Clear Kayak Sunset Paddle: Destin & Fort Walton Beach

Watch the underwater world light up as the sun drops over the marshes.

Sunset clear kayak paddling on Santa Rosa Sound near Destin and Fort Walton Beach, led by a CPR-certified local guide in groups of up to five kayaks. You paddle through salt marshes and hidden coves in a transparent kayak that shows the water below, while your guide points out native wildlife and coastal plants. The 1.5-hour evening tour launches from a quiet spot outside downtown Destin, away from boat traffic.

What’s included

• Clear kayak, paddles, seat and dry bag.
• lifejacket and whistle.
• expert local guide leading the paddle and sharing insights about wildlife and coastal plants.

Times

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• Every day 16:30

Last departure this season: 31 Aug 2027

Information

Paddle Santa Rosa Sound at sunset in a clear kayak with a local guide, watching the marsh come alive as the sun sets over the Emerald Coast near Destin.

Group Up to 10

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. See the exact address

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Pets welcome Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.47 ★★★★★ Very good 17 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

Santa Rosa Sound near Destin fills with color as the sun lowers, and a clear kayak puts you inside that light instead of watching it from shore. The kayak's transparent hull lets you see straight down into the water while you paddle through lush marshes, secluded beaches and ancient coastal dunes. Your guide (a local who knows the sound and its creatures) shares what lives in the marsh and how the ecosystem works, pointing out animals as they move through the evening light. The 1.5-hour paddle stays small: just five clear kayaks per tour, so you're not paddling in a crowd.

The launch sits outside the busy downtown Destin waterfront, which means quieter water and fewer boats crossing your path. You get a tandem kayak (or solo, depending on group size), paddles, a seat, a dry bag for your things, a lifejacket and a whistle. The guide leads the pace and chooses the route based on wind, tide and what's moving that evening. Paddlers of all skill levels join these tours, though winds and tides can shift how hard the paddle feels on any given night.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What can I actually see through the bottom of a clear kayak?

The transparent hull gives you a 360-degree view above and below the waterline, so you see the marsh plants, the sandy bottom and any fish or wildlife moving underneath as you paddle. It's the main reason people choose these kayaks over standard ones.

How far do we paddle in 1.5 hours?

The distance depends on wind, tide and where your guide finds wildlife worth watching. The tour covers salt marshes, hidden coves and secluded beaches near Destin and Fort Walton Beach, but the pace is set by the group and the conditions, not by a fixed distance.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

Paddlers of all skill levels are welcome. The guide leads the group and sets a pace that works for everyone. Kayaking can be physically demanding depending on wind and tide, so moderate fitness helps, and you should be comfortable in a boat on the water.

What's included in the tour price?

The clear kayak, paddles, seat, dry bag, lifejacket and whistle are all provided. Your guide is a CPR-certified local who leads the whole tour and shares knowledge about the wildlife and ecosystem.

When does the sunset tour actually start?

The tour is timed to chase the sunset, so the start time shifts with the season. You'll get the exact departure time when you book, and the operator asks that you arrive early during peak season (April through September) when traffic around Destin and Fort Walton Beach can cause delays.

Operated by Get Up and Go Kayaking Destin. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated today