South Walton Adventures on the Water

People flock to South Walton from all over the world to enjoy the most beautiful beaches on the planet. But there’s so much more to the SoWal area that folks aren’t even aware of  - endless opportunities for water adventures!

Here’s our latest SoWal List featuring just a few of the many water adventures to be experienced in our little corner of the world.

Holmes Creek
There are several beautifully clear natural springs in our area. Holmes creek offers 25 miles of scenic waterway with wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. Rent a canoe or kayak from Holmes Creek Canoe Livery or bring your own and enjoy the picture perfect scenery.

Morrison Springs
The deep, clear water of Morrison Springs is a popular spot for scuba diving and swimming. It’s surrounded by a 161-acre park with picnic pavilion, restroom facilities and a large wheelchair-accessible boardwalk with an overlook.

Fried Fish Excursions
What better way to immerse yourself in local traditions than exploring the coast and wetting your line with a born and raised local guide? William Pentel will meet you in Grayton Beach with your kayak and all the fishing gear you need to hook a big one in the Gulf. There is little about local fishing he doesn't know and there is nothing better than the thrill of being so close to the clear blue water as you fight a fish big enough to pull you around a bit.

Dolphin Tours Destin
Destin’s emerald waters are home to abundant sea life, and the specialty of Dolphin Tours Destin is dolphin viewing at its best! There are different types of vessels, from glass bottom boats that offer a unique view through the crystal clear water, to boats with multiple decks to sit up top and enjoy the sunset.

Crab Island Cruises
While you’re in Destin, be sure to check out Crab Island, an underwater Island located on the bay side of the Destin bridge. Rent a pontoon boat and cruise the Destin harbor or set anchor and watch for dolphins, snorkel for sand dollars, or just relax and sunbathe.

Osprey Charters Dolphin & Shell Island Tours
Take a drive over to the east of SoWal to Panama City Beach and visit Shell Island, an undeveloped 700-acre barrier island that’s part of St. Andrews State Park. It’s a wildlife sanctuary teeming with viewing opportunities from birds to bottle nose dolphins. Whether sea shelling, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, birding or just relaxing on the sand, Shell Island is a local treasure.

This is only a small sampling of the many water adventures available to SoWal locals and visitors. We’re always looking for new places to explore and enjoy so tell us your favorites. We love to hear from you.