Gulf Coast Vacation Activities

Destin Activities on the Water

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is located in South Walton just a short drive from Destin, which is known all over the world for its fantastic fishing. In fact, it’s called the “world’s luckiest fishing village.” Because Destin is a peninsula between two bodies of water – the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Choctawhatchee Bay to the north – both gulf and bay fishing charters are offered here. Anglers can also drop a line from jetties, piers and the beach, or they can fish at an inland lake.

“Choctawhatchee Bay is home to redfish, speckled trout, shrimp, oysters, gulf menhaden, blue crab, flounder, striped mullet and white mullet.”

Fabulous Fishing in the Gulf and Bay

The gulf in Destin is home to a huge variety of edible fish. Deep-sea bottom fishing trips can yield red snapper, grouper, triggerfish, scamp and amberjack. Choctawhatchee Bay is home to redfish, speckled trout, shrimp, oysters, gulf menhaden, blue crab, flounder, striped mullet and white mullet.

To experience the world-class fishing Destin has to offer, guests at Hilton Sandestin Beach can take a shuttle to the nearby Baytowne Marina, located on the Choctawhatchee Bay. There, you can arrange half-day, all-day and overnight fishing charters. You can also rent your own boat or simply cast a line off the marina’s main dock. Ask our onsite concierge for more assistance with setting up fishing excursions.

Other Water Adventures & Destin Activities

Besides fishing charters, Baytowne Marina also offers pontoon boat rentals, wave runners and parasailing. The marina’s the home base for eco- and dolphin- watch cruises, as well as sunset dinner cruises aboard a luxury yacht. Spitfire Mercantile at the marina can take care of all your fishing and boating needs (it even offers pre-packaged fishing kits for kids).

Another way to get on the water while here is to take advantage of the Hilton Sandestin Beach water sports opportunities in the Gulf, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling. Other opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving exist at the nearby Vortex Spring. Check out Destin Snorkel, which offers tours including two-stop snorkeling in the pristine Gulf water, Scuba, shelling/dolphin, sunset/dolphin and fireworks tours.