One of my favorite things to do is the Paddleboard, which is the next post in our “what to do in Destin” series.  You are still in luck if you don’t want a pontoon boat or waverunner.  You can still enjoy the water with a stand up paddleboard or a kayak.  On Destin’s Harborwalk Destin Snorkel rents kayaks and paddleboards by the day or by two hour increments.  La Dolce Vita rents kayaks and paddle-boards from their beach location beside the Whale’s Tail restaurant in Miramar Beach.

Under your own power is an excellent way to cruise Crab Island to get in on a game of volleyball or catch a weekend concert.  Cruise along the beach where you have a good chance to see some of the Gulf´s marine life up close and personal.  Some of which include dolphins, manta rays, stingrays, a numerous amount of exotic, colorful fish.  Every now and then a manatee has been known to be cruising the shoreline in search of fresh grass to eat from the sea bed.  The area is loaded with some of the most breathtaking scenery.  Take a cruise to 30a where a large number of small estuaries, tide pools, and small lakes have formed.  These lakes are surrounded by water oaks, live oaks, lily pads and all types of coastal foliage.  This brings in the wildlife; especially birds.  The Great Blue Heron can be seen all along the Emerald Coast.  Watch king fishers, egrets, and water turkeys catch their lunch and dinner while you slowly cruise along observing nature as it was intended.  If you are lucky you can see a bald eagle or osprey sitting high on a perch gracefully searching for prey.

Both paddleboards and kayaks are good for beginners and experts alike.  It takes just a little practice to master the paddleboard however, once complete it will change your life.  The rental paddleboards are made of a heavy foam and are virtually indestructible.  They are a little wider than most to make them more stable so you can learn fast and get on with the fun quickly.  The kayaks are so easy to master that once you climb in you will be ready to get moving.  Kayaks come with seats for one or two people.  Anyway you look at it these two self propelled water vehicles are just the ticket to getting on the water in a way that is fun, environmentally sound, and healthy for your body and soul.