13 Best Boat Trips in Destin, Florida for Adventurers in 2024

LOOKING TO ENJOY A BOAT TRIP IN DESTIN, FLORIDA?

You have come to the right place! We have spent months exploring the Gulf Coast and always enjoy heading out on the water on one of the boat trips in Destin, Florida.

We love traveling to Destin, Florida and the beautiful states that border the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. We travel to Florida, Destin, and the surrounding area all of the time because we love it there. One of our favorite activities while in Destin is taking a boat trip.

Florida is a paradise for water enthusiasts and adventure seekers! Known for its white sandy beaches, emerald waters, and vibrant marine life, Destin offers an array of boat trips that cater to every taste.

Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or indulge in some exciting activities, our guide to the 13 best boat trips in Destin will ensure you make the most of your Florida adventure.

13 Best Boat Trips in Destin, Florida

Crab Island Boat Trips in Destin 

1. Tiki Boat Sandbar Adventure

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

The Original Cruisin’ Tikis 3-Hour Crab Island Sandbar Adventure is an incredible tour in Destin, Florida. The tour starts at Destin Harbor, which is only a short boat ride to the famous Crab Island sandbar.

The group size for the tiki boat maxes out at six people, making for a great, intimate, and very friendly atmosphere. 

The Tiki Hut boat is not a booze boat trip, as it might seem because there are no alcoholic beverages sold on this boat. You should be prepared to bring all of your own food and beverages. 

Another great experience 2 years in a row! Looking forward to making this a tradition! Captain Kirk was great and always had his eye out to warn us of jellyfish! Crab island is a great way to meet new people!

– Tesla (Read more reviews)

There are a few things you NEED to note from our experience when taking this boat tour. You must arrive at least 20 minutes early.

There is limited parking at the harbor, so parking can be tricky. If you are only 20 minutes early and you arrive when the area is busy, you could miss the boat. 

➡️ BOOK Tiki Boat Sandbar Adventure

2. Self-Driving Pontoon Rental

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

The Destin 4-Hour Self-Driving Pontoon Rental offers a private group experience for up to 12 people. Participants get to be their own captains, navigating the pontoon across the bay, relaxing at Crab Island, or exploring the Florida coast. 

This is going to be your cheapest way to see Crab Island with a group, but you don’t have the luxury of being driven around by an experienced captain.

Nice boat, easy to drive and so beautiful being out on the turquoise water.

– GetYourGuide Traveler (Read More Reviews)

Participants should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a driver’s license. Drivers born after January 1, 1988, must pass a Florida temporary boating test. A $500 deposit is required at the time of rental, refunded if no damage occurs.

➡️ BOOK Self-Driving Pontoon Rental

3. Private Captained Pontoon to Crab Island with Dolphin Cruise

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

The private captained pontoon to Crab Island is another sweet option that we like because you get an affordable private experience, and you do not need to drive the boat yourself. The boat comes with an experienced captain, making for a relaxing experience for everyone.

What an amazing experience entire family enjoy the day. Captain was great super helpful. Super fun to be around all in all an amazing time. Definitely recommend

– Priscilla (read more reviews)

The private tour to Crab Island provides lots of entertainment and will take you to some of the best snorkeling spots in Destin. They have snorkeling equipment, paddle boarding equipment, kayaks, floats, Bluetooth speakers, and the important ice chest.

They provide life jackets, but if you have smaller children, they don’t carry life jackets for them, so you will need to have your own or check with them before you arrive.

➡️ BOOK Private Captained Pontoon to Crab Island with Dolphin Cruise

4. Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter with Captain

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

The private double-slide pontoon charter makes for an exciting option if you are looking to visit Crab Island. This is one of the only privately chartered pontoon boats with slides you will find.

We love using the slides on these pontoon boats. Our kids go down them over and over. Keep in mind that the weather in Destin can be chilly for some in the winter months through about March, so you may not be swimming much in the winter months.

First time in Destin and everyone said to experience Crab Island. It did not disappoint. Will do it every time we come back.

– Greg C (Read more reviews)

We love visiting Crab Island and the beautiful emerald waters in Destin, Florida. If you have a chance to visit, this double-decker pontoon boat with slides and awesome inflatable toys is one we really enjoy.

➡️ BOOK Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter with Captain

Destin Dolphin Cruises 

5. Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

We have loved our dolphin-watching tours in Destin. We go on these tours all the time, and our kids love them. They are perfect for little kids because they are not super long, and we almost always see dolphins.

We enjoy smaller tours like this one because it is a more intimate experience, and the speed boats are extra fun. If you’re looking for things to do in Destin with kids, this is a great option.

We enjoyed seeing the dolphins and the thrill of the ride on the speed boat. Would recommend this tour to others.

– Belinda S (Read More Reviews)

If you want something a little more exciting than your typical dolphin-watching cruise, this is going to be the tour for you.

➡️ BOOK Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise

PRO TIP: Keep an eye on the inclement weather when taking a Crab Island excursion or any other adventure that requires a boat. Some of us get seasick very easily, and it makes our boat tips not as nice if there are big waves, which happen during rough weather. If the weather could be bad you may try to reschedule if possible. 

6. Flippers Adventures Dolphin Cruise

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

Flippers is a great economical dolphin tour. The tour boat is large and fits a lot of people, which is great just to sit and relax and enjoy the ride while you view dolphins.

This tour is your typical dolphin boat tours in Destin, FL for the family. Everyone who goes on this tour has fun, including us, relaxing and viewing the great scenery.

Great company! I certainly recommend the tour, when we’re in Destin I will go out again. We received so much more than what we paid for. The crew was safety conscious & informative, they were determined to find whales. We were fortunate to see a shark as well.

– Peggy S (Read more reviews)

These Destin dolphin tours are great for viewing dolphins because there are always dolphins.

We have never gone on one of these tours and not seen dolphins, but depending on the time of year and if you are lucky, you can see a lot of other fun animals like sea turtles or manta rays in these beautiful waters.  

➡️ BOOK Flippers Adventures Dolphin Cruise

Sunset Boat Trips in Destin, Florida  

7. ORIGINAL Destin Tikis Sunset Cruise in Destin Harbor

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

The Tiki Sunset cruise is awesome for many reasons. Not only do you get to experience the beautiful skyline, but the tiki cruise allows you to do it at your own private bar.

You cannot purchase drinks, but the tiki hut is BYOB, so you can bring your own beverage or food of your choosing while relaxing in one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

Seeing the dolphins and the sunset were my favorite highlights from our tiki cruise experience. It was to celebrate my friends 36th birthday and she enjoyed every minute. Our captain Mike was a great guide and was able to spot bottlenose dolphins.

– Latavia (read more reviews)

These cruises are very popular, so if you are interested in this Destin sunset cruise, make sure you do your best to plan ahead because the best options fill up much faster.

➡️ BOOK Tikis Sunset Cruise in Destin Harbor

8. Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin Harbor

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 45 minutes ⎸Check Rates and Availability

For those looking for more excitement in their sunset cruise, the sunset dolphin-watching cruise is what you need. This is a sunset cruise on a 14-passenger custom speed boat.

Not only do you get a great sunset, but you get to experience it at a faster pace at times.

Trent and Savvy were excellent hosts! Trent took us on a heck of a ride! It was a great time. Will definitely book them again! The small group size was perfect!

– Ellie D (read more reviews)

What we really like about the speedboat rides in Destin, Fl is that the dolphins really like to jump in their wake. They will follow the boat’s wake and almost surf in the waves, so you have a really good chance to see dolphins playing right behind you as you watch the beautiful city skyline.

The tour is a bit shorter than many, but you will see the same stuff because the boat gets you around faster. 

➡️ BOOK Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

9. Private Sunset Cruise in Destin and Fort Walton Beach

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 to 3 hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

A private sunset cruise that is affordable can be hard to find. This private sunset cruise is an economical price for up to a group of 6 people.

You will see the beautiful coastline of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The tour does not offer food and drink, but they provide a cooler to keep everything cold.

Very easy to book our trip and very friendly staff at check in. Our captain, Glen, was amazing! Very engaging and entertaining! Tailored the trip for what we were looking for and made great suggestions.

– Jeff F (Read more Reviews)

If you are interested in booking this cruise, make sure you book early. The cruise is likely to sell out, especially during the busy times of the year.

