Destin, Florida, is most famous for its astonishing view of the beach, the color of the emerald seawater, and water-related activities.
Recognizing the dolphins, perhaps the most cherished creatures in the context makes Southern Star Destin one of the most exciting centers.
For the best dolphin sightings in Destin, book online whether you are lounging on the beach or sailing on a boat.
The Southern Star Dolphin Cruise: A Family Tradition
Join the historical and more popular Southern Star for the best dolphin watching in Destin at Destin’s Original Dolphin Cruise.
Any person visiting the region must visit the Southern Star, which is enjoying its twentieth year of family fun and over eight thousand dolphin recognition.
The two-hour trip to Destin is the most recommended activity, making use of a boat for rent with family owners Captain Steve and Wendy.
Coursing along the seashores, playing in the turbulent waters, the Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins are a part of the Southern Star tour of Destin Harbor as well as the gorgeous beaches of Emerald Coast.
Families will love the close-up view of aquatic life provided by the big glass bottom. Youngsters can become junior captains and feed seabirds.
Morning cruises offer lovely scenery, especially the sunrise. Those taking place in the evening offer beautiful scenes, especially during the sunset. It is highly recommended for weddings, occasions, and group events.
Where to Spot Dolphins in Destin
Destin is famous for its large and dense population of dolphins, which inhabits the waters of the Gulf of Mexico with approximately 40,000 dolphins.
These wonderful creatures often accompany boats and during the encounters, people get a close look at them.
There are a few crucial locations to improve your chances of seeing these playful mammals, but seeing dolphins is never certain.
From the Water: Boat Tours and Charters
It is recommended that you go out on the water for the best chance of observing dolphins. Besides offering different boats for different prices and types of beers, a number of boats include a guide to watch dolphins.
Those who want to be even closer to dolphins can rent a jet ski with a guide or leap onto a high-speed boat for an extreme tour.
Of course, one can take a glass-bottom boat or a guide if one wants a more relaxed sailing trip. For a more personalized dolphin-watching experience, you can hire a boat with a private captain.
From the Beach: Relax and Watch Dolphins Play
Dolphins may be seen in Destin without having to go out on the water. In fact, nothing can beat the view of those wonderful animals from the beach.
Tourists have sighted dolphins moving close to coastal areas any time during the day, but most preferably early morning or in the evening when the waters are not very choppy.
Dolphins are freely found at many beaches, including Miramar Beach, Henderson Beach State Park, Crystal Beach, Eglin Beach Park, etc.
Dolphin watching is highly likely to be experienced in these areas, which are famous for clear water and biological richness of sea life.
If the visitor wants to take an excellent picture of the dolphins when they play near the water surface, they should carry binoculars to view the structures or a camera with tele-photo lens.
Okaloosa Island Pier: A Great Spot for Dolphin Watching
For a more formal place to watch the dolphins, there is a bridge at the Okaloosa Crab Island Pier. Admission price is just $2 per person.
The pier has been built for walking along and watching a great view of the Gulf of Mexico, where dolphins are frequently seen and can be watched playing in the water.
This pier spans almost 1,000 ft into the gulf and makes for very good spotting of dolphins as well as sea turtles and other sea creatures.
It is also important to note that the fishermen have also, in most cases, come across dolphins when casting the fishing lines since they accompany the boats.
Therefore, regardless of whether the visitor comes to this area with the intention of fishing or is just walking along the pier, they will occasionally get a chance to see a dolphin’s head rising above the water.
You may, therefore, be privileged to see a glimpse of a dolphin glistening on the surface of the sea when fishing, as well as when merely strolling along the fishing pier.
Best Time to Spot Dolphins in Destin
Normally, the dolphins can be sighted in high waters in the morning or during early afternoon or mid-afternoon when the water is comparatively still, and there are few boats around.
Dolphins are relatively easier to come across when they are swimming and playing in the gulf waters during these times since they get active.
As far as the density of the dolphin population is concerned, a constant flow of dolphins is observed for the whole year, but there are higher densities in the summertime when females visit the waters of Destin for mating purpose.
If you want to get even closer to the best shot at dolphins, then you should plan your visit for the middle of this season.
Dolphin Watching Tips and Etiquette
However, these fascinating animals are sociable, friendly, and curious – it ought to be remembered that they are live wild animals. Dolphins should always be treated and handled politely.
Monitors and caretakers of wild animals can be harmed if the animals are provoked; that is why it is forbidden to touch, feed or tease animals.
It is against the law to feed dolphins, and the penalties are steep. Never speed toward them and stay away from getting too nearby. For everyone’s protection, keep a safe, legal distance at all times.
Experience Dolphin Encounters at Gulfarium Marine Park
Gulfarium Marine Park is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more interactive encounter with dolphins.
Gulfarium, which is close by, provides interactive dolphin experiences that allow you to interact closely with these incredible creatures in a secure setting.
Experiences like the Dolphin Star, where you will join professionals for a dockside section of a show, or the Discover Dolphins program, where you can learn about bottlenose dolphins for a few minutes, are suitable for kids five years old and above.
These encounters offer a fantastic substitute for wild interactions, guaranteeing the safety of both you and the dolphins.
Conclusion
There are many chances to watch dolphins and take in the wonders of the Gulf Coast’s marine life in Destin.
Dolphins swimming near you will astound you whether you are taking a guided boat tour, lounging on the beach, or exploring the port on the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise.
For those who prefer a quieter experience, spots like Okaloosa Island Pier and Henderson Beach State Park offer excellent viewing without ever leaving the shore.
With so many ways to see dolphins, Destin truly stands out as a premier destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts.