I grew up on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, where water visibility was variable to say the least. That’s not to say I didn’t love going to the beach as many times a week as humanly possible, but I spent most of my time boogie boarding and building sand castles, not marveling at the crystal clear waters. In fact, I didn’t experience clear-as-glass waters where you could easily spot sea shells resting on the seafloor until I left the U.S. for popular international beaches in tropical locales like Jamaica, Turks and Caicos and Curacao.
Imagine my surprise when, after landing at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) with my nine-year-old son in tow, taking the short drive to our hotel, and immediately dashing to the beach, we were met with calm, shallow, crystalline water that stretched out toward the horizon (not to mention the soft, sugary sand).
Our three days in Destin, Florida, involved spending as much time in and around those pristine ocean waters as possible. What follows is a mix of the best things we experienced during our visit and a few things I hope to check off my list when we return to the Emerald Coast.
Take a Little Adventures class
Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers free classes for kids and teens that encourage them to learn new skills and explore the vast underwater world in a safe, mindful way. With Little Adventures classes, kids can learn to paddleboard, snorkel, fish, surf, and more. Even kids who aren’t quite ready to don a mask and snorkel can sign up for a sea creature discovery class along the shore.
Classes are available from April through August and you can sign up for as few or as many as you’d like. The classes run about 60 to 75 minutes and all of the necessary equipment is included. Throwing a few Little Adventures classes onto your vacation itinerary is a great way to mix up your beach days and learn something new that you can use throughout your trip and on future ones.
My son took a cast netting class and I was shocked at how quickly he picked it up. I owe that all to the expert guides who led the class. They were so patient with the kids and explained things in a way they could understand. I’ve already bought him his own net so he can try it out on our next beach trip and teach his brothers everything he learned.
Go on a snorkel and dolphin-watching cruise
I must have been a mermaid in a past life because whenever being underwater is an option, that is where I want to be (although, I guess that also means I could have been a blobfish).
Our cruise with Flipper’s Adventures Snorkeling was one of the highlights of the trip. We did the two-and-a-half-hour snorkeling tour, which included stops at two popular snorkel spots and some time relaxing on the boat looking for dolphins.
I recommend booking the earliest time slot possible. The later in the day that you go, the more people you’ll encounter, and you aren’t there to see people, you are there to see fish, crabs, and dolphins (maybe even a turtle or stingray if you’re lucky).
Both snorkel spots were shallow enough that kids and adults can stand, which is great for anyone who isn’t comfortable in deep water. We saw all of the animals mentioned above, and our guides, Kyle and Caroline, were experts at steering us toward the good wildlife viewing spots and pointing out the creatures they spotted. They even added a few fun surprises to the ride that I don’t want to spoil, but made the adventure even more memorable.
Pricing is $45 per person for group snorkel tours, but you can also book private tours or sunset dolphin cruises.
Go fish!
Destin has long been dubbed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” It has a variety of fishing spots, whether your kids are expert fishers ready for a deep sea voyage or beginner anglers who prefer to stay closer to shore.
Younger kids or beginners can reel in a catch from The Island Pier, where the water is clear enough that you’re liable to see your catch before you reel it in. Gear rentals are available and there is a small fee to fish here. Visit early in the morning or around sunset for the best chance of spotting dolphins and sea turtles while you fish.
You can also fish from the shore from several beach access areas, including John Beasley Park, the Jetties, East Pass and Gulf Islands National Seashore. Don’t forget to purchase a fishing license before you cast your fishing pole.
If deep sea fishing is more your style, you can book a charter fishing excursion in the bay for calm waters or in the Gulf for bigger fish and a bigger adventure.
Go ‘Under the Sea’
I’ll swim out pretty deep into the ocean if you promise me colorful sea creatures, but not everybody—especially young kids—feel the same. Luckily, you can dive into underwater exploration in depths that range from shallow tide pools to sunken artificial reefs and everything in between.
For kids ready to wade into the underwater world without getting their faces wet, start at the Norriego Point tide pools (via Norriego Point Beach Access). The water is only knee-deep, but you can still find fish and hermit crabs
When they are ready to flip their fins a bit deeper, check out the East Jetty (via O’Steen Public Beach Access). You’ll see the most fish if you stay near the rocks as you swim. The water stays shallow enough to stand until you get toward the end of the rocks, making this area beginner-friendly.
For more experienced swimmers, Henderson Beach State Park and John C. Beasley Park are both home to artificial reefs that are inviting to a variety of marine life, including fish, sting rays and sea turtles.
Take a hike
Destin has plenty of out-of-the-water fun for families, too, and nothing beats an early morning or late afternoon walk on the beach when you are on vacation.
My son and I stayed at Henderson Beach Resort, which is adjacent to Henderson Beach State Park. This protected stretch of shoreline has a three-quarter mile nature trail I could view the park from my hotel balcony and heard a lot of birds in this peaceful, quiet park.
Mattie Kelly Park has another short nature walk that is suitable for all ages and abilities. While there, you can also fish from the dock (if you bring your own equipment) and have a family picnic.
This list only scratches the surface of family-friendly adventures in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Whether you prefer to post up in a beach chair with a good book and a better drink while your kids build sandcastles or your family travels with matching wetsuits for scuba diving, Destin’s crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches have something for everyone.
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