It's become a ritual for us whenever family visits - we stock the coolers, go Alvin's and get a ton of water toys, rent a pontoon boat, and head for Shell Island.

Usually we run into a group of dolphins in St. Andrews Bay as we leave Grand Lagoon. The kids go nuts. Then onto Shell Island near the Shuttle landing... the beach is wide and sheltered there, with a long low shelf perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

Then we head over the sand and dunes to the Gulf side of the Island. That's when the bolder kids really get excited! Very often the waves are waist high and crashing onto the shore... the water is aquamarine like they've only seen in movies... and often as not there are more dolphins. A day of this, and all the kids are worn out and the adults can call a babysitter and head to one of the beach bars and leisurely enjoy drinks. Perfect.