5 Awesome Places To Snorkel In Destin & Best Tours

If you’ve got Destin, Florida on your travel radar, we have you covered with some fun things to do. 

Destin has always been one of my favorite places to visit. With its soft white sand, stunning emerald waters, and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot for a beach getaway.
 
I’ve been lucky enough to explore a lot of what Destin has to offer, from boat tours to beach days, to Crab Island.
 
That being said, I’ve spent plenty of time at all the best snorkeling locations.
 
So if you’re planning a snorkeling adventure in Destin, here’s my guide to the top spots, based on what I’ve seen and learned along the way.
 

Here Are Several Destin Snorkeling Tours That We Recommend

Our Top 3 Picks: Destin Snorkeling Tours!

1. 4-Hour Private Yacht Tour To Crab Island From Sandestin

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️     Length: 4 Hours      Check Rates Here

Get ready for an unforgettable sealife adventure with your friends or the entire family on this 4-hour private yacht tour to Miramar Beach. 

On the way from Choctawhatchee Bay to Crab Island keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and abundant marine life.

When you reach your first stop, it’s time to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on floats and paddleboards provided.

Plus you’ll experience personalized attention along the way making you and your group feel extra special on this private half-day tour.

The yacht is equipped with a cooler for your favorite drinks and speakers for you to play your playlist.

Plus, included in the tour price are snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and floats, as well as a restroom onboard ensuring a comfortable experience. 

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“My family had a great time. The kids loved the paddle boards. This trip is a must if you’re in the Destin area!”

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Learn more about this fantastic 4-hour excursion on a private yacht tour to Crab Island from Sandestin now. 

✅ What’s included in this tour: 

• Bottled water

• Use of Snorkeling equipment

• Paddleboards

• Floating docks

2. Private Chartered Pontoon Boat – Up To 16 Guests Island Time

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 2-8 Hours      Check Rates Here

Hop on board and sail wherever your heart desires along the Destin coastline with your very own privately chartered pontoon boat tour. 

Gather up to fifteen of your closest friends for a Gulf of Mexico adventure that’s as laid-back as it gets. 

Want to check out the hype at Crab Island?

Or maybe you’re in the mood for some dolphin watching around Destin Harbor? It’s your call! 

You can laze around on a white sand sandbar or dive into the action with the captain’s snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and lily pads. 

This tour lets you be the captain of your own ship (well, almost), and the friendly captain is there to help you navigate the way and be your knowledgeable guide. 

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“We had a great time on Island Time II. The crew was friendly and helpful with all the toys set up and ready. They also offer a shuttle bus to the dock for an additional fee that I highly recommend.”

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It’s your day, your adventure, and your rules! Sound like a great way to see Destin’s best spots with your friends? Book this tour now!

✅ What’s included in this tour:

• Use of Snorkeling equipment

• Paddle Boards

• Bottled water

√ Book this Private Chartered Pontoon Boat – Up To 16 Guests Island Time

3. Private Club Island Pontoon Charter With Inflatables

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 4 Hours      Check Rates Here

This next tour involves setting sail in your very own private luxury tri-toon in Destin.

Make your way to the famous Crab Island, where you’ll drop anchor to explore the beauty of the Emerald Coast. 

Your package includes a luxurious pontoon boat ride, a floating lily pad for lounging, an inflatable paddleboard, an inflatable kayak, a Bluetooth speaker for your tunes, and of course a snorkel mask for underwater exploration. 

Just remember to bring along your cooler stocked with your favorite food and drinks, and any personal essentials you’ll need for the day. 

Your captain will handle everything else, from driving the boat to setting up, inflating, and deflating the inflatables at the end of your adventure. 

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“So much fun! Our captain Nick was great! I would highly recommend this excursion to Crab Island! We all had a blast!”

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This unique experience is perfect for groups of up to 12 passengers, which makes it a popular choice for celebrations, family holidays, or getaways with your friends. 

✅ What’s included in this tour:

• Use of snorkeling equipment

• Private transport

4. Private Chartered Luxury Pontoon Boat In Destin – Up To 6 Guests

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 2-8 Hours      Check Rates Here

Escape to Destin’s pristine beaches on your private luxury pontoon charter. 

Step aboard an Avalon slide pontoon boat, perfect for you and up to five friends or family members. 

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Destin with the captain’s snorkeling gear and paddleboards.

And you have the freedom to set your course, whether it’s a visit to the lively Crab Island or heading on a dolphin tour. 

And don’t forget to ask about harbor tours, dolphin and sunset cruises, and other fantastic experiences your captain recommends.

It’s your day to create unforgettable memories on the water!

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“Captain Kylie was the best! We had a wonderful time on the pontoon. We will definitely be coming back!”

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✅ What’s included in this tour:

• Use of snorkeling equipment

• 1 paddle board 

• Bottled water

5. Destin Private Catamaran And Snorkeling Tour

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 3 Hours      Check Rates Here

You know those amazing Gulf beaches in the Florida Panhandle? Well, Fort Walton Beach is right up there with the best of the best.

And guess what? You can experience the magic of those white sands meeting beautiful emerald waters firsthand with this private catamaran and snorkeling trip.

Hop onboard with a friendly local captain, and before you know it you’re off to Destin’s famous Crab Island.

You’ll have plenty of time to snorkel, swim, and just chill at this local gem before heading back to shore. 

The best part? Short sailing times mean more time at Crab Island.

Grab the catamaran’s snorkeling gear, dive into the beautiful waters, and discover the underwater world. 

And when you’re ready to relax, sink into comfy bean bag chairs on the boat and grab a cool drink from the cooler.

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“Kip was a great captain and we really enjoyed the ride. He took us where we wanted to go and it was fun to have the boat just to ourselves.”

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Feel like bringing your own snacks or drinks? Go for it! 

Or you can munch on some snacks from Crab Island vendors.

It’s all about making memories under the sun, and this tour’s got you covered.

✅ What’s included in this tour:

• Use of snorkeling equipment

• Restroom onboard

• Free parking

• Cooler with ice

• Bean bag chairs

• Sound system

6. Family Friendly Snorkeling And Dolphin Tour

Tour Rating: 4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 3 Hours      Check Rates Here

This next tour isn’t just an underwater adventure; it’s a crash course in marine life. 

You’ll kick things off in Fort Walton Beach, where you can jump into Gulf Coast waters for some epic snorkeling. 

The crew knows these waters like the back of their hands and will be your guides to finding local underwater critters, hunting for seashells, or simply soaking up some rays – there’s something here for everyone.

Once you’re back on board, you’ll cruise through the bay, keeping an eye out for marine life hanging out on the Emerald Coast.

Next, you’ll swing by the famous Crab Island and the Gulf of Mexico, where you’ll spot everything from sharks and dolphins to manatees and sea turtles.

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“Fun trip seeing dolphins and snorkeling. Great time! Loved the crab race!!! Very fun the whole family enjoyed it!”

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But the fun doesn’t stop there. 

As you make it out of the marina, cruise along the scenic Santa Rosa Sound, where you’ll find the stunning white sands of Okaloosa Island.

✅ What’s included in this tour:

• Bottled water

• Use of Snorkeling equipment

• Restroom on board

7. Snorkeling And Dolphin Watching Experience In Destin

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 3 Hours      Check Rates Here

Prepare for an ultimate Emerald Coast dolphin and snorkel adventure with this final tour!

Your guide’s local expertise guarantees an amazing experience you simply cannot get on your own day trips.

A scenic cruise will treat you to local wildlife sightings before you even reach the snorkeling spot in Choctawhatchee Bay.

Dive in to search for seashells, spot schools of fish, and perhaps a sea turtle.

Refresh with provided water and choose from additional drinks and snacks (for a small fee) aboard the new 2023 45′ Corinthian Catamaran.

After an hour of snorkeling and having the best time, you’ll head back to the starting point on the beautiful catamaran.

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“Was an amazing experience! The dolphins were so active and snorkeling was super fun, I’m glad we chose this one, amazing crew members as well.”

Mitchell_H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅ What’s included in this tour:

• Bottled water

• Mask

Final Thoughts: Awesome Places To Snorkel In Destin

As you can see, there are several areas throughout Destin to try your hand at snorkeling!

Destin snorkeling tours offer a gateway to the underwater world of the Emerald Coast. 

Whether exploring the vibrant marine life, lounging on sandy shores, or paddle boarding, these tours are perfect for day on the water. 

From private catamarans to educational excursions, Destin’s snorkel trips are just waiting to be discovered.