Banana Boat Ride Destin: Small-Group Thrills at Miramar Beach

Fifteen minutes of speed on the water, dolphins sometimes alongside

A small-group banana boat ride at Miramar Beach in Destin, pulled by a USCG-licensed captain through the Emerald Coast's clear waters. The activity launches from the beach behind Pompano Joe's and includes a life vest. You can book all six seats for a private ride. Guides speak English and Spanish, and children from age 6 are welcome.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 45 to US$ 65 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Banana boat ride for small groups at Miramar Beach, Destin Available from 24 May 2027 Guide in English or Spanish

Dolphin cruise by banana boat Available from 13 Mar 2027 Guide in English or Spanish Get close to marine life on our exclusive banana boat dolphin cruise, departing straight from the beach. Duration: 25 minutes. Departs from the beach behind Pompano Joe's in Miramar Beach. Banana boat.

None of these options right for you? See 9 alternatives ›

What’s included

• Life vest.
• USCG-licensed captain.
• guide in English or Spanish.
• taxes and booking fees.

Times

4 similar tours departing soon ›

Next departure: 13 Mar 2027

Information

Ride a banana boat pulled by a USCG-licensed captain along Miramar Beach in Destin, with life vest included and a guide who speaks English or Spanish.

Group Up to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guide English and Spanish

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 1h before

Ages Adult (18 to 55 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort 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

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The experience

The boat launches directly from Miramar Beach behind Pompano Joe's in Destin. You board a banana boat (an inflatable tube towed behind a speedboat), and hold on as the captain pulls you across the Emerald Coast's clear water at speed. The ride lasts 15 minutes, which is short enough to fit into a beach day without eating the afternoon, but long enough to feel the full rush of it. Life vests are provided and worn throughout.

Marine life shows up often enough that it is worth watching for: sea turtles and dolphins pass through these waters regularly, and the captain will point them out if they appear. The boat stays in shallow, clear water where you can see down, and the ride is designed to be fun for families: children from age 6 can ride. If your group wants the boat to yourselves, you can book all six seats as a private ride instead of joining others.

The guide speaks English or Spanish and will brief you on what to expect before you launch. You need to be able to load from the beach on your own, and the operator asks that participants weigh less than 250 pounds and be in good physical condition. The activity is not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 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's the actual time commitment for a banana boat ride in Destin?

The ride itself is 15 minutes on the water. Add time to get to Pompano Joe's on Miramar Beach, change if needed, and get fitted with a life vest. Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes total from arrival to departure.

Will we actually see dolphins and sea turtles on the banana boat?

Sea turtles and dolphins are common in these waters and the captain watches for them, but sightings are not guaranteed. The Emerald Coast's clear water makes spotting wildlife more likely when they are present.

Can we book a private banana boat ride just for our group?

Yes. The banana boat holds six people, and you can book all six seats to have the boat to yourselves instead of riding with other groups.

Do I need to bring my own life vest or swimsuit?

Life vests are provided and included in the price. Bring a swimsuit or wear clothes you do not mind getting wet, since the ride involves speed and spray.

Is there a weight limit or fitness requirement?

Participants must weigh less than 250 pounds and be in good physical condition without mobility limitations. The activity is not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy, and you must be able to load from the beach on your own.

Operated by Ft. Walton Beach Parasail. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago