Tag: dolphin tour

All You Need to Know About Renting Jet Skis in Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida is a beautiful peninsula in Northwest Florida surrounded by the Destin Harbor, Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay and several bayous and canals. And no trip to Destin is complete without exploring via waterways!

Xtreme H2O Sports has several locations in Destin offering Jet Ski rentals as well as a Jet Ski guided Dolphin Tour. Open year-round, Xtreme H2O is your “go to” for all things fun on the water. Our location on Calhoun Avenue at Destin Marina (next to the original Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant) is our premiere Jet Ski spot as it’s closest to the no-wake zone past Crab Island.  This is ideal as most rentals come out of the Destin Harbor making your idle time up to 30 minutes! We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding renting Jet Skis for you to consider on your next trip to Destin. 

 

 Jet Ski Rentals F.A.Q.

  • Jet Skis are fun and safe for ages 5 and up.
  • We require lifejackets for the duration of your Jet Ski rental (they are included in your rental fee).
  • Our Jet Skis technically have 3 seats but they will not accommodate three adults.
  • The maximum weight capacity (combined weight) is 400 pounds.
  • Minimum age to rent a Jet Ski is 18 years.
  • There is a dry compartment on the front of the Jet Ski for your phone and limited belongings.
  • Minimum age to operate a Jet Ski is 16 years. Minors will need parent/ guardian signed waiver and equipment will need to be rented by an adult for the minor to operate (adult will be financially responsible during the rental).
  • A government issued photo identification card is required to rent a Jet Ski in Florida.
  • The State of Florida requires anyone born after January 1, 1988 to complete, and pass, a boaters safety course.
  • Xtreme H2O Sports does not permit our Jet Ski rentals to enter the Gulf of Mexico, unless it is with our Dolphin Tour.
  • Jet Skis do not include anchors, so they are not permitted at Crab Island.

The state of Florida and the Florida Wildlife Commission requires everyone born after January 1, 1988 to complete and pass the Florida boater’s safety course to operate any watercraft in the state. All operators required to have the boater license may opt for either the lifetime or temporary Florida Boater License.  Please go to our website to take the test online before your rental reservation.  We recommend the online test, however Xtreme H2O Sports does offer the temporary boater license test on site – but be sure to allow up to an hour for thorough study and testing time. Unfortunately, customers that fail the written temporary boaters safety course are unable to retest for 24 hours, by law. The online test does not have any limitations for numbers of times you can take the test. Click here for the test.

Xtreme H2O Sports offers a daily Dolphin Tour via Jet Skis guided by our crew. Scheduled every morning (weather permitting) for an hour and a half. The first hour is with our crew member guiding the group of wave runners to explore the bay, Destin Harbor, bayous and sometimes the Gulf of Mexico to discover dolphins and other sea-life. This excursion is perfect for the beginner jet ski rider or advanced rider and the last 30 minutes of the activity is “free ride” for everyone to go off on their own! 

Jet Ski rentals are available with Xtreme H2O Sports year-round staring at 30 minute duration to an all day rental. Please give us a call at (850) 978-3060 or check out our website for more information. 

 

Things to Do: Spring Break for Families in Destin, Florida

Welcome to Destin, Florida! Spring Break is a popular time for both families and college students traveling to Northwest Florida’s beaches. Milder winter/ spring temperatures and a short drive to destination makes it a perfect fit. Xtreme H2O Sports is a locally owned and family run business with several locations offering all watersports activities. We are excited to see you guys this year and have compiled a list of our favorite things for you to check out while here on vacation:

