January . Crab Island is about 4 acres and has plenty of space for several fun activities. Therefore, upon spotting one dolphin, chances are, a few more are lurking in the area. Do dolphin cruises guarantee dolphin sightings? Dolphin Watching - Destin/Fort Walton Beach Travel Guide A. ferries passengers to renowned dolphin-sighting spots. We DARE you to try and not giggle through this entire program! There are plenty of restrooms, lockers, and options for eating. The animal shows and encounters all follow specific schedules depending on the season. Gulf World offers 2 types of dolphin swims and a dolphin encounter programs for individuals, families and large groups. And what better way to enjoy the Florida coastline than renting a jet ski or Waverunner? So whether youre looking to shop, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy some time outdoors, check out Destin Commons. Sunset CruiseCrab Island ExcursionDolphin ToursJet Ski RentalsPontoon Rentals, 322 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, It helps to be on the water for the highest likelihood of getting an up-close view of dolphins. Nonetheless, the most commonly spotted dolphins in Destin are the Tursiops truncates or bottlenose dolphins. Gulf World is home to two types of stingrays: the Cownose and Southern species. At times, these mammals can be seen in the waters of Destin Harbor. View Hotel. Now that youre aware of when and how to spot dolphins in Destin, its time to delve into the best time to visit the area. Some people think that you need to keep your pontoon boat at the slowest possible speed in order to see dolphins, but dolphins actually like the wake! A great way to try and catch a glimpse of dolphins is from the upper deck of a double-decker pontoon boat. Sunsets on the Emerald Coast are a fantastic way to end the day. The 4 Best Dolphin Tours in Destin, Florida - FloridaPanhandle.com Along the way, be on the lookout for sea life. The maximum amount of people is 6 per boat. Youll then also slip into the water to meet your new dolphin friends. They make you feel like youre part of the act, and their warmth and humor shine through even when theyre doing the most mind-boggling tricks. To help get the most of your getaway, our handy guide will give you insight into the best time of year to see dolphins in Destin, Florida. There is something for everyone at the Boardwalk, from young families to retirees. Most of the rainfall of the year is experienced in summer. Pontoon boats are great for groups of all sizes and provide plenty of room for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. You will laugh, cry, and be amazed by this mesmerizing show. The shuttle boat allows you to bring a cooler for food and drinks and lasts about 2-3 hours. From late spring to the end of summer, female dolphins from other areas flock to Destin when mating season rolls around. Sat 9am-4pm While spring in Florida can be very lovely temperature-wise, it is when a lot of young people head there for spring break. Many people find that early morning is a great time to spot dolphins. Destin dolphin tours and cruises are one of the best ways to witness dazzling dolphins in their natural habitat, and see the Emerald Coast from a whole new perspective. Youll have some time to simply interact with the dolphins, get them to do handshakes as well as just hug and kiss on them. Destin is known as the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village.. Boats can remain within Choctawhatchee Bay, with dolphins often seen swimming below the Destin Bridge. 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a must-see for any visit to the Gulf Coast. Destin Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Cruises They include zip-lining, fishing, fly-boarding, banana boat rides, parasailing, The beach is especially a sight for sore eyes during this period as the sea oats are in full bloom, adding abundant beauty to the landscape. The Atlantic spotted dolphin, for instance, can occasionally be seen off the coast of Destin and all the way to the Indian Ocean. Aside from excursions, events, and restaurants, theres a boatload of water sports adventures in which you can revel. Bearing this in mind, its canceling plans depending on the weather forecast isnt recommended. If youre up for a bit of a workout, rent a kayak and paddle over to Choctawhatchee Bay which is home to hundreds of dolphins. 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Destin (Florida) - Busy Tourist Be sure to check on availability if you are visiting in the off season. These shows go on for a period of 5 to 7 minutes. There is always something happening at Destin Commons, from live music performances to holiday celebrations. Dolphins live in groups (called pods) that usually consist of 10 30 members. Destin, Florida Panhandle . The Rodeo is one of the longest-running fishing tournaments in the United States. These captivating creatures are a sight to see, no matter if its from the shoreline, your beach condo, The Island Pier, or aboard a dolphin cruise! Waverunner dolphin tours are when multiple guests or groups come together for a common tour, which is led by a local and knowledgeable guide. A foolproof way of attempting to catch a glimpse of dolphins is from a double-decker boat's upper deck. It is known for its white sand beaches and emerald green waters. From EAST of Destin (Sandestin, Panama City) From Destin Commons (Bass Pro Shops), drive 4 miles on Hwy 98 West. Aside from excursions, events, and restaurants, theres a boatload of water sports adventures in which you can revel. Regarding the weather, although its hot, the humidity isnt uncomfortable as in September and August. It is possible to see dolphins from a number of spots in Destin. Fall In Destin: Mid-August to Mid-November, Tourist Demographic: Families, Adults, and Couples during Fall Break, Weather: Humid and hot in early fall but cooler evenings and lower humidity in the coming months. The Best Times to Spot Dolphins in Destin Many people find that early morning is a great time to spot dolphins. Well, weve done that part for you, and youll have a great time in and around