Destin · Sandestin · 30A
Get out on the water
On the Emerald Coast, a lot of the magic is on the water. Dolphin cruises, sunset sails, pontoon trips out to Crab Island, and half-day fishing charters are the stuff people remember. Here's the lay of the bay to help you pick.
🐬 Dolphin cruises
Bottlenose dolphins are regulars in these waters, and the cruises know where they hang out. Sizes range from big sightseeing boats to smaller, faster rides. Mornings and late afternoons are the classic times to go.
🌅 Sunset sails
A sunset sail is the postcard version of the coast, golden light over the Gulf, often with dolphins riding the bow. Popular around Destin and Sandestin.
⛵ Crab Island & pontoon days
Launching a pontoon to Crab Island is a whole day's adventure, floating on a shallow sandbar with boats rafted together. Rentals range from bare-bones pontoons to deck boats with slides.
🎣 Fishing charters
Known as the luckiest fishing village for a reason, Destin runs everything from offshore Gulf charters to inshore and party-boat trips. See our fishing guide for the full breakdown.
🗺️ A few real operators to start with
These are established, well-reviewed operators that run trips out of the Destin and Sandestin area. It's worth calling or checking each for schedules and booking before you go, since seasons and routes change.
- Destin Dolphin Cruise. Dolphin cruises and sightseeing from the harbor (500 Harbor Blvd, Destin).
- Dolphin Cruise Hannah Marie. A long-running dolphin and sunset cruise boat at 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin.
- Sandestin Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise. A sunset eco dolphin sail from the Sandestin / Baytowne area.
- Crab Island Runner. Pontoon-style trips out to the Crab Island sandbar from the harbor.
- For our full guide to getting out on the water, see boat rentals and fishing charters.
🔗 Plan your day
Pair a boat trip with our things to do guide and check the weather before you set out.