  • Beach – It’s obvious, yes…but it’s still the #1 reason to visit the Emerald Coast. Northwest Florida’s beaches are famous for the white, snow-like sand and beautiful teal-blue waters. Enjoy a beach picnic and spend the day but remember to pack your sunscreen, umbrellas and bottled water! Henderson Beach State Park is a beautiful private beach in Destin with restrooms and shaded pavilions that is a great spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy year-round.  
  • Crab Island – the most popular searched keywords in regards to Destin, Florida is definitely “crab island”. See what the buzz is all about and visit with your family this Spring Break.  Rent a pontoon boat, pack a cooler, towels, snorkeling gear and floats and have a great time. Pontoon Boats fit up to 12 passengers and are perfect for all ages (0-100)! Click here to check boat rental pricing and availability.  Xtreme H2O Pontoon Boat
  • Seafood – No trip to the beach is complete without enjoying the local seafood available. Sexton’s Seafood Market is great to purchase and prepare yourself, or try out one of the awesome fishing charters to catch your own! Destin, Florida is packed with popular restaurants to enjoy but here is a list of our favorites:
  • Dolphin Tour – Explore Destin and local sea life on a Jet Ski guided Dolphin Tour. This is the only experience that allows an up-close and personal encounter with dolphins. Perfect for the beginner Jet Ski rider as you are with a tour guide. But, also great for the experienced rider and an awesome price as the excursion includes “free ride” for you to ride on your own! Click here to check live pricing and availability. 
  • Shopping – Destin Harbor is a festive marketplace that is awesome to stroll and buy souvenirs and things you will want for your beach vacation. Check out Harborwalk Village boutiques and walk East down the harbor to see lots of local artist booths, t-shirt shops and more! Also, be sure to visit the Destin Commons for larger stores and brands.
  • Parasailing – Get a bird’s eye view of the coast parasailing Destin, Florida. Parasailing is fun and safe for ages 6 and up and a memory that you will never forget- spectators are permitted to ride along on the boat ages 3 and up with a reservation! Cross parasailing off your bucket list this Spring Break and be sure to get the photo package for awesome souvenirs and proof you went! Click here to check live pricing and availability.
  • Sunsets – The sunsets truly never get old in Destin, Florida. Be sure to either join a sunset cruise or walk the docks, beach or bay to capture your own sunset memories! 
  • Amusement Park – Bring the family for an afternoon of rides, go-kart racing and game playing. The Track offers it all and is centrally located in Destin.
  • Jet Ski Rentals – There is no better way to SEA Destin, Florida than by water. Jet Skis are an inexpensive and exhilarating way to explore the Destin Harbor, ride open and fast through the bay to see beautiful waterfront homes, visit undeveloped shorelines and more. Fun and safe for 5 years and older and the best family memories to last a lifetime. Click here to check live pricing and availability.
  • Fishing – Destin, Florida is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village ” with the widest variety of fish species, direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and the largest commercial fishing fleet in the United States. Try out your luck with a private charter or book spots with a party-boat for a great day on the water. 

Give us a call to help plan your Spring Break vacation to Destin, Florida. We are your one-stop for all your watersports fun in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. We hope to SEA you soon!

Fall Break in Destin, Florida

Destin and surrounding areas in Northwest Florida have become popular tourist destinations for year-round travel due to moderate temperatures in the “off-season” and easy travel for Southeast vacationers. While summer is definitely the busiest time for the Emerald Coast, spring break and fall break are also great times to visit and offer cooler temps, less crowds and often lower prices! Fall break is a gap on school calendars usually scheduled in October bringing families and college kids to the area for one last hoorah before the holidays. We welcome our fall break visitors and hope to see you on the water with Xtreme H2O Sports, as we are open all year!

October is commonly referred to as the favorite month of the year among locals and returning guests to the panhandle. Fewer crowds and less traffic offer better opportunities to sightsee along the coast. The slower season often means lower prices for accommodations and activities and definitely shorter lines shopping and dining! The weather is perfect with cooler evenings yet the water is still warm enough to enjoy swimming pools and the Gulf of Mexico.

Xtreme H2O Sports appreciates the surge in business that comes with fall break and invites travelers to take advantage of lower rates during the off-season but the same fun activities that are offered all year! Our team of locals came up with a list of “must dos” for you and your family to enjoy fall break:

