Rent a private pontoon and explore snorkel spots in the Bay and East Pass! Island Watersports will get you acclimated with the pontoon and provide snorkel gear and a map to snorkeling spots, as well as tips on how to spot wildlife like dolphins and osprey.
For more experienced swimmers, check out the artificial reefs. Two favorites located at James Lee Park and John Beasley Park. Both are close to shore (west of the pavilion for John Beasley Park).
For beginners, check out the tide pools at Noriega Point and the East Pass Jetty offer shallow, calm waters.
The Discover Mermaid introduces participants to simple mermaid activities in shallow, confined water (e.g. a pool you can stand in). It’s a highly flexible, and brief program, that lets you try mermaiding to see how you like it.
Is your family full of first-timers or young kids looking to experience the excitement of fishing? Then inshore fishing in the calm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay is for you. Charter captains specialize in shorter runs (as little as 2 hours) that are completely customized to your family’s needs, including kids with anxiety, ADHD and other disabilities.
Head offshore with an experienced Captain that will not only make everyone feel safe and comfortable, but get you on fish quickly.
During a nearshore fishing charter you’ll do just that, stay nearshore – always in sight of land! Captains will begin by explaining the different types of fish you’ll reel in and the different ways of catching fish (like trolling or bottom fishing).
The Gulfarium will supply your family with all the gear you need to snorkel with these amazing animals and all you the to bring is a little bit of courage.
Scallywag Charters has a reputation for being one of the top rated kids fishing guides in Destin, FL. Fishing trips are perfect for families with children, first-time fishermen, and experienced anglers.
All you need is a spot on the beach, fishing gear and some bait. Younger kids will love taking breaks to play in the sand or the water between catches, which makes surf fishing a great outing for the whole family.
The Island Pier is a favorite place for beginner fisherman since the water is clear and you’re able to “sight-cast”
e-Foil (short for electric-powered hydrofoil surfboards) have multiple settings, which makes it great for both beginners and those with more experience. eFoils can go up to 25mph and are steered with a wireless hand controller which shuts off if you lose your balance, so no worries about a runaway surfboard.
Bring a bucket and some red flashlights (the red light protects local sea turtles) and search for ghost crabs scurrying across the sand.
Explore on your own at an artificial reef, a guided group trip, or take a walk down to the East Pass Jetty or Norriego Point. Either way, get ready for a fun family outing where the crystal-clear water makes it easy to see redfish, crabs and maybe even a sea turtle!
Rent a stand up paddle board and head out to the second sandbar to search for sand dollars that live buried in the sand. The Sand bar is typically 500 yards out (about 2-3 minute paddle board trip).
The knee deep tide pools are formed by rocks and roped off from the open waters of East Pass making it a safe place for uncovering all kinds of wildlife like fish and hermit crabs
Visitors can experience science firsthand in an interactive museum designed for all ages with touchable, workable exhibits that teach about natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. The center displays over 45 exhibits within 8,000 square feet of indoor space and 2 acres of property including robotics, live animals, sciPad featuring SMALLab Learning, and so much more.
The calm, clear waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay gives you and your family the freedom to learn how to balance, paddle and maneuver on your own paddle board.
From simply renting a paddle board, to taking a lesson, to joining a guided tour, WET has you covered. They offer hourly, daily, weekly paddle board, surfboard, bikes, and kayak rentals with a free-of-charge delivery to you.
If you’re looking to experience the excitement of fishing, but feeling a bit nervous, inshore fishing in the Choctawhatchee Bay is for you.
Destin Inshore Guides was started 8 years ago by Cape Josh & his wife Anna. You’ll fish a wide range of areas including the bay & nearshore gulf. They offer a variety of options beginning with a 2-hour kids charter all the way up to a 6-hour nearshore gulf charter.
