Cast Away

Onboard the Sea Cobra ScubaTech welcomes first time snorkelers (as young as 5) and experienced swimmers alike an opportunity to see marine life including schooling fish, reef fish, rays and the occasional sea turtle as you swim among the unique artificial reefs with their experienced crew.

Captain Marquardt has fished the local waters of the Destin area for over 30 years and enjoys taking families out from Bluewater Bay Marina in Niceville. Family trips in the bay start at 3 hours.

Captain Alex Short is a dad who is passionate about taking families fishing. He studied fisheries at Auburn which lends even more to a trip out on the water with him. His goal is to make fishing a part of a family’s tradition from stepping on board and catching bait, all the way through taking your catch to a local restaurant.

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance’s mission is to promote swimmable, fishable waterways in the community through monitoring, education, restoration, and research. They offer opportunities for families to participate in coastal clean ups and educational activities year round.

Captain Rob Hansil provides amazing fishing experiences in Niceville and Destin, offering both inshore and nearshore options. His trips are ideal for first-timers and little ones who may not be ready for a  full day on the water.

Rent a private pontoon and explore snorkel spots in the Bay and East Pass! Island Watersports will get you acclimated with the pontoon and provide snorkel gear and a map to snorkeling spots, as well as tips on how to spot wildlife like dolphins and osprey.

For more experienced swimmers, check out the artificial reefs. Two favorites are located at James Lee Park and John Beasley Park. Both are close to shore and easy to reach via paddleboard.

For beginners, check out the tide pools at Norriego Point and the Snorkel Jetty which both offer shallow, calm waters.

The Discover Mermaid class introduces participants to simple mermaid activities in shallow, confined water (e.g. a pool you can stand in). It’s a highly flexible, and brief program, that lets you try mermaiding to see how you like it.

Is your family full of first-timers or young kids looking to experience the excitement of fishing? Then inshore fishing in the calm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay is for you. Charter captains specialize in shorter runs (as little as 2 hours) that are completely customized to your family’s needs, including kids with anxiety, ADHD and other disabilities.

The Gulfarium will supply your family with all the gear you need to snorkel with these amazing animals and all you the to bring is a little bit of courage.

Bring a bucket and some red flashlights (the red light protects local sea turtles) and search for ghost crabs scurrying across the sand.

Explore on your own at an artificial reef, book a  guided group trip, or take a walk down to the Snorkel Jetty or Norriego Point.

The knee deep tide pools are formed by rocks and roped off from the open waters of East Pass making it a safe place for uncovering all kinds of wildlife like fish and hermit crabs.

Located in Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast Science Center strives to inspire and grow a scientifically engaged community through workshops and interactive exhibits.