The Anderson family has been taking tourists and locals fishing in the Gulf of Mexico since 1935. Captain Anderson's Marina has become a vacation destination and tourist landmark over the years. The family owned and operated business has been passed down over generations, with Pam Anderson listed as the current Operations Manager/Owner.
I was at the marina in March, 2021, when Covid19 precautions were still needed, so I was thankful to learn that my time on the boat would not be in a crowded, enclosed room. Rather, the nice weather on the day of my cruise meant that I could comfortably sit in an open air deck.
In compliance with Covid19 restrictions at the time, the boat was not allowed to sell tickets to the full capacity of 214 passengers, so there was plenty of room to spread out and social distance on either of the two decks the passengers chose. This photo shows the open air, upper deck that has an awning to escape the sun, if you so desire. The main deck is climate controlled with a galley. Restrooms are also located on the main deck.
This photo shows the patrons waiting to get on board, on the beautiful, sunny day of our cruise. The Capt. Anderson III is a double decker, glass bottom boat.
When I visited the marina in March, the captain of the boat I was to board was wearing a face covering, in compliance with federal guidelines at the time. He addressed the future passengers from the bow of the boat, going over safety details and outlining our cruise plan, before we boarded.
The business has a HUGE fleet of boats, suitable for every type of water experience one could imagine, and the experience I was signed up for was on board the Capt. Anderson III.
Capt. Anderson's Marina is conveniently located directly beside the highway, and adjacent to one of the main bridges of the city. This location allows passengers the opportunity to view the variety of watercraft that moor along this section of the Grand Lagoon, that eventually leads out to open water.
I took this photo of a floating structure along our route, because the sign said "Live Bait for sale". Even though I grew up surrounded by "fishing waters", this was the first time I had every seen a floating bait shop out in the middle of a large body of water!
The cruise I was on is called the Shell Island Eco-tour. Before we got to Shell Island, we fed the seagulls. Notice how the shadow of the seagull is covering the wristwatch of the lady in my photo. The image is my visual aid for my First Place 4 Health (www.FirstPlace4Health.com) memory verse from Psalm 63:7 that says, "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings."
The sea gull feeding frenzy was made possible because one of the deck hands passed out long, curly cheeto snacks to the passengers, that they could hold on the ends of their fingers, to lure the sea gulls in, for a very close encounter.
I was amazed, and thoroughly entertained, by the acrobatic flying skills the seagulls demonstrated, in order to snatch a cheeto from the hands of a passenger!
As we were going out towards open water, the captain let me drive the boat! It was fun!
He said I could take my mask off for the photo, posing with a big smile, and pretending to know what I was doing! ( I have actually completed the Coast Guard Auxiliary safe boating course, and volunteer at our local state park as a "First Mate" for the boat cruises we do there. However, being responsible for the safety of the passengers on a boat of this size would be a whole different ballgame!)
This photo shows the dock on Shell Island, where the boat will be moored while guests explore the dunes, estuaries, and beaches of the place. Shell Island is approximately 7 miles long, and is a barrier island that runs east to west between the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Andrews Bay.
Upon reaching the islands, we disembarked onto the dock, then onto the board walk over the estuary, that leads to the sandy beaches that face the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell Island is a barrier island, so shells collect there in abundance. This was a "sculpture" some beachcomber had constructed that caught my attention, because it reminded me of the overlapping "shells" roof line of the Opera House in Sydney, Australia.
Whereas the photo above showed a pile of shells arranged by a human, this pile of shells was arranged by the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, crashing against Shell Island. Notice the shell in the very center, has a tiny hole in the top. Such "holey" shells are the ones I collect, so I can write a date and location on them, then hang them on a souvenir fishing net I have, as a wall decoration in my home. Since I prefer to spend money on "experiences", rather than "things", these shells are my choice of a souvenir, over some knikknak in a tourist shop, that was probably made in a foreign country!
These railings through the dunes guide visitors from the boat mooring, to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The placard at the end of the railings provide interesting information and guidelines for visitors. I learned that Shell Island is called "The Jewel of Bay County", not only for citizens who live here, but also one of the top attractions for visitors to the area.
This photo shows why the island is often described as "pristine". Notice there are no perfectly aligned, and color-coordinated, beach chairs/sun umbrellas dotting the sands. That is because there are no hotels here!
Although it was a warm day when I visited in March, these two brave ladies were the only ones I saw actually taking the plunge into the still-chilly surf.
Shell Island was one of the few places where I observed a walking trail through the sand dunes. Many of the sand dunes have signs saying "Dune Restoration in progress. Keep out".
Since locals have been coming to Shell Island for one hundred years or more, it is not surprising that there is still some evidence of previous structures that were built here. However, the devastating effects of Hurricane Michael in October, 2018, along with many other storms over the century, have resulted in this "ghost village" of previous man-made endeavors.
