Organized watersports excursions are a fantastic way to explore the emerald green waters of Destin, but sometimes it’s nice to be your own captain. For those seeking to enjoy aquatic adventures on their own schedule, renting a boat or a private custom charter is the perfect option! Here’s a sampling of places to explore with a Destin boat rental.

Crab IslandCrab Island- Arguably the most popular boating destination in Destin, Crab Island is not only picturesque with its shallow, crystal clear waters, but it is also full of fun activities. At Crab Island, you can relax on your boat, float in the water, join a game of water volleyball, eat at a floating restaurant, play on a giant inflatable water park, or even listen to bands playing on a floating stage. Crab Island is certainly unique, and is a must-visit destination if you’re looking to rent a boat in Destin.

places to explore in destin flGulf Islands National Seashore- The Gulf Islands National Seashore consists of approximately 4 miles of natural, undeveloped seashore along the Choctawhatchee Bay. The seashore is the perfect place to pull up on your rental boat and relax in private with your family and friends. Comb the shore for seashells and driftwood, snorkel along the shallows for glimpses of sealife, or soak up some sun in quiet solitude from the comfort of your boat.

tubing in destinJoe’s Bayou- Joe’s Bayou is a protected inlet with no no-wake laws, making it the perfect place to take the family tubing, wakeboarding, or jet skiing. Many of the houses that dot the shoreline are magnificent and the bayou can also be a fun place to sight-see.

Norriego Point- Another popular boater’s hangout is Norriego Point, located at the very tip of Holiday Isle. Norriego Point separates the Destin Harbor from the East Pass and offers beautiful scenery and sugar white sand to lounge upon, while you watch other boats go by. Pull up on the beach and join the other boaters for a party or keep to yourself and people-watch.

Destin’s East Jetties- The Destin jetties are a popular snorkel destination. You can find these large rock formations at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico in the East Pass. The rocks were placed there decades ago by the Army Corps of engineers to help stop erosion and have become a marine habitat to various species of fish, crabs, and other sealife. Destin’s emerald green waters provide the perfect backdrop for viewing sealife underwater and are a must-visit if snorkeling is on your list of activities to try.