Destin, Florida. Its truly a place where theres something for everyone. When safeand legal to do so, picking up the speed a little might make them easier to spot. Take in scenic views of the famous Destin Harbor, learn about Destin's history, and enjoy the fresh ocean air. The heaviest summer crowds have left, and the water is still sufficiently warm to revel in swimming. Many people choose to stay on higher floors of hotels and condos and gaze through a pair of binoculars at these beautiful creatures in the emerald waters of a sunrise or early afternoon. With that being said, if you or someone in your group has a tendency to get motion sickness, it is highly recommended to take motion sickness medicine, like Dramamine, for example, in advance. Destin on the Gulf. Swimming with dolphins should never be attempted in the wild. They can often be seen swimming alongside boats, and while they may not get too close to swimmers, they certainly dont pass up a chance to get your attention when youre in their space. So, if you see one dolphin, keep your eyes peeled for a few more in the area. So whether you want to spend your days on the beach or explore all Destin offers, you will have a great time. If you have a pool, that may be an okay option (if its summer anyway). Best time to visit Destin? The center features over 85 stores and restaurants, a movie theater, a large shaded splash pad, and a playground for the kiddos. Keep in mind that prices are at their peak in summer when it comes to activities, accommodation, and everything in between. The best times to head to Florida are during winter for sure and if thats not possible then spring. Just remember if you find yourself near the dolphins, avoid feeding or petting them for your own safety and that of these beautiful marine mammals. The test is available online here . The Gulf of Mexico is home to a number of different dolphin species, but the most commonly spotted here in Destin is the bottlenose dolphin. Things To Do In Destin Florida for Adults, 322 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW Wild Willys Adventure Zone is perfect for letting your inner child run wild! Marlin Grill located inside the village at Baytown Wharf in Miramar. September is always a lovely time to visit Destin. Public beaches are right next door as is The Track, a great place that offers go-karts, thrill rides and bumper boats. The park offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and is conveniently located near many popular attractions. Dolphins enjoy the warm water temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico, which accounts for the large year-round population along Northwest Floridas coast. This program also starts with the educational component. Keep in mind that in shallower areas, dolphins tend to be in groups of four to seven. Now that youre aware of when and how to spot dolphins in Destin, its time to delve into the best time to visit the area. Its clear that they love what they do, and it makes for a truly magical experience. A few other fees may apply. There are multiple boat rental services in Destin, do a little research to find what works best for you. The staff is very friendly and knows all about the alligators. Gator Beach Alligator Park is one of the coolest places in Destin. These pods frequently work together to hunt schools of fish. If youre looking for something fun to do with the family, away from crowds, this is a great option. Many companies offer pontoon boat rentals in Destin, so shop for the best deal. If you live in Canada or a part of the US where winters are harsh, then heading to Florida November through February makes sense. Youll perform hand targets (or rather, the dolphins with perform hand targets using YOUR hands). We went later in the afternoon, around 4 p.m. and saw several. They include pirate shows, pirate ship excursions, movies on the lawn, and the following top-rated kid-friendly restaurants where they can delight in a vast assortment of mouthwatering meals. [emailprotected], Visitors Center + Offices Snorkeling and Dolphin Tour 2023 - Destin - Viator Destin and Fort Walton Beach are both known far and wide for whimsical wildlife, enchanting emerald waters, spectacular sunsets, and scenic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The bigger and better fireworks shows occur on the 4th of July, so ensure you catch the action if youre in Destin in the summer. If you dont want the hassle or expense of renting a car, then there is always the option of hiring a taxi or Uber or Lyft driver to take you there and back. You can see dolphins from various spots in Destin. Youll also get to experience the exhilarating foot push, where the dolphins will skim you across the top of the water pushing you by the soles of your feet. In fact, there are many free and cheap ways to see dolphins in both Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Okay that was a clue. If youre looking for a place to have fun in the sun, theres no better destination than Destin, Florida. They include zip-lining, fishing, fly-boarding, banana boat rides, parasailing, jet-skiing, bungee jumping, stand-up paddle-boarding, and boating. Although predicting the habits and location of wild animals is nearly impossible, you can do a few tips and tricks, as discussed below, to boost your likelihood of spying a few dolphins. In the fall, late October to November is an excellent option with average temperature is still in the low 70s. