Northwest Florida is the place for a fantastic beach day! With powdery-white sands and emerald waters, Northwest Florida is a treasure trove for family adventures under the sun. These waters aren’t just relaxation stations, but also host a variety of water activities for all ages and skill levels. From Pensacola, Fort Walton, to the fan-favorite Crab Island- adventure, relaxation, and opportunities for quality time with loved ones are plentiful! If you’re trying to seize the day in Northwest Florida, here are some considerations and tips for maximum fun.
Family Fun for All Ages (even the little ones!)
If you have toddlers or babies, the calm, shallow waters of Crab Island may be perfect for you. Little ones will enjoy the gentle lapping of waves on the “underwater sandbar” of Crab Island as they ride atop an inflatable.
For older children, consider parasailing! The thrilling feeling of soaring above the Destin Harbor is unmatched. It is safe to say dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed from the birds-eye view of the parasailing. Children who are above the minimum weight may ride safely buckled on a flight guided by masterful captains.
If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, consider renting a pontoon. Designed for comfort and safety, if your family is looking for some quality time together, Crab Island pontoon rentals are the perfect venue for picnics, catching some shade under the provided coverings, and experiencing Destin at your own pace. You can cruise over to the Destin Marina for bait, tackle, ice, and drinks for a fishing excursion along the grass beds.
If you’re looking for a large variety of tours around Crab Island, check out our Crab Island tours.
Safety Considerations for Family Boating
To ensure utmost safety on your beach day, it is important to anchor your boat anytime you are near shore, especially on Crab Island as the currents can be strong. While life jackets are always recommended, whether you decide on a jetski or kayak, it is imperative to wear a life jacket on smaller watercraft. If you do decide to jetski or rent a pontoon boat with us, life jackets are provided on both. We do recommend using our Crab Island shuttle for this journey. Finally, although the typical depth of water around Crab Island is about 1-4 feet deep, it is very important to watch children at all times.
Educational Opportunities About Marine Life
The emerald waters of Crab Island and the Destin Harbor are great for watching marine life! With personal scuba kits, people of all ages have a great view of shells lining the waters around the shore. However, if you’re looking for an intimate, quality time with Destin’s friendly, Bottle Nosed dolphins, you can take a jet ski tour with a guide or a dolphin cruise.
If your family is looking for a break from the beach, but still on the beach, look no further than the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach. The aquarium offers dolphin encounters as well as other animals like sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, gators, and many reptiles! The Gulfarium has events throughout the day, bites to eat, and, of course, the chance to see animals up close.
Creating Lasting Family Memories on the Water
Your family can enjoy extensive kayaking trails in Pensacola’s Big Lagoon State Park, South Walton’s Coastal Dune Lakes, and Pensacola’s Bayou Texar. Each offers scenic views unique to their location. If your family doesn’t have access to kayaks, no worries, each location hosts rental facilities for kayaks, paddleboards, and more!
If you don’t have a boat of your own or simply want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, getting to Crab Island can be as easy as hopping aboard..
The beauty of Northwest Florida doesn’t fade when the sun goes down. Many families enjoy crab hunting by flashlight. Packing plastic shovels, beach buckets, and headlamps, people of all ages enjoy the fun of trying to catch the tiny crabs walking along the sand. Just remember to release them!
What To Pack for a Family Day on the Bay
It’s important to pack smart, if you’re planning a full family beach day. Packing the right stuff keeps your family comfortable, safe, and ensures all the fun! But, with so many options, many are stumped at the packing list. So, here’s our recommendation of the essentials:
- Sunscreen!
- Lip balm with SPF
- Beach towels (at least one per person)
- Sunglasses (for boating or small children, consider a sunglasses strap to go around their head)
- Flipflops or strap-on sandals for kayaking excursions
- Headwear (cap, widebrimmed hat, some even wear fishing hats with the neck scarf attached)
- Plenty of water. Try to freeze water bottles the night before!
- Snacks like fruit, sandwiches and trail mix
- Pop-up tents are great for little ones to nap in
- Rashguards for children are optimal
If you’re looking for non-essentials- but good to have- items, we suggest a hairbrush and leave-in conditioner for anyone with long hair. The salt water can make your hair stiff. The leave-in conditioner will make it easier to brush and aid appearance in the drying process.
Of course, a wireless speaker is sure to enhance the vibes of any beach day!
For the occasionally rough waters of Destin Harbor, boogie boards can be fun tools in jumping waves. That being said, for smaller children or weak swimmers, life jackets and brightly colored swimsuits are highly recommended.
If you find yourself at Crab Island in Destin, Florida and want alcoholic beverages, you must bring your own as there are no alcohol vendors on or surrounding the island. However, if you’d like a snack, Crab Island is known for their floating icecream, boiled peanuts, burgers, and other vendors! If this sounds like your jam but you need a ride, consider our Crab Island Cruise in Destin, FL.
Tips for Keeping Kids Engaged During Boat Rides
Even with the beautiful scenery, children may still find themselves a bit antsy on boat rides. Here are some ideas for how to keep your child entertained on the water!
The water all along the shores of Northwest Florida is filled with dolphins. The dolphins are attracted to the vibrations of the boat, so sightings are far from rare. Play a game with your child to see how many dolphins they can spot. Give them a goal of ten. Games can make your child feel included and engaged, so give your child a special mission on the boat ride!
Even though the beach packing list is already quite lengthy, bringing a child their own bag packed with toys and snacks just for them can make a world of difference. It’s an uphill battle in making a child enjoy something they previously didn’t bat an eye at, so bringing toys from home that are proven hits can be a safety net for any bored child.
Finally, their comfort is key. Bring icepacks, fans that shoot mist, and dark tinted sunglasses. Children may find the bumps of the waves soothing if they are already comfortable, or overstimulating if they are not.
Enjoy your time in Northwest Florida! Family fun and memories await!
