Destin, Florida, is world-renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its sugar-white sand and sparkling emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Miles of coastal paradise draw millions of visitors yearly who come to lounge on the beaches and soak up the sun.
But what many people don’t realize is that Destin has so much more to offer beyond its beaches. The harbor town is brimming with land and sea adventures, attractions, sightseeing cruises, and a bounty of wildlife encounters for travelers interested in more than the classic beach vacation.
From gliding across the ocean waves during an evening sunset cruise to peering below the surface while snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, Destin delivers experiences to please all interests. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix soaring hundreds of feet above the shore on a parasailing thrill ride for breathtaking aerial perspectives. Groups of friends and families can spend quality time drifting past coastal scenery on rented pontoon boats.
On any given day in Destin, you are likely to see the most friendly and beloved inhabitant of its emerald coastline waters – the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Whether you charter a fishing excursion, choose a sightseeing cruise adventure, or relax along one of Destin’s many docks, waking to find a pod of dolphins swimming by is a common, delightful occurrence.
So, while Destin possesses the quintessential soft sandy beaches vacationers dream of, it would be remiss not to take time during a visit to discover the abundance of wonders that lie beyond the shoreline.
Sunset Cruises
One of the top things to do in Destin as the sun begins to set is take a sunset cruise. Companies offer delightful hour-and-a-half sunset sightseeing, allowing natives and visitors alike to witness nature’s dazzling sunset painting displays.
The spacious catamarans used for the sunset cruises enable you to glide smoothly across the harbor and nearshore waters as the sky lights up in stunning orange, fuchsia, gold, and purple hues. The cruise route passes by the coastal homes of Destin, Crab Island’s popular floating water park, Henderson Beach State Park, and the East Pass jetties as pelicans, terns, and gulls flutter to their evening roosts.
Some catamarans used for sunset cruises have clear glass panels in the hull so you can gaze directly into the ocean. Seeing beautifully colored tropical fish, stingrays, sea turtles, and even sharks swim directly under your feet is an unforgettable experience and favorite among kids.
The sighting of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swimming and jumping in the boat’s wake is also a delightful common occurrence during sunset cruises. Their arching leaps and calls chatter to companions make for quite a scene to enjoy during your cruise.
Many of the Destin sunset cruises also incorporate live music or DJs so passengers can dance on deck as the glowing sunset fades to moonlit skies dotted with stars. It’s an incredibly romantic activity for couples and an entertaining adventure for groups and families seeking quality time together.
After the brilliant colors of sunset fade, Destin’s harbor becomes illuminated with the city’s night lights – making a sparkling backdrop for the remainder of the evening cruise. Whether you spend two hours marveling at a magical sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, dancing on the deck, or gazing into the emerald waters for marine life, a sunset cruise should be at the top of any traveler’s Destin bucket list.
Snorkeling Adventures
The emerald green waters of Destin are incredibly clear, with visibility of up to 100 feet in some areas. This makes for excellent snorkeling conditions to discover colorful fish, crabs, and other marine life. Several companies offer guided snorkeling trips to some of the best reefs and underwater ecosystems along the coastline.
You’ll be outfitted with all necessary snorkeling gear before heading out on luxury pontoons to lush snorkeling hot spots like the jetties of East Pass. Snorkeling guides are experts on finding marine life and share fascinating facts while leading you to coral reefs teeming with vibrant tropical fish, swaying seagrass, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Some trips even incorporate dolphin watching before or after snorkeling.
Soar on a Parasail Ride
Parasailing over the glittering Gulf of Mexico waters is another popular must-do activity for visitors. Professional boat captains take groups of up to 3 people at a time hundreds of feet in the air to glide high over the emerald coastline waters below.
The thrill of parasailing comes from taking in panoramic birds-eye views of Destin’s beaches and harbor while strapped in a parachute harness and securely towed behind a boat. It’s an unforgettable way to admire the stunning scenery only seen from high above. Parasailing rides are available along Destin harbor or further offshore over the gulf for longer rides over water.
Pontoon Boat Adventures
One of the best ways to explore Destin’s harbors, coves, and coastal waters is by renting a pontoon boat for a few hours or an entire day. Visitors can easily find pontoon boats and charter rentals for full or half-day rental excursions.
Gliding along the ocean in a pontoon provides excellent dolphin watching and sightseeing opportunities around Crab and Lobster Island. The boats have plenty of space for fishing, lounging, or anchoring to swim and enjoy lunch from a local deli or seafood market. Some rental companies even offer guided sightseeing tours complete with a captain. With abundant marine life, breathtaking beaches, and homes to admire from the water, spending a day on a pontoon rental is one of Destin’s top things to do.
Destin Offers Much More Beyond the Beach
From sunset cruises to snorkeling and pontoon adventures, it’s easy to have an unforgettable vacation in Destin without even stepping foot on its world-famous beaches. The harbor town has no shortage of attractions and exciting activities for travelers more interested in discovering sea life or admiring dramatic views than lounging on the sand. Visiting couples, families and friends will all find plenty to fill their days with these must-do adventures unique to coastal Destin.