Fall Break Bucket List for Families

  • Destin Fishing Rodeo – Join in the festivities October 1-31st for the 73rd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, a month-long fishing tournament celebrated on the Destin Harbor. Book a fishing charter or participate every day as a spectator at the weigh-ins on the docks.
  • Crab Island – No trip to Destin, Florida is complete without seeing Crab Island. Rent a boat and hit up the most popular tourist destination in the panhandle. Be sure to pack your cooler, towel and sunscreen and picnic for a fun day on the water. Water is still warm enough to enjoy snorkeling and swimming, so bring the floats and enjoy soaking in the sun!
  • Rocktober – Harborwalk Village hosts several concerts free to the public every Saturday in October at 7 PM followed by fireworks at 9 PM. Enjoy fun, family festivities on the docks to include dinner as well at one of their awesome waterfront restaurants. 
  • Museums – Destin and the surrounding areas are rich with local history that are displayed at Destin Fishing Museum,  Indian Temple Mound Museum, the Gulfarium and Air Force Armament Museum. Especially great activities to explore on rainy or cooler days at the beach!
  • Sunset – Our autumn sunsets are the best as the sun sets over the water this time of year. Enjoy a sunset cruise, dine on the harbor and/ or a walk on the beach to capture these beautiful sunsets and don’t forget your camera! Book a professional photographer to remember forever.
  • Amusement rides – Family go-kart racing, bumper boat spraying and mini-golf tournaments offered at the Track in Destin, Florida.  The park is conveniently located, clean and the staff is awesome!
  • Parasailing Destin – Get the best view of the beach parasailing with the family. Take advantage of lower prices in shoulder season for this exciting coastal activity. Fun and safe for all, ages 6 and over (spectators on boat are welcome age 3 and up). Parasailing can be enjoyed all year with take-off and landing directly on the boat so getting wet is entirely up to you! 
  • Art Festivals – Destin attracts artists and enthusiasts from all over the world every October for annual events; Artsquest Fine Art Festival and Mattie Kelly Art Foundation’s Festival of the Arts.
  • Jet Ski Experience – Explore Destin by water on Jet Skis. Ride throughout the Choctawhatchee Bay, the Destin Harbor and East Pass to discover Okaloosa Island, Norriego Point, Crab Island and more. Jet Skis are easy and safe to operate and a blast to ride! Xtreme H2O Sports has 2 locations offering rentals. Check out their exciting Dolphin Tour via Jet Skis scheduled daily with one of our crew guiding the group. 
  • Hiking – Autumn is celebrated for the change of seasons and Destin and surrounding areas have awesome trails and parks to experience…off the beaten path. Check out Henderson State Park in Destin and click here to view several other hiking destinations close by. 

Pack your bags and head to Destin this month and check out Autumn at the beach!

 

Bachelorette Party at Crab Island in Destin, Florida

Plan your Bachelorette Party at the beach! What better excuse for a girl’s trip to beautiful Destin, Florida. It’s become quite popular for brides-to-be and her family and friends to celebrate coastal style. Xtreme H2O Sports in Destin and Fort Walton Beach offers Pontoon Boat and Jet Ski Rentals for the ultimate party on the water! Offering a Double Decker Pontoon Boat with slide as well as standard, 24′ Pontoon Boat for up to 12 people. Plan a day on the water with your favorite ladies to celebrate this exciting time. 

Pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and beverages, order fun floats and decorations and decide a theme to coordinate outfits for perfect photo ops! Many groups reserve multiple Pontoon Boats to accommodate big groups and we are happy to quote package pricing for Pontoon Boat, Jet Ski and Parasailing.

And, let’s not forget the guys – Bachelor parties at the beach are the best way to getaway with the guys and celebrate before the big day.  

Call (850) 978-3060 for more information and check us out online at www.XtremeH2O.net. In addition, to helping with securing a fun and safe day at Crab Island, we are happy to recommend local accommodations, restaurants, party bus/ taxi service, spas and more!

 

10 Things You Must Do in Destin

Xtreme H2O Pontoon Boat Rentals

  1. Go to Crab Island  Crab Island is a local favorite! It’s a sand bar located right underneath the Destin Bridge that is shallow enough to anchor and hang out all day! You have to have a vessel to get over there, and the best thing to rent is a pontoon boat you can spend the day relaxing on. Visit www.xtremeh2o.net or call (850) 978-3060 for more information!
  2. Go Parasailing
    • Parasailing is a fun way to explore Destin from a different view. It’s family-friendly, and 2 or 3 people can go at one time. Don’t want to get in the air but still want to watch your family? No problem, you can just ride! Visit www.parasailing-destin.com or call (866) 359-3114!
  3. Rent a Jetski
    • There are miles of beautiful emerald waters to coast through, and the best way is by renting a jet ski. You can get closer to wildlife and the gorgeous water on a Jet Ski than on any other vessel. Visit www.destinwaterfun.com or call (850) 898-1204!
  4. Go on a Fishing Charter
    • Destin isn’t called “The Luckiest Fishing Village” for no reason! We have some of the most active waters on the coast, and the best way to find out is through a charter. It’s just your family on the boat with a captain and crew, the best part is you get to keep what you catch! Visit www.DestinWaterFun.com or call (850) 898-1203!
  5. Go on a Dolphin Tour
    • A dolphin tour is the best way to safely observe the natural wildlife here in Destin. The best way to do so is on a jet ski tour, which allows you to get much closer to dolphins as they are not scared of the jet ski motor like they are of a boat! Visit www.destinwaterfun.com or call (850) 898-1204!
  6. Visit the Beach
    • The most popular beach is located on Okaloosa Island, called The Pier. Along with the beach, there are many shops and restaurants to fill a whole day. Visit https://m.facebook.com/OkaloosaIslandPier/ for more info!
  7. Eat Local Seafood
    • We have the best seafood on the Gulf and if you eat local, it’s going to be as fresh as possible. There are many great options, but two of the best are Harbor Docks and Dewey Destin’s!
  8. Go Shopping
    • The Destin Commons is a wonderful shopping center filled with your favorite stores, a movie theater, and restaurants!
  9. Walk the Harbor
    • Right in the heart of Destin lies a half-mile boardwalk that’s always bustling with activities. There are restaurants, shops, and even ziplining scattered in this strip. Visit www.emeraldgrande.com for more!
  10. Watch the Sunset
    • The sunsets in Destin are beautiful and the best way to enjoy them is on the water. Some companies even have sunset cruises during the summer. Visit www.xtremeh2o.net or call (850) 978-3060!