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We took the 11 a.m. tour - dolphins a-plenty! General admission ranges from about $18 $25. From Memorial Day all through mid-August, you can expect a spike in the prices. We have onsite parking at our location. Yes, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is one of the only places in the area that can guarantee dolphin sightings, and is the perfect rainy-day activity for the whole family! If you and your family will be heading to Florida this year or your vacation, then we highly recommend you stay in Destin because it is such a pretty area with so much to do. When on a dolphin watching excursion in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, theres so much more to see than dolphins, from spectacular scenic views to other wonderful wildlife. While aboard get educated with our sea school which includes underwater viewing, dolphin encounters, bird feedings, sightseeing, crab trap discussions, and shrimp net operations where everyone can check out and identify our catch. A cacophony of sounds meldingsalsa, jazz,. Guided boat tours take passengers to well-known dolphin sighting spots. And youll still get to receive and unforgettable hug and watch the dolphins swim around you and do tricks that will absolutely delight you and everyone in your party. It helps to see dolphins if you are on a high hotel floor and have a good pair of binoculars! Wild dolphins have a reputation for being very friendly toward humans, although its important to note that actually touching dolphins is not allowed and is punishable by up to a several thousand dollar fine. To get there you have three main options: If you are flying into Florida and plan on making a lot of day trips during your vacation, then it may make sense to rent a car so you and your family can come and go as you please. Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a gorgeous Emerald Coast city in northwestern Florida. Also, dont forget to wave to all the friendly pirates youll encounter. Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise 2023 - Destin - Viator 302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 In fact, the only days the Gulfarium is closed are Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The boardwalk is also home to several boat rental companies, making it easy to explore the bay. This is truly and unique and special experience. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, its no wonder why this small town has become a popular vacation destination for tourists from all over. Double Fun Watersports offers half- and full-day charters of their new double-decker pontoon boats. Henderson Beach State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy a camping trip near Destin, Florida. The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is one of Floridas most popular tourist destinations. Or visit Jetty East to secure a condo with a view. Additionally, summer marks the fireworks season every week, usually at Destin Disney World. You can see dolphins in Namibia's Walvis Bay pretty much all year round, while the best time for dolphin conservation holidays in Greece is . With that being said, it is recommended to bring along a rain jacket or umbrella to use when walking to and from the shows and exhibits. As such, this time of year is perfect for dolphin watching. These same common dolphins would also be associated with traveling fin . If youre hoping to spot a bottlenose off the shore, take a pair of binoculars and hit the beach. Dolphins are most active in the morning, and after 2 p.m. Two-hour cruises with glass bottom boats depart from Destin Harbor into the Gulf of Mexico every day. Best time for dolphin watching - responsiblevacation.com The Best Time to Visit Destin, FL, US for Weather, Safety, & Tourism This is one of the most fun activities to do with your family. So pack up your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to Crab Island Sandbar for a fun day. 9:30am-11:30am. What do you get when you combine all of these terrific things into one family-fun activity? Keep in mind that prices are at their peak in summer when it comes to activities, accommodation, and everything in between. Talk about memorable! When it comes to deep-sea fishing, Destin, Florida, is one of the best places. Admission into the park is $6 per vehicle if you are just spending the day. Ive spoken to many people who said right after swimming with dolphins, this private banana boat tour was a definite highlight of their trip. The park is only a 10-minute drive from the heart of Destin, making it an easy day trip for the family. If your budget permits, build your own charter adventure with a private captain and vessel to see the dolphins at your leisure. We all know that Florida is called the sunshine state because it is sunny most of the year. Tips for Spotting Dolphins in Destin - doublefunwatersports.com Avoid swimming with dolphins in the wild. Tickets are only $5, so there is no reason to miss out on this museum. Dolphin Show at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. You will also enjoy gourmet treats at the hotels restaurant, which is no ordinary restaurant. Travelers are coming in droves to take advantage of the lower pricing of everything. The bay is home to various marine life, including dolphins and beautiful fish. Cattywampus has a dolphin and snorkel tour where you set anchor and get in the water for a closer look. Not only that, everyone in your group is sure to love searching for dazzling dolphins, especially on a Destin or Fort Walton Beach dolphin cruise! Many people find that early morning is a great time to spot dolphins. What is the Best Month to go to Destin, Florida? - TripShock Summer tourists comprise families with young children, which means theres no shortage of events and activities targeted towards them. Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers a tantalizing variety of waterfront dining options. Dolphins love the Emerald Coast, and can often be spotted from the shore, the Okaloosa Island fishing pier, or even from the Destin Harbor! The park has a playground, pavilions, and 41 picnic tables; the restrooms have changing tables. The weather is unpredictable but it's similar to March with a mixture of warm sunny days and some chilly nights at times. I remember the first time I ever got to swim with dolphins. April is also a great month to go but it can be quite busy due to spring break. You can see dolphins in Namibia's Walvis Bay pretty much all year round, while the best time for dolphin conservation vacations in Greece is . For those of you who like an adrenaline rush, there are high-speed boat tours you can take with131 of your closest friends (this is a very popular tour)or take a jet ski/wave runner guided tour of the best spot where dolphins are known to play.