Gulf Coast Vacation Activities

SCUBA Diving at Vortex Spring, Ponce De Leon

Located a bit inland from Destin, Vortex Spring produces 28 million gallons of crystal clear water daily, at a year-round temperature of 68 degrees. It claims the title of the largest diving facility in the state and the safest in the country. This stunning destination offers equipment rentals for both Scuba and snorkeling with diving lessons available for beginners. In addition, this Florida watersport destination offers thrilling activities including high-jump platforms, a diving board, a zip line, two swimming-pool-sized slides and a rope swing.

Shelling with Destin Snorkel, Destin

Experience the excitement of shelling and snorkeling in the shallow bay waters during this family-friendly activity in Destin, Florida. This Destin Snorkel tour is a great way to entertain and educate children about the local marine life. Many guests report sightings of baby seahorses, baby shrimp, puffer fish, blue crabs and filefish as they hunt for seashells

Paddleboard Tours with YOLO Adventures, Baytowne Marina

For adventurous anglers, the jetties are boulder piles from which you can fish throughout the year. A fishing license is required. The jetties also make for terrific snorkeling.

Eden Gardens State Park, Santa Rosa Beach

Take a guided stand-up paddleboard tour to explore the beautiful ecosystems leading to coastal dune lakes. YOLO offers bike and paddleboard rentals for solo exploration and private tours for those seeking guided excursions.

Wakesurfing at Destin Wakesurf, Destin

Discover a safe and fun way to enjoy Destin watersports with Destin Wakesurf. Ride on the back of the waves created by a boat, with customized instruction, top-of-the-line equipment and USCG-approved gear for every level of rider. During your excursion, an expert crew is on board, including a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, to ensure everything goes smoothly and safely.

Pontoon Boat Rentals at Spitfire Mercantile, Baytowne Marina

Baytowne Marina offers great watersport rentals near Destin including pontoon boats, wave runners, parasails and more. The marina also serves as the launching point for family-friendly dolphin-watch cruises and romantic dinner excursions aboard a luxury yacht.

Destin, Florida Fishing Charters

Destin is known all over the world for its fantastic fishing. In fact, it’s called the “world’s luckiest fishing village.” Because Destin is a peninsula between two bodies of water – the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Choctawhatchee Bay to the north – both gulf and bay fishing charters are offered here. To experience the world-class Destin fishing, guests at Hilton Sandestin Beach can take the resort tram to the nearby Baytowne Wharf, and cross the boardwalk to the marina located on the Choctawhatchee Bay. Here you can cast a line from the dock, or on a boat with rentals and excursions available.