Author: Owner

Destin is a vacation destination unknown to many, at the Panhandle of Florida watching the Gulf of Mexico. Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Leonard Destin, who moved here from New London, Conn., and settled in Northwest Florida about 1845. For decades, he and his descendants fished and navigated the only channel passage to the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City and Pensacola, known as Destin’s East Pass. It is a small fisherman town between Panama Beach and Pensacola, which expanded into vacation rental type of accommodation with its variety of condominiums on the shoreline.

In our stay, we chose Destin Condo Rentals by Owner to rent a condo at famous Pelican Beach Resort. One bedroom condos at the front of the building with panoramic views.

Destin is one of the best dive destinations in the US. Because of the unique geographic location, deep sea diving is only minutes away from Destin. A natural reef is carved out of limestone, it’s ledges covered with coral and sponge.

A man made artificial reef is also located nearby depths at sixty to over 100 feet down. This is where a lot of experienced divers go to explore old ship wrecks that have been placed here to attract bait fish, which in turn attracts large trophy fish. There are four Navy vessels here including a Liberty ship, as well as an old tug boat, some airplanes and even parts of the original Destin Bridge! Clouds of fish may be seen in all sizes from small tropical beauties to large game fish. The reef attracts the Amberjack, Cobia, Flounder, Grouper and Snapper 

White Hill Reef

6 miles southwest of Destin’s East Pass, White Hill Reef is a single limestone ledge approximately 5 feet tall and hosts many fish and sea critters. You may see frog fish, brittle stars, anemones, toad fish, scorpion fish, octopus, spotted eels and tropical fish. White Hill Reef is very close to the Thomas Hayward Liberty Ship, therefore more abundant with game fish such as, gag and black grouper, scamp, red snapper, white and black snapper, flounder, trigger fish and much more.  

Amberjack Rocks

Located approximately 4 miles south of Destin’s East Pass. Amberjack Rocks is a single limestone ledge approximately 6 feet tall running east and west parallel to the shoreline. This reef faces to the north with a J curve on the west end. This reef is home to amberjack, grouper, snapper, flounder and trigger fish along with an abundance of tropical fish, octopus, eels and more. A good first time dive because its fairly easy to navigate.

Shoreline Reef 

4 miles south from Destin East Pass, this is a single ledge with many large boulders with deep cracks and crevices. Shoreline Reef is approximately 5 feet tall and runs north and south then turns east and west; being home to octopus, scorpion fish, toad fish, eels and an abundance of game fish such as, amberjack, grouper, scamp, snapper, trigger fish and more.

Long Reef 

4.5 miles southeast from Destin East Pass, reef is approximately 2 to 4 feet tall and runs north east, southwest, primarily facing northwest. It has a short double ledge running parallel to the main ledge. It is home to frog fish, many tropical fish and is good for macro photography. Also home to shovelnose lobster.

Labor Day Rock 

5 miles from Destin East Pass, this is a large round rock with many cuts and crevices. This reef is shallow, very easy to navigate, and is usually very fishy. It is home to many black snapper along with grouper, red snapper and amberjack. Not uncommon to see nudibranchs here and shovelnose lobster.

Thomas Hayward Liberty Ship

Wreck was put down as part of the artificial reef program in 1972. It is approximately 380 feet long and lays on the ocean floor. The mid ship has a crack running across the ship, where the fire furnaces were located. You can still find bricks although they were scattered during hurricane Opal. The north end has a second crack running across, although one side has fallen and the end is now twisted. The ocean floor is 87 feet and the top of the deck (wall) is 68 feet.

Common to see sharks, southern sting rays and eagle rays. In the summer there is an abundance of barracuda, amberjack and spade fish. Common to see goliath grouper and an assortment of other critters.

The “Janet” Tug boat

11 miles southeast of the Destin East Pass, this 85 foot tug boat sits in 100 foot of water and sits upright with a top depth of approximately 70 feet. The tug boat sits on the sea bed. This wreck normally has schooling amberjack and at the right time of the year its not uncommon to see cobia and the large southern sting rays. High profile so it’s a great computer dive.

Barrel Barge

This barge was sunk as part of the artificial reef program. It sits in approximately 74 feet of water and lays on the sea floor.. This barge was deployed with round fuel tanks on top with holes cut in them for a fish habitat and a dump truck bed welded on top of the tanks. When hurricane Andrew came through all the fuel tanks rolled off, surrounding the barge and the dump truck bed was never found again. This dive is easy to navigate, it is a good second dive since its approximately 60 feet to the top and is good for new divers.
Usually an abundance of amberjack, spade fish, red snapper and flounder. In the spring there is usually a lot of shovelnose lobster, making this a great night dive.

Destin Bridge Rubble

Old Destin Bridge turned into a reef as part of the artificial reef program. The site has three distinct reefs. The Main Stack has a profile of 58 feet to 69 feet. It has big slabs of roadway along with concrete rubble. Lots of hiding places for fish, lobster, eels and octopus. Turtles, manta rays, sharks along with an occasional whale shark have been seen on the bridge rubble. The other stacks of rubble are not as large, but interesting in there own way.  

“Miss Louise” Tug Boat

Located  7 miles down the east beach from the Destin East Pass, it sits in 57 feet of water. This wreck was put here as a open water training site for beginner classes. The Miss Louise was sunk in 1997, she is an 85 foot push tug with 25 foot push pads on the north bow of the wreck. She sits pointing north to south and she used to have a profile of 25 feet to her top. Unfortunately after many storms her wheelhouse has been torn off never to be seen again. Her top deck is now 45 feet deep and great for training dives.

Miss Louise is great place to see goliath grouper, angel fish, Spanish mackerel, spade fish, octopus and more critters. We have seen whale sharks, turtles, and lots of barracuda here as well.

Fishing from a boat for the first time can be quite a mix of excitement and fear. While heading into deep water is a bit scary the first time, it need not be dangerous or overwhelming. The trick to getting comfortable fishing from a boat is to truly understand the experience, asking questions, and to find a captain you can trust. 

Before you buy the boat and all the gear and head out into the salty brine, you maybe want to try a charter boat fishing expedition first. The experience of a seasoned captain and crew makes the difference.

Understanding the Experience 

Charter boat deep sea fishing is a different experience from one charter to the next. It is important to understand before you book your fishing trip that you know what the experience is going to be. That process lets you formulate questions to ask so that everything is clear from the start. 

The experience includes the fishing – what are you fishing for, how does the fishing occur, how long is the trip, and what you need to bring. Some boats may supply water or soft drinks or not. Having water available is a must when you fish. 

Sometimes you troll for fish and other times the crew lays down a chum trail and you fish in one spot. If you are prone to sea sickness, trolling may be a better option for you as the boat is moving rather than bobbing up and down in one spot. 

Be prepared for small medical situations, like a hook in the finger. It happens. Most charter boats have a first aid kit, but don’t rely on the boat to be your lifeline. Pack a basic first aid kit with bandaids, asprin, sunscreen, and motion sickness meds. If you are fishing with a mixed party boat, you may opt to save someone’s experience by sharing. 

How the boat fishes is a big deal – You want to understand going in if the trip will be trolling, chumming, or both. Fishing from a boat when you are new to fishing takes a little getting used to. The motion of the ocean can be tricky and getting your legs under you while casting and fighting fish takes practice. You can practice from a floating dock at home before you head out to the deep water. 

Asking Questions

There are no stupid questions, and a good captain is aiming to make your fishing adventure on their boat something that is not only positive, but exciting enough that you will come back for more. Asking questions allows the captain, crew, or booking party to set you up to succeed. 

Common questions are:

• What Do I Need to Bring?
• Do You Supply the Fishing License? 
• Are there fishing limits?
• How experienced Do I need to be?

Likewise, the captain will want to know about you and your fishing experience. That information can enable the captain to pair you with the right mate on the boat. The mates are often the ones who teach you and show you how to fish in deep waters. They are also the ones who help you when you tag that big Marlin. 

Find the Right Captain 

A good charter company should be approachable and happy to answer your questions. They should be willing to give you information and take the time to make sure you are prepared for fishing off a boat for the first time – even if you are an old pro. 

The charter’s website should be full of information that easily answer common questions and provides the visitor with an overall picture of how the charter works and what the expectations of the captain are for each of the anglers who choose to boat fishing for beginners a go. 

The overall experience of communicating with the charter should leave you feeling excited, prepared, and comfortable. A good captain will easily make you feel welcome and valued. 

FAQ

• What You Can Do to Get Prepared
  • Make sure you have your fishing license – check with the charter to see if they provide the license.
  • Check with the charter about what they provide and fill in the gaps with the gear you need. Chances are you will not need any fishing gear. You may need food and water – bring more than you think you will need. 
  • Exceptional fishing adventures leave nothing to chance. 
• Prepare to Learn the Boat
  • The captain will go over the days schedule with the charters. If the fish are not biting in one location be prepared to relocate to another spot. Weather and time of year play a big role in where the fish bite. 
  • Walk around the boat once you board and find the areas where you fish, where you relax, the restroom, and where to stow your gear. Ask questions of the mates as needed. 
  • Watch a few YouTube videos on charter boats and the accepted behavoir of anglers who share the boat with other chartered guests. 
• Prepare for catching the fish
  • Watch Videos on YouTube of charters catching fish. If you are brand new to fishing, be sure to let the mates know that. They are there to help you learn and to enjoy your day. 
  • Ask questions as needed. If a mate or the captain tell you something that does not make sense, ask them to explain it. Their time is sometimes limited and split among other anglers. You can learn a lot before you get to the boat by watching charter videos and then asking questions. Be straightforward with what your expectations are and what you want to learn. 

There is great satisfaction in watching the sunset with sand lodged between your toes. That euphoria of ending the day in a paradise with the love of your life while doing the things you love is unmatched. Florida’s Emerald Coast is a picturesque paradise compared to holidaying in the Caribbean. And who blames them? The Emerald Coast is a knot of therapeutic sights, turquoise waters, and numerous relaxing parks.

The Emerald Coast is a make-up of Destin, Pensacola, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Panama City. The beautiful stretch gets its name from its emerald-green water. You could do so much from building sandcastles, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. So whether you are craving an action-packed beach or a lazy Sunday under the sun, I guarantee that you will find your desire at the Florida Emerald Coast.

The Emerald Coast boasts more activities than you could get to enjoy during your trip, and this only goes to say that you will have as much fun building your vacation itinerary as you will on your vacation. It doesn’t matter what spell of the year you visit. Emerald beach is something for everyone. Here are some spots to check out on the Emerald coast;

Navarre Beach

If you want to find complete solitude with the one you love, Navarre Beach is your dream destination. Navarre beach is a fascinating barrier Island covering over 12 miles of white sand beaches, and it is famous for its quiet and clear Emerald waters. So grab a picnic with your loved one to enjoy one of the beach’s most favored pastimes.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore completely understates Navarre. At the same time, picnic and relaxation rule, the island’s emerald waters are as enticing as its quiet. It is a great spot to go swimming and fishing. The longest pier on the Emerald coast is found at Navarre Beach. There is also an abundance of scenic bike paths and jogging trails to enjoy a ride/run amidst nature.

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park

Rumored to be one of the Emerald Coast’s largest water parks, Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is a great vacation destination for families. The Park boasts over 40 water play areas with slides, rides and pools where kids, adults, and families can enjoy some great playtime. The alluring Park also has onsite boarding so you and your family can have a super fun time of relaxation during your vacation without needing to commute.

If you plan on getting accommodation elsewhere, that’s okay too! Big Kahuna offers several day passes you can purchase to join the fun and party. So cool off in the Florida sun while surfing at the Honolulu Halfpipe or enjoy a ride on the Jumanji slide with your partners in relaxation.

Destin Snorkel

If you enjoy snorkeling, then you must go snorkeling in Destin. Destin has one of the most inclusive snorkeling venues in all of the Emerald Coast. There is an assortment of snorkeling tours to consider. Enjoy a good afternoon snorkeling at the protected jetty waters.

Depending on the kind of experience you are looking for, Destin has the best offer for you. For instance, the Shelling Tour covers families and kids in shallow water activities searching for unique things and treasures like shells.

While the Two Stop tour will take you to two varying destinations where you can dive deeper with the help of connected airlines, you will be spoiled for choice!

St. Andrew’s State Park

The St. Andrew’s State Park is one of Panama City’s most beautiful attractions. It is an all-year-round attraction that is said to have the “Best Beach in America.” A perfect getaway for vacationists of all ages, St. Andrew’s. The Park offers many sports like swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and onsite camping.

With over 60 camping sites in the Park, you can sleep under the stars with your loved one and create a lifetime of memories. If you love to travel and relax with your pet, this state park is for you because it is dog-friendly and allows for both pets and service animals. So relax and play as you vacation at one of the Emerald coast’s best destinations.

Crab Island

Holidaying at Crab Island is one of the most popular things in Destin, Emerald Coast, Florida. One fun fact you must know is that Crab Island is not an Island! Crab Island is a raised Sand bar with shallow emerald waters. Enjoy a ride on one of the Crab Island cruises as you experience the beautiful emerald coast without having to lift a finger.

The Crab Island Cruises operate on the principle that guests should rent both a boat and captain and go wherever they want when they want to. As a result, millions of people come to Crab Island to experience this beautiful destination as they mingle on the Sand bar, sip cocktails and soak in the Florida sunshine.

