Bristol Harbor 239 East Beach Drive, Panama City, Florida 32401, United States
(850) 832-4952 Private sailing charters for Panama City, Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A
Meet the Captain and the Crew
Captain Daniel and his wife Melissa have been together for over 33 years! They both love the outdoors and being on the water! Sailing has always been a passion and they have thoroughly enjoyed sharing their love of the water and sailing with friends and family in Panama City. After the purchase of their newest sailboat, a 2020 Island Packet Yacht, they now have the perfect vessel to introduce their passion for sailing and love for the area to locals, US, and international visitors.
Captain Daniel Snapp
Captain Daniel grew up in Panama City, Florida. He has been around the water as far back as he can remember. After graduating, he went on to work in the local dive and fishing industry on Panama City Beach until choosing to pursue a career in the fire service. In 1986, he began working at the Panama City Fire Department as a Professional Firefighter and as of June 1, 2018, retired as a Battalion Chief after 32 years of service. Captain Daniel has a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science and held an Instructor III certification through the Florida State Fire College. He taught Fire Fighting Standards through Gulf Coast State College for over 15 years and was also the Division Chief of Training, Fire Prevention, and Public Education with the department during his time there.
While at the Fire Department, Captain Daniel founded “Grassy Flats Charters” https://grassyflatscharters.com a professional guiding business in Panama City Florida specializing in Fly and Light tackle saltwater fishing. As much as Captain Daniel loves to fish and spend time with Clients on the water, he also loves to sail! So in 2020 he and his wife Melissa purchased their current vessel "La Bella Vita" to enjoy local sailing and to travel wherever the wind would take them as well as beginning their newest venture providing sailing charters with the opening of "Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions"!
Sailing and being on the water has always been a passion for Captain Daniel. He holds a Master's United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential as well as ASA Certifications for Basic Keelboat Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising, and Bareboat Chartering. He began sailing Hobie cats in the early 80's and has participated in both racing and leisure sailing ever since on sailboats up to 54’. Captain Daniel has sailed the gulf of Mexico from Texas to the Keys, the east and west coasts of Florida including navigating the intracoastal waterways on both coasts, and made several crossings of the gulf from Key West to Panama City and to the Dry Tortuga's. Captain Daniel is also a big fan of the Bahamas where he and his wife Melissa have enjoyed sailing and exploring the beautiful islands for months at a time while meeting like minded cruisers from all over the world! In addition, he conducts boat deliveries for boat owners and brokers whenever possible, enjoying the ability to sail a variety of different vessels!
First Mate, Melissa Snapp
Melissa grew up in Michigan. As a young girl she enjoyed boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, and pretty much anything that involved the water! She relocated to Panama City in the early 80's and immediately fell in love with the area and decided to make it her home. Melissa's love for interacting with people ultimately led her to a career in Dental Hygiene that spanned 25 years.
After meeting Captain Daniel, Melissa was introduced to boating, diving, and sailing, here in our local waters. She has operated all of our boats over the years and is comfortable and at home on the water. Her first sailing experience was on a Hobie cat and she was hooked. This lead to her ASA certifications in Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising and she has been sailing ever since.
Aboard our newest sailing vessel "La Bella Vita" Melissa has sharpened her sailing skills making several gulf crossing's, spending time in the Bahamas, Key West, the Dry Tortuga's, and navigating the East and West Coasts of Florida and intracoastal waterways. When not planning our next adventure, she can usually be found sailing the beautiful waters of the Emerald Coast!