Jet Ski Dolphin Tour from Destin: Ride Your Own

Glide through quiet bays and open Gulf waters in small, thrilling groups

A guided jet ski dolphin tour from Destin where you ride your own watercraft through Choctawhatchee Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico to spot wild dolphins. Your local guide leads small groups to dolphin hotspots while you take in views of emerald waters and white sand beaches. No prior jet ski experience is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided jet ski dolphin tour

• Ride your own jet ski
• Follow local guide through bay
• Search for wild dolphins
• Enjoy views of emerald waters and beaches
• Listen to guide pointing out wildlife and landmarks

The experience

You've got a free afternoon in Destin and want something more active than a crowded boat tour. This jet ski tour puts you in control: you ride your own watercraft from Gilligan's Watersports in Destin Harbor, following your guide through the scenic bay and out into the Gulf. The small group size means you're not jostling for position or waiting for someone else to spot the dolphins. You're out there searching the water yourself, with your guide pointing out where to look and what you're seeing along the way.

The route takes about two hours and covers calm bays and open water as you cruise past white sand beaches and coastal landmarks. Your guide handles the navigation to the dolphin hotspots while you focus on the ride and the wildlife. No boating experience is necessary, though anyone born in 1988 or later will need a valid boater's license to operate the jet ski. The combination of speed, scenery, and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat is what sets this apart from the stationary vantage point of a traditional tour boat.

What’s included

• Dolphin tour guide.
• use of jet ski.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 10:30 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 8

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 40

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Book the Coast

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to operate your own jet ski instead of watching from a boat. You'll control speed and direction to chase dolphins yourself rather than wait for them to appear.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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.

Do I need to know how to operate a jet ski before booking this tour?

No prior jet ski experience is required. Your guide will provide instruction and lead the group, so you can focus on the ride and watching for dolphins.

What happens if I spot a dolphin? Do we stop and get closer?

Your guide knows the dolphin hotspots and will navigate to areas where dolphins are active. You'll cruise through their habitat and observe them in the wild as your guide points out what you're seeing.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll be on the jet ski the entire time, and life jackets are part of the standard safety setup.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay extra for?

Your jet ski rental and the guide are included. At check-in, you'll choose between a $25 damage protection option covering up to $500 or accept a $500 security deposit.