If you want to do all play and no work as you enjoy everything the emerald waters of Florida have to offer, then enjoying a tour on the Crab Island with the Crab Island Cruises is the ultimate goal.

Henderson Beach State Park

At Henderson Beach, dreams become a reality. It is a protected strip of the emerald coast with pristine white beaches and over 6000 feet of scenic shoreline. It is the perfect destination for picnics, relaxation, and weekend getaway camping, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing.

The clear emerald waters are highlighted by scrub oaks, sand pines, and dune rosemary, making the Park more scenic and enticing. The state park has over 60 camping sites that connect with boardwalks leading you straight to the beach, where you can enjoy a day of relaxation and playing water and beach games with family.

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton is a fascinating location for indulging in beach activities. It boasts a tranquil shoreline that beckons tourists to slow down and enjoy moments of pure relaxation. In addition, the beach has an all-year-round beach resort community and is open for fishing for the same amount of time.

Fort Walton Beach is a calm and relaxing family destination with hundreds of nearby attractions you can visit during your getaway. Parks, museums, aquariums and other family-friendly attractions near the beach add to its overall appeal for family vacations.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

As with the rest of the attractions in Destin, spending time on the Destin boardwalk is a must-do. The path will give you access to the waterfront, where you can enjoy Florida’s sandy beaches and enjoy plenty of in and near water fun activities.

You can take a dolphin-watching tour or rent a fishing boat and enjoy a day of fishing on the emerald green Florida waters. Destin Harbor boardwalk offers many fun activities, with fishing opportunities being top on the list.

Seaside

If you want to step into a movie set as a getaway for your vacation, look no further than Seaside. The idyllic town came into fame in the ’90s as a filming location for “The Truman Show.” The picturesque city of Florida’s Panhandle is home to beautiful pastel-colored houses with manicured lawns and picket fences.

You might feel like you live on a movie set, but what is a vacation if it does not escape reality? It is a great weekend getaway location for all kinds of people. If you are looking for a quiet, serene and romantic space, Seaside is it. Also, if you are looking for a family-friendly beach where you play, surf, and soak in the sun under the canopy, Seaside is that place.

Take a romantic walk along the quaint town’s brick-paved streets and enjoy discovering the alluring and straightforward local treasures in Seaside.

Grayton Beach State Park

If you prefer a secluded spot for your summertime swimming and vacation, Grayton Beach State Park is your perfect destination on the Emerald Coast. The state park beach offers clear emerald green waters that beckon a swimmer’s spirit in the summertime. It also boasts two unique coastal dune lakes notorious for the kayaking water sport.

Enjoy biking or hiking on the Park’s several hiking and biking trails to start your beautiful day at the beach and partake in the hundreds of outdoor sports adventures the Park has to offer. You can also take a walk and enjoy an evening gazing at the rate Hemmingway-style wooden houses along the Park’s colorful side streets with enticing art galleries to explore.

Perdido Key

Finally, Perdido Key is a must-visit if you want to vacation along the Emerald Coast of Florida. The oasis of warm gulf waters and white dunes is located on a small strip of land of Florida’s far West. Enjoy a day trip to the Perdido Key and soak in Florida’s stunning views as you soak up in the sun along the shoreline, hike, go crabbing or fishing. The Perdido Key is a perfect getaway from daily life and warrants beautiful sunny days of relaxation.

The Underwater Museum of Art is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the U.S. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, off of Walton County, Florida. The museum lies at a depth of 58-feet and 1 mile from the shore of Grayton Beach State Park. Each year, a juried selection of sculptural works from artists throughout the world is installed. The sculptures quickly attract a wide variety of marine life and, over time, metamorphize into a living reef. This eco-tourism attraction entices art lovers and divers from around the country and provides a habitat for local marine life and fisheries as well as providing scientists with an opportunity to study marine life and measure the impact of artificial reef systems on the Gulf ecosystem.

Divers who wish to visit the site can take a dive boat off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park. The coordinates for the center sculpture (SWARA Skull) are Latitude N30 18 45.262 Longitude W086 09 33.722.

In addition to providing a site for SCUBA diving that will be unique to the world, the sculptures are designed and selected with their suitability as marine habitat in mind, so even in the absence of SCUBA divers, the Underwater Museum of Art is certain to have many visitors, including schools of baitfish, grouper, sea turtles and dolphins!

Annually variety of works are selected from both local, regional and national artists for deployment. Those who explore the museum will find sculptures ranging from an 8-foot tall deer and a giant pineapple to a massive skull and an octopus.