One of the big attractions to Destin’s Beaches is parasailing. It is fun, exciting, scary, and beautiful all at the same time. Some of the questions we get regularly are, What is it like? Will I see sharks or any other sea creatures ? Is it scary? Will I get wet? All are great questions. Most of the answers can be found on the FAQ section here on Destin Beach Parasail’s website.  As far as marine life in Destin, Florida and along the Emerald Coast quite a lot of biodiversity lives just along the shore.

One of the rare species along Destin beaches is the Manatee. Not only rare in Destin this creature, otherwise known as a “sea cow,” is protected under the endangered species act. They can reach up to 3,000 pounds and can thrive in both fresh and salt waters.  During the winter months they are known to move into the fresh water springs where the water stays at a constant 72 degree temperature year round. Best to view these creatures at a distance or from the air parasailing. It is unlawful to disturb or harass them.

Another of the many sea creatures the turtle is one of my favorites. A few different species live in our waters. Loggerheads are a reddish-brown turtle that have a very large head. They are the most common turtle that nests in Florida. Loggerhead turtles can be 3.5 feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds. They feed on crabs, mollusks and jellyfish. At lengths up to 30 inches and weights of 80-100 pounds, the Kemp’s ridley is the smallest sea turtle. They are coastal turtles and found in temperate to sub-tropical waters in the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. They prefer to eat benthic organisms such as crabs. For more turtle info visit this blog.

Now that you have a first hand look at some of the biodiversity found Off Destin’s coastline. Come take a ride and look into the water for yourself. We have lots of fish, rays, turtles, dolphins, manatees, and much more to see.