Stunning Panama City Beach: Photos of Dolphins, Shell Island, and Pristine Shores
This month, I didn't need to travel far for the tropical breezes and flawless white-sand beaches I'm addicted to. My 2014 summer itinerary featured mostly long-haul flights of 30 hours or more, so a six-hour trip to a gorgeous destination left me ecstatic.
This marked my first visit to Panama City Beach and only my second to Florida (after the Florida Keys earlier that year). I arrived post-storm, with waters not yet crystal clear, but they cleared within days, revealing mesmerizing views on my Panhandle Helicopter tour.
I visited Shell Island twice. On my second day, a short ferry ride led to two hours of solitude. My second trip was via Waverunner tour with Aquatic Adventures.
Shell Island is a true gem, setting Panama City Beach apart from other U.S. destinations. Its uninhabited shores, deep blue skies, emerald waters, and blindingly white sand transport you to a distant paradise.
Destinations with such natural beauty ignite my creativity like dry brush fuels a wildfire. I return home motivated and inspired—it's what keeps me traveling.
This trip kicked off my summer perfectly, checking off bucket-list items like swimming with wild dolphins and a helicopter tour of the coast.
Next: Italy, Bonaire, and Mauritius. Though upcoming weeks are packed with long travel days and time apart from my partner Scott, we'll celebrate his birthday together in Mauritius.
I'm grateful for opportunities to explore and photograph the world, cherishing these life-changing experiences.
