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Clear Kayak Adventures in Destin & Fort Walton Beach: Discover Wildlife, Pirate Legends, and Florida’s Hidden Coast

Person with hat stands in water holding two transparent kayaks.

Clear Kayak Tours Destin | Fort Walton Beach Adventures

Explore Destin & Fort Walton Beach with Get Up and Go Kayaking Destin/Fort Walton Beach! Clear kayak tours reveal dolphins, wildlife, and pirate history on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Florida’s Emerald Coast is famous for its sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters, but if you’re looking for an adventure that goes beyond the shoreline, Destin and Fort Walton Beach are full of surprises. Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin attracts anglers, beach lovers, and families alike, while nearby Fort Walton Beach offers a more relaxed, small-town vibe.

But the real hidden gem? Exploring the unspoiled waters of Mary Esther, Florida, on a clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

Why you want to visit Destin and Fort Walton Beach

Four people kayaking on a calm river with grassy banks under a blue sky.

Visitors are drawn to this stretch of Florida called the Panhandle for more than just beach days:

  • Emerald Waters: Destin’s shimmering Gulf waters are among the clearest in Florida.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: From Big Kahuna’s Water Park to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, there’s no shortage of activities.
  • Outdoor Adventure: The area boasts some of the best fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in the state.
  • History & Legends: With a past rich in pirate lore and coastal trading, the Emerald Coast has legends and stories waiting to be uncovered.

And while the main beaches are beautiful, escaping the crowds and paddling through quiet waterways offers a whole new way to see the coast.

Get Up and Go Kayaking Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Two people kayaking on a lake during a golden sunset.

Unlike traditional tours, Get Up and Go Kayaking Destin/Fort Walton Beach offers 100% clear kayaks—giving you a window into the vibrant ecosystem beneath you. Located in Mary Esther, just minutes from both Destin and Fort Walton Beach, these tours take you away from the busy shoreline and into tranquil, unspoiled stretches of the Emerald Coast.

Why it’s the best way to explore:

  • Clear kayaks: See fish, crabs, and rays gliding beneath you.
  • Wildlife encounters: Paddle quietly and spot wildlife that often goes unnoticed.
  • Secluded waters: Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful, natural side of Florida.
  • Eco-friendly guides: Learn about the area’s ecosystem, history, and local legends from expert guides.
  • Choose from daytime, sunset, after dark glow tours or haunted glow tours!
Four people kayaking in clear waters with grassy shores under a blue sky.

Wildlife You Might See

The calm, clear waters of Mary Esther are teeming with wildlife. On your clear kayak tour in Destin/Fort Walton Beach, you may encounter:

  • Dolphins cruising the shallows
  • Manatees (seasonally, when waters are warmer)
  • Stingrays and small sharks in sandy-bottom flats
  • Blue crabs and hermit crabs along the shoreline
  • Coastal birds like eagles, herons, and ospreys

Every paddle stroke brings a new discovery beneath or above the water.

A Glimpse Into the History & Pirate Legends

Illuminated clear kayaks with colorful LED lights docked at night.

The Emerald Coast is more than just beaches—it’s a coastline shaped by pirates, indigenous people, and adventurers. Destin and Fort Walton Beach once saw Spanish explorers sail through its waters, and local legends tell of pirates using hidden coves for shelter and treasure stashing.

The Choctawhatchee Bay was historically a hub for fishing and trade, laying the foundation for Destin’s reputation as a fishing capital today. As you paddle in your clear kayak, it’s easy to imagine how these same waters once carried explorers, sailors, and maybe even a pirate ship or two.

Best Places to Stay in Destin & Fort Walton Beach

Here are three of the most searched accommodations in the area—offering convenience, comfort, and stunning views:

  1. Be sure to check out the ultimate guide to all things Destin/Fort Walton Beach, including the best places to stay!
  2. The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach – A beachfront resort with pools, dining, and direct access to the Gulf.
  3. Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village – Perfect for families, located right at Destin’s HarborWalk with restaurants, shops, and activities.
  4. Henderson Beach Resort – A luxury choice in Destin, offering Gulf-front views, fine dining, and spa services.

Best Restaurants in Destin & Fort Walton Beach

The Emerald Coast is known for its fresh Gulf seafood. These three top-rated, most searched restaurants should be on every foodie’s list:

  1. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House (Destin) – Famous for Gulf-to-table seafood, stunning harbor views, and a lively atmosphere.
  2. The Gulf on Okaloosa Island – A chic, open-air restaurant built from shipping containers, serving fresh bites with waterfront vibes.
  3. McGuire’s Irish Pub (Destin) – A local landmark serving hearty pub fare, steaks, and its legendary Senate Bean Soup.

Other Things to Do in Destin & Fort Walton Beach

Sandy beach with clear water and distant trees under a blue sky.

When you’re not kayaking through hidden waters, there’s plenty more to enjoy:

Discover the Hidden Side of the Emerald Coast

While Destin and Fort Walton Beach are best known for their lively beaches and fishing heritage, taking a clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking Destin/Fort Walton Beach reveals a different side of the Emerald Coast. Paddle away from the crowds, discover wildlife beneath your kayak, and imagine the days when pirates and explorers sailed these same waters! For travelers seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty, this is one of the best things to do in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

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