SUP Express delivers paddle boards to explore Destin Harbor, Okaloosa Island, and Fort Walton Beach. They will help you select the right board for your experience level and bring it directly to your beach vacation home, condo or most local parks and public beaches.
Onboard the Sea Cobra ScubaTech welcomes first time snorkelers (as young as 5) and experienced swimmers alike an opportunity to see marine life including schooling fish, reef fish, rays and the occasional sea turtle as you swim among the unique artificial reefs with their experienced crew.
Captain Marquardt has fished the local waters of the Destin area for over 30 years and enjoys taking families out from Bluewater Bay Marina in Niceville. Family trips in the bay start at 3 hours.
Captain Alex Short is a dad who is passionate about taking families fishing. He studied fisheries at Auburn which lends even more to a trip out on the water with him. His goal is to make fishing a part of a family’s tradition from stepping on board and catching bait, all the way through taking your catch to a local restaurant.
The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance’s mission is to promote swimmable, fishable waterways in the community through monitoring, education, restoration, and research. They offer opportunities for families to participate in coastal clean ups and educational activities year round.
Captain Rob Hansil provides amazing fishing experiences in Niceville and Destin, offering both inshore and nearshore options. His trips are ideal for first-timers and little ones who may not be ready for a full day on the water.
The Gulf is the perfect place to learn how to surf thanks to the typically smaller waves and experiences instructors know the best spots to get started.
Gulf Coast Surf School has expert, friendly and CPR-certified instructors with decades of surfing experience to make your first time out a memorable one. They offer 1-2 hour private lessons or the whole family can get in on the action during a group lesson, learning water safety, etiquette and the fundamentals of catching a wave.
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 are located at James Lee Park and John Beasley Park. Both are close to shore and easy to reach via paddleboard.
For beginners, check out the tide pools at Norriego Point and the Snorkel Jetty which both offer shallow, calm waters.
The Discover Mermaid class 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.
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 them (like trolling or bottom fishing).
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 them (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. 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 and they will rent you all the equipment you need.. The water is clear. Kids will love watching others fish and seeing wildlife like sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays swimming around below.
Take an e-Foil lesson. e-Foils (short for electric-powered hydrofoil surfboards) have multiple settings, which makes it great for both beginners and those with more experience.
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, book a guided group trip, or take a walk down to the Snorkel Jetty or Norriego Point.
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 sandbar 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.
Located in Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast Science Center strives to inspire and grow a scientifically engaged community through workshops and interactive exhibits.
The calm, clear waters of the bay make for gorgeous views for beginners to try out their new paddle skills and explore their surroundings perched on a board.
From simply renting a paddle board, to taking a guided tour, WET has you covered. They offer hourly, daily, weekly paddle board, surfboard, bike, kayak, skimboard 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 founded Captain Josh Calhoon & his wife Anna. You’ll fish a wide range of areas including the bay & nearshore in the Gulf. They offer a variety of options beginning with a 2-hour kids charter all the way up to a 6-hour adventure.