There are many ways to explore the waters of Bay County, Florida. There are fast ways, slow ways, motor-powered ways, paddle-powered ways, and wind-powered ways. The Sea Screamer boat shown here, is for those adventurous souls who want to go FAST! It zoomed past our boat, with the happy passengers waving and screaming!
Since there are no public rest room facilities on Shell Island, it was reassuring to know that we could use the restroom where the boat was moored, if we needed. Also, while the passengers explored Shell Island, the crew of the Captain Anderson III boat was busy attaching a net to the front of the boat, so that the crew could perform a net drag in historic St. Andrew's Bay, with the hopes of catching some beautiful marine life The marine life caught in the net was then brought on board, and placed into a touch tank. The deckhands educated the visitors on the diverse marine life that was found in the Bay's Eco System, and we were allowed to touch those that were deemed safe for touching.
One of the creatures brought up on the day I visited was a small, harmless jellyfish, that looked like a clear gelatin sphere. It was fascinating!
Many folks rent pontoon boats, which are suitable for the calmer waters you encounter in St. Andrews Bay. I heard one couple on board the Captain Anderson III boat say they had considered using a pontoon rental for their trip to Shell Island. However, when they found out the rules required them to moor on a buoy suspended in water waist deep, then "swim" to shore, they decided to wait for warmer temperatures to take advantage of that "wet water" visit to the island!
Another enjoyable segment of the Shell Island Eco-Tour, is called the "Dolphin Encounter", in the area around the jetties that is home to several pods of dolphins year round.
I was elated that I was able to see numerous dolphins as they porpoised through the waters around our boat. I am sure this lady's photos will capture some prize-winning shots, since she was using a telephoto lens, whereas I was just using my phone for photos.
Although I did not go on the pirate cruise at Panama City Beach, I have been on such cruises at other seaside locations, and they are great fun! (Especially for those youngsters, or young-at-heart passengers, who dress up in colorful pirate costumes and eye patches!)
Once I was back at the Capt. Anderson Marina, I took the time to explore all the other amenities available on their expansive property. Most eye-catching of all is this GIGANTIC, four-bladed propeller that adorns the front of their restaurant. The story behind it is "compelling/propelling": It is from the HMS Empire Mica, a British ocean tanker sunk by a German submarine during World War II (June 29, 1942 to be exact). For most Americans, WW II is oceans away, but on this night, the destruction would come within a mere 40 miles of Port St. Joe and Apalachicola, Florida.
This plaque at the entrance of the restaurant, outlines the characteristics of the Capt. Anderson business model, that have made it so successful.
Adjacent to the restaurant is the Capt. Anderson seafood market, that sells fresh-from-the-boat seafood for patrons to take home with them.
The market also has an extensive gift shop that would be a delight to anyone, but especially those who have a love of the sea, or a flair for nautical decor.
The waiting area of the restaurant is decorated to look like the inside cabin on a boat, and is full of historical artifacts from the sea. Even though my scuba diving history goes back decades, the equipment shown here is not something that I ever used!
I finished out my day with a stroll on the paved sidewalk that goes under the Logoon Drive bridge, providing access to waterfront facilities on the opposite side of the bay. There were several folks fishing from this area, which shows that one does not need a boat to enjoy a fresh "catch of the day" from St. Andrews Bay.
I wanted to stay by the water as long as possible, so I could find a tropical-looking "frame" for a sunset photo, and came across these two palm trees that were exactly what I had in mind! They provided the perfect backdrop for a perfect day! I would highly recommend readers check out ALL there is to offer at Capt. Anderson's Marina (phone 850-234-3435 or www.CaptAndersonsMarina.com . Their address is 5550 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32408 ) My day at this location gave me "MILES OF SMILES"! Tricia
This is a photo of an endangered species! Wil L. Hufton III is the owner/operator of the Johnny Panther Quest Adventure Trips, rated as a "GEM ATTRACTION" of Michigan by AAA. Wil has over thirty years of experience on the trails and waterways of the Saginaw, Michigan area; he can take you places that few people have ever seen.
Our group was led down to the shoreline of the Saginaw River, to find this unusual-looking boat waiting for us. It was custom-built for the specialized touring that one can do in this location.
This is not a trip for the faint hearted, nor those with physical impairments that would keep them from stepping off of the floating dock and over the seats, to get proper balancing of the pontoon. Likewise, it is "open air", and unprotected from the weather, so it is important to dress accordingly if you are going on this adventure.
The trip starts off calm enough, as you glide along the Saginaw River, and under the pedestrian bridge that leads over to Ojibwa Island, a division of the Saginaw City Park system.
When you are out in the main channel of the river, the water gets a little choppier, as there is less protection from the wind, and more boat traffic.
Captain Hufton steers from the back of the boat, as he gives interesting commentary of the sights the boat is passing. No need for a microphone for all to hear him, due to the compact size of the tour vessel.
In a very short time, we were beyond all traces of "civilization" and entering the Shiawassee National Wildlife REFUGE.