➡️ BOOK Private Sunset Cruise

Private Chartered Boat Trips  

10. Sailing Adventures 3-Hour Activity in Destin

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

Private charters sailing adventures are a great way to spend a day on your Destin vacation. If you are not into sharing cruises in Destin, FL with others, you will enjoy your experience with the #1 Catamaran sailing charter.

You will get to snorkel and visit Crab Island, and if you take the sunset cruise, you will get a great sunset at no extra charge.

We had a great time the place was easy to find and couldn’t be more convenient getting on the boat. Captain Bill was helpful and knowledgeable of the area. We saw several pods of dolphins and even stopped to snorkel with some Rays that were hanging around the shallows.

– Tripadvisor Reviewer (read morer reviews)

These catamarans are so fun. It is super romantic and relaxing when you hang out on the front trampoline.

You don’t have to sit in your typical boat seats, and you get to lay down and relax. We loved these experiences when we went.

➡️ BOOK Sailing Adventures in Destin

11. Day Tour to Harbor Lights

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 to 8 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

If you are going to be in the Destin, Florida area with your friends or family looking a private cruises on a luxury yacht this is your adventure.

They cater to everyone. If you are on a honeymoon, family adventure, birthday party, bachelorette or bachelor party, or a group of retirees looking to relax, this is for you.

The BEST!!! We will rent a tour from him every time we are in town!! We had a blast me & my family!!

– Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews)

The excursion includes food and beverages. The food is of the snack bar variety and pop, so if you think you might want something more than that, you may want to bring your own.

➡️ BOOK Day Tour to Harbor Lights

Fishing Boat Trips

12. Family Fun Combo: Dolphins, Fishing & Swimming (Flowing Water Charters)

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1 Day ⎸Check Rates and Availability

This is one of the perfect family Destin cruises if you want to do a little bit of everything. We love all the things you get to do on this tour.

You get to go fishing, look for dolphins, and hit up Crab Island. You cannot go wrong with any of those activities.

Robert was fantastic! I would highly recommend this tour for a family. We saw a lot of dolphins and caught some fish. Crab Island was a lot of fun too!

– Jason E (Read more reviews)

Going fishing in Destin, is a must. I go fishing every time we visit. Destin is known for some great fishing. To catch some awesome fish, you do not need to travel out in the ocean as far as many other places.

This is also a great tour because you can split up your time, making the whole family happy.

However, a pro tip, if you get seasick at all, is to take Dramamine the night before and the day of your trip. If you want something more powerful than Dramamine, make sure you bring your contingency medical kit like we do. It has prescription motion sickness pills in the kit that are very handy.

➡️ BOOK Family Fun Combo Trip in Destin

13. Two-Hour Kids Fishing Charter

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability

If you want to go on a fishing trip in Destin but do not want to be out all day, you will be happy with this two-hour fishing charter. It is great for kids and those who have not been out on a fishing charter before.

You get to have an experience that is not too long, but it is long enough that you will catch fish.

Captain Josh was great! He was patient with my kids and worked hard to get them on the fish. He kept us out until they both caught some fish and that was much appreciated. They will remember this for a long time!

– Rodney H (Read more reviews)

It never takes us very long to catch fish in Destin. There are some great locations where these professional captains know how to get you some fish, even if you are not out on the water all day.

They provide everything you will need and will clean the fish afterward so they are ready for you to take them home and fry them up.

➡️ BOOK Two-Hour Kids Fishing Charter

FAQ: Boat Trips in Destin, Florida

Conclusion: Boat Trips in Destin, Florida

The Emerald Coast and its beautiful natural habitat are breathtaking. We love enjoying the green waters and the many different Destin boat tours that are offered in the Destin area. The area is very family-friendly and caters to many different types of families.

It does not matter if you are looking for an adventure tour or a relaxing sunset dolphin cruise. A fun boat cruise is the perfect way to spend time together with your friends or family. We enjoy them whenever we are adventuring in the pristine waters in Destin, Florida and the surrounding areas. 

If you are looking for other fun things to do, especially if you’re visiting with kids, we recommend heading out onto the beach at night and looking for ghost crabs. We have found them all along the Gulf Coast beaches and always have a great time finding them.