Destin Tours: Top 7 Sightseeing Activities for the Family
Destin welcomes millions of visitors a year to its warm beaches and Gulf waters. The city’s location in the Florida Panhandle makes it a top destination year-round, and visitors can’t get enough of the area, especially after they embark on these Destin tours. From dolphins and snorkeling to pirates and Segways, Destin offers sightseeing activities for every family member. Read about the top Destin tours to try on vacation, and don’t forget the camera.
Top 7 Destin Tours for Family Sightseeing Adventures
AJ’s Water Adventures: Dolphin Tours
Dolphins, sunsets and sailing. Families find it all at AJ’s Water Adventures in Destin. This top-rated provider invites visitors to board U.S.C.G., a speedboat that holds 85 passengers. AJ’s offers daytime dolphin cruises that last 1.5 hours and lively music and free refreshments. For something more low-key, book a two-hour sunset cruise through Destin Harbor, Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay.
Families who prefer a more private option can board Daniel Webster, a 41-passenger schooner. Guests have daytime, sail and swim, and sunset sailing tours, all suited for relaxing with loved ones. No matter what A.J. Water adventure families choose, all come with complimentary water, soda, beer and wine. Kids can even captain the speedboat.
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise: Adventure
Calling all kids and scallywags! Experience the high seas on a pirate-themed Destin tour packed full of sword fights, water gun battles, treasure hunts and more. The Buccaneer, a 100-foot pirate vessel, carries up to 149 passengers and offers plenty of space to spread out.
Families can also buy snacks and refreshments from the galley, and adult beverages are available. In addition, Buccaneer Pirate Cruise offers private cruises for family reunions, weddings and other special occasions.
Destin’s Original Sea Blaster: Dolphins, Snorkeling
For over 20 years, Destin’s Original Sea Blaster has delighted families with large speedboat fun. Passengers board Sea Blaster, which measures 73 feet and carries up to 132 people. Families then choose five different Destin tours, such as dolphin tours with snorkeling, sunsets, and water fun. The dolphin-snorkeling cruise combines the best of both, with 1.5 hours dedicated to snorkeling and 1.5 hours for dolphin-watching.
Destin’s Original Sea Blaster provides free water, soda, beer and wine, as well as allows children to steer the boat. The company recommends making reservations, and off-season prices are available.
Destin Snorkel: Underwater, Kayaks
Dive under water to see Destin in a new way on a Destin Snorkel tour. This company offers snorkeling and snuba tours that encourage families to get up-close with marine life. Three-hour snorkeling tours explore two different areas, the bay and Destin east jetties. Located on Holiday Isle beaches, families also have free access to single and double kayaks.
For a deep underwater experience, try the snuba tour, which takes participants 20-feet under the surafce. This option starts in shallow water – to help everyone adjust to breathing underwater – and explores areas not accessible by snorkeling. Snuba tours suit people ages 8 and older, and no certification is required. In addition, families should plan two to three hours with this option, including safety procedures.
Destination Segway Tours: City Sites
Available to riders 14 and older, Destination Segway Tours offers four different ways to see the city. Among the best Destin tours, visitors ride a Segway and see HarborWalk Village, Clement Taylor Park, Crab Island and other notable places.
Two options are moonlight glide tour and seas the day. Moonlight glide stops at Destin History and Fishing Museum and Harborwalk, and offers prime sunset-viewing opportunities. Seas the day also stops at these areas, and riders should plan to cool off in the water at Clement Taylor Park. All Segway tours last 1 to 1.5-hours.
Just Chute Me Parasail: Fly Over the Water
Looking for more adventure? Check out Just Chute Me Parasail, which offers high-flying tours over the water. Parasailing provides 360-degree views of the area, and families can ride two or three at a time.
The towline extends to 800 feet, which means flyers may reach 400 feet in the air. Take off and landing occur in the boat, however visitors do have the option to stay dry. Parasailing is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 years old.
Southern Star Dolphin Cruises: Evening Fireworks
The Southern Star, an 80-foot motor vessel, welcomes families to watch dolphins, birds and other wildlife. The dolphin cruise accommodates up to 149 people who enjoy glass-bottom and wide open views.
While dolphin-watching, visitors also feed birds, learn about the area and listen to island tunes. Southern Star also designates time for children to steer the boat, and for nighttime fun, book the Emerald Coast fireworks cruise.
Start planning and find affordable Destin vacation rentals, and don’t miss these Destin waterfront restaurants. Gulf views guaranteed.