviors, and conservation in the wild. You’ll have the opportunity to touch dolphins on their belly and back, do a flipper shake, and get a dolphin kiss! Photos are included.

Then enjoy a bird show with a private Q&A with the trainers before viewing sea lions and having lunch at dolphin theater where we will get to see our new friends in action as they perform! Around 1PM guests can depart for home or enjoy the park further.