Upper Grand Lagoon: Golf and On-the-Water Activities

Upper Grand Lagoon offers two specific focuses for planning your trip: golf at Bay Point Golf Club and on-the-water activities. For golf, you can choose the Nicklaus Course and lessons by appointment. On the water, options include pontoon rentals with Shell Island as a destination, as well as captain-led pontoon rides.

Golf at Bay Point Golf Club

Bay Point Golf Club is a golf course in Upper Grand Lagoon; the Nicklaus Course is located there. It is set against the backdrop of St. Andrew’s Bay and a marshland wildlife refuge. The course was designed by Nicklaus Design. According to the operator, it is the only Nicklaus Design golf course in Northwest Florida. This makes both the specifically named designer and the clearly described landscape relevant when choosing. You can weigh whether the Nicklaus Course’s design attribution or its named setting is more important to you as a point of reference.

At Bay Point Golf Club, Dewsweepers Golf Instruction offers golf lessons by appointment for golfers of all ages and skill levels; the lessons include video analysis. At Bay Point Golf Club, you can therefore combine your choice of course with a separate lesson option. If you would like to schedule a golf lesson, arrange the appointment before your trip.

Pontoon Activities and Boat Rides

The boat options differ in the formats described. Lagoon Pontoons offers pontoon rentals in Upper Grand Lagoon that you can use to reach Shell Island. Double Fun Watersports offers captain-led pontoon rides for up to 13 people in addition to the captain, to cruise St. Andrew’s Bay and explore Shell Island. For groups, Double Fun’s capacity is a specific point of reference. You can first decide whether you are looking for a rental or a captain-led ride. Ask Double Fun to confirm which boat is designated for your booking. Check the current rental details with Lagoon Pontoons before your trip.

Shell Island is the shared destination of both pontoon options; St. Andrew’s Bay is part of Double Fun’s ride and also provides the setting for the Nicklaus Course.

Marinas and Departure Point

Capt. Anderson’s Marina is located in Upper Grand Lagoon next to the Thomas Drive Bridge. The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise departs from Lighthouse Marina next to Capt. Anderson’s Marina, not from Capt. Anderson’s Marina itself; the departure point’s address is 5325 N Lagoon Drive, Panama City, Florida. Lighthouse Marina is therefore the specific departure point, while Capt. Anderson’s Marina is the nearby landmark. Check current operating details before you go.

Discover more destinations: Callaway, Panama City Beach, Panama City, Mexico Beach

Return to the main travel overview: Bay.