Kayaking in Destin: Paddle Gulf Island National Seashore

Paddle past dolphins and secluded islands only reachable by water.

Rent a single or tandem kayak in Destin or Fort Walton Beach and paddle through Gulf Island National Seashore, where you'll navigate emerald waters past white sand beaches and lush vegetation. The rental includes a safety briefing on local waterways, paddles, life jackets and a whistle. Watch for dolphins, seabirds and manatees as you explore secluded islands accessible only by water, with sessions lasting one or two hours depending on the option you choose.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 39 to US$ 59.01 per group, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

One-hour tandem kayak adventure 13 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:30

Tandem kayak rental for two hours 11 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 14:30 Lasts 2 hours

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What’s included

• A single or tandem kayak.
• paddles.
• life jacket and whistle.
• instructional briefing about local waterways and kayak operation.
• free parking.

Times

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• Every day except Wednesday 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30
• Wednesday 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00

Information

Paddle through Gulf Island National Seashore from Destin or Fort Walton Beach in a tandem kayak with safety briefing, paddles and life jacket included.

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

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

Low physical effort Pets welcome

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

4.00 ★★★★★ Very good 8 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

Gulf Island National Seashore's waters are shallow and calm, built for paddlers of all skill levels. You get a kayak rated for up to two people, paddles, a life jacket and a safety briefing from experienced staff before you push off. The staff covers how to operate the kayak and what to watch for in the local waterways: practical knowledge that keeps the paddle smooth and the experience worry-free. Free parking is included, so you can load up and head straight to the water.

The emerald waters themselves are the draw. Secluded islands dot the seashore, reachable only by kayak, and the paddle takes you past white sand beaches and vegetation that feels removed from the crowded parts of the coast. Dolphins show up regularly; seabirds wheel overhead; manatees surface occasionally. The water is clear enough to see what's below, and the pace is entirely yours: no schedule, no group, just the sound of the paddle and the Gulf.

You choose between a one-hour or two-hour rental, both in tandem kayaks that seat two people. Children can come along if they're with an adult, and the kayak holds them just as easily as it holds two adults. The rental covers everything you need to paddle. You bring only yourself and decide how far out you want to go.

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.

What wildlife might I see while kayaking in Gulf Island National Seashore?

Dolphins, seabirds and manatees are common sights in the emerald waters around Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The shallow, calm conditions make it easy to spot them as you paddle through the seashore.

Can I take my child kayaking in Destin?

Children can paddle with you in a tandem kayak as long as they're accompanied by an adult. The minimum age to rent is 18 years for the adult renting the kayak, and children must wear a life jacket like everyone else.

What's included in the kayak rental?

The rental includes a single or tandem kayak, paddles, a life jacket, a whistle, a safety briefing on local waterways and operation, and free parking. You'll get instruction on how to use the kayak before you head out.

How long does a kayaking session last?

You can rent for one hour or two hours, depending on which option you choose at checkout. Both rentals cover the same waters and equipment. The difference is how much time you spend on the water.

Are the kayaks easy to paddle if I've never kayaked before?

The kayaks are designed for all skill levels, and the staff provides a safety briefing and brief lessons before you paddle. The waters of Gulf Island National Seashore are calm and shallow, making them forgiving for beginners.

Operated by Destiny Water Adventures. 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