Our tour was around supper time, so we enjoyed the box lunches that had been brought aboard to provide a picnic on the water. 
The Shiawassee National Wildlife REFUGE is made up of over 9,000 acres of hardwood forests, rivers, bottomland, marshes, managed pools, fields, and croplands.
The grain growing in this field adjacent to the water, will be an important food source to birds that visit the area, as part of their migratory pattern along the Mississippi River Flyway. 
The REFUGE hosts over 270 species of birds each year, and a listing of these (along with the date they were sighted) can be found on their website at www.fws.gov/midwest/Shiawassee/ 
These birds were enjoying wading in the shallow waters adjacent to the channel where our boat was cruising through. Their calm demeanor is a reminder of the Bible verse that says "Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." (Matthew 6:26, The Message) 
Even though our tour was not during a time of heavy migratory activity, we still saw LOTS of birds!
Herons, egrets, gulls, and hawks were common sightings while we were out on the water.
Besides the water channels, there are areas where one can go ashore (unless a sign is there warning you not to!) This sign, indicating we were in a National Wildlife REFUGE, is the visual aid for one of my First Place 4 Health (www.FirstPlace4Health.com) memory verses that says, "But let all who take REFUGE in You, be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11-12
The bird you can see perched on the dead tree branch in this photo is one of many bald eagles we saw during our 3 hour boat trip.
There are sandbars located in some parts of the refuge, and it is the wind direction and wind speed that determine whether or not they are visible. 
At one point, our boat got "stuck" on a sand bar, so Captain Hufton got out in his mudboots and scooted us off of it.
However, he was kind enough to take this photo of our group while he was outside the boat, trying to free it from the sand bar.
As we enjoyed watching the sun go down over the water, I remembered the motto printed on the brochure for the Johnny Panther Quests: "Eliminate stress...Get out of the mainstream and go on a Quest!" This trip is something that will take the hard edges off your psyche---sort of soften your outlook on life, just as the edges of this photograph have been softened. If you would like to go on one of these trips, just click on www.jpqat.com to see all the different types of adventures that are possible with Captain Hufton. Likewise, the website www.VisitGreatLakesBay.org will give you many other ideas of fun activities to do while you are in the area. Start a quest of your very own to pursue miles of smiles! Tricia
This is the U.S.C.G. certified Catamaran, called the "Privateer".
It is very spacious, at 52 feet long, and licensed to carry 78 passengers. However, I was in PCB when there were still COVID19-related capacity restrictions, so there were much fewer than 78 people, on the evening that I sailed.
After all the passengers were on board, the captain gave us a very helpful safety briefing, and an outline of our sail plan for the next 2-3 hours. 
In addition to the seating option of comfortable cushions on the upper deck, guests can also sit on the "sunning nets" that are stretched between the two hulls of the catamaran. As you would expect, sitting here is more likely to result in a few splashes of surf in your face!
It seemed appropriate to take a photo of this man's hoodie, since it told the location of the picture!
When the boat got out into the open water, and encountered some wind, the crew lifted the mainsail, kindly offering to let any of the guests help who wanted to give it a tug. 
In addition to the uncovered, upper-deck seating, there is covered and enclosed seating below deck, for those who desire it. The enclosed seating is adjacent to the fully-stocked bar, offering not only alcohol to drink, but also alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get the COVID19 virus off your hands!
The Privateer has not just one, but two toilets (or "heads", as they are called in marine lingo). There is a marine toilet at the end of each of the two catamarans.
As we sailed around the part of St. Andrews Bay that is the year-round home to several pods of dolphins, we waved to other boats and jet ski groups who were also hoping for a dolphin encounter. 
Paradise AdventuresPCB also has a center-console boat, similar to this one, that is available for dolphin encounter charters.
The waving captain on this boat is a reminder to say that Paradise AdventuresPCB has a second catamaran, called the "Footloose". It is a 40 foot boat that can take out up to 38 passengers. 
The Privateer has an attached slide off of the back of the boat, for a fun way to enter the water on hot days. I was amused by the title "Slide Rules" at the top of the sign. That is because I went to college back in the olden days before hand-held computers, so "slide rules" were gadgets engineers used to solve complex analytical equations---NOT guidelines for water entry!
In case you cannot read the phone number printed on this sail, it is 850-769-FUNN, and I can attest to the fact that it was indeed, FUN!
I think the big smile on this lady's face, as she exits off the boat, indicates she is returning with "songs of joy" at the end of a sailboat ride filled with great music tunes, that brought fun and joy. People may have boarded the boat with burdens, but the upbeat music played throughout our journey, and the beautiful scenery we saw, elicited JOY! In fact, it is serving as the visual aid for one of my First Place 4 Health (www.FirstPlace4Health.com) memory verses that says, "Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126:6
Getting that distant sailboat perfectly positioned within the sun's long reflection on the water, made my day!
