For instance, the Atlantic spotted dolphin can periodically be seen in the Indian Ocean from the coast of Destin. Best of all, the waters off Destin-Fort Walton Beach host Atlantic spotted dolphins in addition to the more common bottlenose dolphin, and they can be seen all year round. It is known for its white sand beaches and emerald green waters. People riding scooters, cycling, and walking everywhere means you need to leave ample time to get to your destination if youre driving. Sunsets on the Emerald Coast are a fantastic way to end the day. While spring in Florida can be very lovely temperature-wise, it is when a lot of young people head there for spring break. Many visitors choose to stay on the high floors of beachfront hotels, because with a pair of binoculars dolphins can be spotted from the balconies. Aside from excursions, events, and restaurants, theres a boatload of water sports adventures in which you can revel. Average Low = 40 degrees. Southern Star dolphin tours include a glass bottom boat tour narrated by an expert familiar with local wildlife. On your excursion around the gulf, you may even get a chance to spot some dolphins out in the wild. Need more insight to for the best family vacation activities? We all know that Florida is called the sunshine state because it is sunny most of the year. Reach out to us at. If you dont want the hassle or expense of renting a car, then there is always the option of hiring a taxi or Uber or Lyft driver to take you there and back. Bottlenose dolphins typically have lightly-colored bellies and are blue-grey. Renowned for their acrobatic abilities and goofy personalities, dolphins are exciting to watch. For those who want to see cool animals but dont feel the need to get up THAT close to them, there is the Shark & Turtle Channel where you can watch trainers feed sea turtles, nurse sharks and other native fish and marine life. From WEST of Destin (Ft Walton Beach, Pensacola) Take Hwy 98 East to Destin over the Destin Bridge. As such, this time of year is perfect for dolphin watching. Youll also be close to Big Kahunas Water & Adventure Park, which kids absolutely love. The center features over 85 stores and restaurants, a movie theater, a large shaded splash pad, and a playground for the kiddos. A kids area has a giant play structure and kid-friendly slides. Visitors can interact with dolphins, sea lions, seals, stingrays, and more in a safe and fun environment. Tickets are only $5, so there is no reason to miss out on this museum. Its an unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once. 302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 One of the best ways to spy on these wonderful animals is first thing in the morning when they feed. Avoid swimming with dolphins in the wild. To get there you have three main options: If you are flying into Florida and plan on making a lot of day trips during your vacation, then it may make sense to rent a car so you and your family can come and go as you please. For instance, the Atlantic spotted dolphin can periodically be seen in the Indian Ocean from the coast of Destin. Average Rainfall = 5.4 inches. If youre ever in Destin, check out this wonderful park. But the BIG finale of this program is experiencing the belly ride. Pods frequently work together to hunt schools of fish. Situated on the Emerald Coast of northwest Florida, it's known for its crystal-clear waters and sugar-white sand beaches. They do a fantastic job answering all the questions kids come up with. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is the place to be for aquatic adventure on Okaloosa Island. Phone: 800-322-3319 Not only is it home to dozens of alligators, but you can feed them, hold them, and even get your picture taken with them. A guided dolphin cruise ferries passengers to renowned dolphin-sighting spots. From Memorial Day all through mid-August, you can expect a spike in the prices. Nonetheless, the most commonly spotted dolphins in Destin are the Tursiops truncates or bottlenose dolphins. I remember wading (and waiting) in the water for the dolphins to show up. Tips For Visiting Crab Island (Destin FL) - Florida Trippers Additionally, summer marks the fireworks season every week, usually at Destin Disney World. Miramar Beach Dolphin Tours - Sunshine Water Sports Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and searching for shells. A foolproof way of attempting to catch a glimpse of dolphins is from a double-decker boats upper deck. New Zealand's and Western Australia's dolphin watching seasons start in October and November whereas Belize and Sri Lanka typically pick up the binoculars around the end of the year in December. 11 answers. The shuttle boat allows you to bring a cooler for food and drinks and lasts about 2-3 hours. There are many different types of dolphins that live in the Gulf of Mexico. When trying to decide what to wear for a dolphin cruise, the best thing to do is to check the weather, as most dolphin cruises take place aboard uncovered and open-air boats. Best places to see dolphins in Destin-Fort Walton Beach 20 Ways To Get To Know Dolphins In Florida 1. In fact, the only days the Gulfarium is closed are Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Do dolphin cruises guarantee dolphin sightings? If youre feeling adventurous, you can also go fishing or sailing in Harbor Walk Village. You thought Gulf World ONLY offered dolphin swim programs? After all, its just a brief shower, even on a high percentage of rain prediction. Typically, males outnumber females in this region; however, females visit the region seasonally for mating (between May and August), which adds both to the dolphin population as well as the chances of spotting them. Its common for dolphin watching tours in the Destin area to offer fewer trips during the winter months due to reduced number of visitors to the area. And with a running lineup of exciting local events and festivals, theres always something to do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach! Most of the rainfall of the year is experienced in summer. Admission is around $35 for Adventure Park, about $53 for the water park, and around $73 for both parks. Reach out to us at Destiny Water Adventures today. Key West: Fury Water Adventures