FYI: NEED TO KNOW

Xtreme H2O Pontoon BoatXtreme H2o Parasail, Dolphin Tour via Waverunners, Jet Ski and Pontoon Boat Rentals of Destin, Florida, recommends that you bring:

  • Your photo ID
  • Sun Screen
  • Towels
  • Water-proof camera
  • Flippers, diving mask, and goggles
  • Toys, floats, and water wings
    for the youngsters
  • Your open mind, joyful spirit,
    and adventurous heart

Florida law requires the driver of the Jet Ski / Waverunner to be 16 years of age. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must have a valid state or government issued photo ID and a Florida Boaters License or complete a boater’s safety education test. We offer the 25-question multiple choice test for a fee of $3.00. You MUST present a valid I.D. with your birth date in order to take the test. Click here to take the online test now.

Xtreme H2O Watersport’s Parasailing, Dolphin Tour via Waverunners, Jet Ski and Pontoon Boat Rentals promise a memorable, once in a lifetime experience that you will be telling your grandchildren about. Your safety is our first concern. We want you to have a big fun time, but we take our responsibility of your safety very seriously. We only ask that you do the same.

To learn more, check pricing and availability and make your reservation online at www.XtremeH2O.net.

Flashback Friday – Destin, Florida

Destin and Fort Walton Beach Florida are famous vacation destinations and have grown rapidly over the last 50 years! Affectionately called the “Emerald Coast” – this region of Northwest Florida has become one of the most popular locations for vacations, destination weddings, family reunions, business  conventions, spring break trips and large scale events. The nickname, ‘Emerald Coast’ was chosen for the gorgeous emerald-green waters aligning our beautiful snow-white sandy beaches!

The initial inhabitants to the Destin/ Fort Walton Beach area were Native Americans dated back to seventh century A.D. Although there are discovered artifacts dating back centuries, Destin and Fort Walton Beach did not become municipalities until less than a century back!

Florida Girl Deep Sea Fishing Party- Boat

The area is, and has always been appealing due to the illustrious fishing industry and beautiful seascape. For many decades the region was strictly seasonal with summer vacationing guests and very little traditional businesses. Today, Destin and Fort Walton Beach have prosperous year-round residents and a booming tourism enterprise!  

See what all the hype is all about with a trip to the Emerald Coast. No trip is complete without seeing the area by water! Check out Destin’s infamous Crab Island with a Pontoon Boat Rental. And, meet Destin’s unofficial mascot, the Bottlenose Dolphin up close and personal on our Jet Ski guided Dolphin Tour! Get a bird’s eye view of the area Parasailing Destin. Catch dinner while making lifetime memories with an exciting Fishing Charter.

Xtreme H2O Watersports has 4 locations in Destin and Fort Walton Beach and are your one-stop for fun on the water. Give us a call to help plan your activities today! (850) 978-3060

 

Parasail Trip with free Dolpin Tour

Xtreme H2O Dolphin ToursAt Xtreme H2o Sports, we want you to have a great time on the water and we’ll do everything we can to ensure that. Even if it means slowing down for a second so you can check out a pod of dolphins. We schedule Parasailing all day, every day and can almost always say we see dolphins! Dolphins like to chase the wake of the Parasail boat and often our customers are blessed with dolphins jumping the boat’s bow and creating quite a show. Get your money’s worth while you’re vacationing and book our exciting Parasailing excursion with “built-in” dolphin show! Learn more about parasailing here.

 

BOOK PARASAILING