Meet dolphin in their native habitat: wild and free in Key West's back country with Fury Water Adventures. Therefore, upon spotting one dolphin, chances are, a few more are lurking in the area. Contrary to the assumption that your pontoon boat must move at the slowest possible speed to spot dolphins, the truth is, these animals enjoy the wake. Take in scenic views of the famous Destin Harbor, learn about Destin's history, and enjoy the fresh ocean air. Many visitors decide to remain on the high floors of beachfront hotels because these mammals can be easily spotted from the balconies. Purchase a Gift Certificate Departure is from our Destin Location $25 / ages 3 & up Sunset Dolphin Cruise 1.5 hour Cruise Ages 2 & Under $5.00 per infant / toddler Check for times book now $20 / per adult Day Dolphin Cruise 1.5 hour Cruise Children Ages 3-12 $15.00 per child Plus, the weather is nice, yet the beaches do not have nearly as many people as during the height of summer. Boats can remain within Choctawhatchee Bay, with dolphins often seen swimming below the Destin Bridge. Several charter companies offer deep-sea fishing trips, and they can provide all of the equipment and expertise you need to catch fish. Walking along gives you fantastic views of Fishermans Wharf and bobbing boats and fancier yachts docked at the Yacht Club. Youll create memories that will last a lifetime, and you might even see some unique wildlife up close. A bottlenose dolphin will typically be a blue-gray color, and have lightly-colored bellies. Destin, Florida Panhandle . From catching a magic show to exploring the Gulfarium Marine . You can enjoy live music or take a walk along the waterfront. Destin-FWB.com is your source for travel on the Emerald Coast! Its no secret that dolphins are one of the most popular animals in Destin, Florida. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, whether youre looking to shop, dine, or take in the incredible views. At Destiny Water Adventures, we offer full-day or half-day charters of our pontoon boats. Destin Commons is an outdoor lifestyle shopping center in the heart of Destin, Florida. Reach out to Destiny Water Adventures today. Panama City E-Bike Tour 75 from $81.34 Destin, Florida Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise 17 from $55.00 Destin, Florida Small-Group Banana Boat Ride at Miramar Beach Destin 51 from $39.95 Destin, Florida Destin Dash Scavenger Hunt 11 from $22.00 Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here Overview It is worth noting that dolphins are usually found in clusters of 4 to 7 in shallower areas. Its when the locals come out of a hiatus after the intense summer to delight in all the festivities and fishing events that come with the season. The park has a public beach and well-maintained amenities making for an easy and relaxing day at the beach. Dolphins tend to be more active in the morning and mid-afternoon when the waters tend to be calmer and there is less boat traffic, but you can see dolphins just about any time. We offer daily Destin Dolphin and Sunset Cruises as well as Dolphin Sunset Cruises from Okaloosa Island. A few days in July is similarly priced to a few weeks during the winter. A guided dolphin cruise ferries passengers to renowned dolphin-sighting spots. Need more insight to for the best family vacation activities? Regardless of whether youre yearning to party at. Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin . With beautiful beach fronts views and a wide variety of shops, it is easy to spend hours at The Boardwalk. There is something for everyone at the Boardwalk, from young families to retirees. Regardless of whether youre yearning to party at Crab Island, cruise the Choctawhatchee Bay, or spot dolphins in Destin, we provide the perfect pontoon boat charters for a memorable trip. Wild dolphins have a reputation for being very friendly toward humans, although its important to note that actually touching dolphins is not allowed and is punishable by up to a several thousand dollar fine. When it comes to deep-sea fishing, Destin, Florida, is one of the best places. View Hotel. Even teenagers will have a great time. Destin Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Cruises Best Times To Visit Destin. This amazing aquarium has been entertaining both locals and visitors alike for decades with awesome animals, spectacular shows, exceptional exhibits, and so much more! During this program, youll get to spend some time hugging and splashing around with your new pals. Whether youre looking for a place to relax or have fun, the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island will not disappoint. The Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida - The Good Life Destin While dolphins are definitely one of the main attractions, they arent the only stars of the show! Sun 10am-4pm, Phone: 877-574-5123 Your boat driver will speed up or slow down, depending on what kind of adventure you want to have. December is the best time to visit Destin if you want a warmer climate for the holidays. Fall is an incredible time to visit Destin. February 19th to May 27th. The white sand beaches and emerald waters are amazing to see. Whats more, the beaches are unarguably breathtaking in the months of fall. Need more insight to for the best family vacation activities? $150-2 Hour Waverunner Dolphin Tour-Destin location. Please be cautious of the dolphins (and other sea-dwelling creatures) that might be nearby. Admission for non-Florida residents is $23.95 for adult guests, age 23 to 61, $22.95 for seniors, and $15.95 for children, age 3 to 12. No matter your interests, you will find something to do in Harbor Walk Village in Destin. With over 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, it is a great way to take a break from the sun and have a fantastic time. Youll also get to pet, cradle and feed the stingrays. And what better way to enjoy the Florida coastline than renting a jet ski or Waverunner? They dont migrate as the waters of the Emerald Coast remain warm all year. The park offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and is conveniently located near many popular attractions. So whether you want to spend your days on the beach or explore all Destin offers, you will have a great time.