DESTIN

Our private launch site is in quaint Mary Esther, just west of Fort Walton Beach. The address is Native’s Cove, 101 W Miracle Strip Parkway. Mary Esther is only 10 miles from downtown Destin.

During peak season, March – September, traffic in the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area can significantly slow down. Please leave ample time to make it to our launch 15 minutes before the start of the tour. We cannot hold the tour for late arrivals.

Native’s Cove is under construction, so please pardon the dust.  A local artist is painting a mural on the building and seawall, so it is easy to spot! Please park on top of the Native’s Cove lot and look for the steps at the back of the parking lot.  Our launch is located to the right of the stairs.  Be sure to visit the food trucks before or after your tour!

We would love for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the unique ecosystem during the clear kayak tour.  Clear kayaks differ from others you may have paddled and support a lower weight limit. There is a weight limit for individual kayaks and tandem kayaks.

• Due to the unique materials and shape of the clear kayaks, our manufacturer has provided a strict limit of 250 lbs per person.

• There can be no more than 425 lbs of combined weight per kayak—2 people.

• Please call with questions concerning the weight restrictions. Depending on the number of kayaks available per tour, we may be able to accommodate single paddlers to accommodate the 425 combined limit.   (Single paddlers can still not exceed the 250-weight limit.)

  Call now!

Sharing a tandem kayaking adventure can create lasting memories and build a lifelong love of being on the water!

• Each of our kayaks is tandem (made for 2 paddlers). Bookings for even numbers of guests will be in tandem kayaks.

• However, the seats are removable, and if your party has an odd number of paddlers, we can accommodate the kayak as a single.

• Remember, the same 250-pound PER-PERSON weight limit applies even if you are taking a kayak out as a single person.

We want to ensure you enjoy your time on the water, and a little planning will go a long way! We encourage you to bring the following:

• Water (preferably in a reusable water bottle)

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are a must, as most of the time is spent exploring grass coves or white beaches with direct sunlight. Sunscreen must be applied 20 minutes before departure.

• For evening tours, use deet-free bug repellent/spray.

• Wear a swimsuit or clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet, as we will stop for photos and swim along the way.

• Dress for cooler nights with layers.

• Towel for after the trip.

• Any extra gear you’d like! We provide one dry bag per kayak.

The tours are a great family experience, and we are confident you will capture the perfect family photos of your vacation!

• Our tours are family-friendly, and children ages 5+ are welcome on our daytime, sunset, and glow tours.

• Children 6 and under are legally required to wear a life jacket while on the water. We provide lifejackets for children over 30 pounds.

• We require children 30 pounds or under to bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jackets, as the size is very specific, and safety is paramount.

• One adult must attend for every child aged 14 and under. Children under 15 cannot paddle without an adult.  We recommend a moderate fitness level for those kayaking with children, as the adult will do all the work.

• We require one adult per teen, 15-17, to attend the experience and sign waivers. However, there does not have to be a one-to-one adult ratio, as required for children 14 and under. We rely upon the adult to determine if a single teen has the physical ability to navigate the kayak in various tides and winds.

Getting your whole family on the adventure is important, so please call with any questions.

Call now!
 

We love furry friends, too, and know they are family members.

• However, pets cannot go on tours to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the spoil islands.

• Exceptions are allowed for “true” service dogs.

You must call to book tours that may include a service dog.

Call now!

What level of experience is required?

Overall, tandem kayaking is a multifaceted activity that offers physical, mental, social, and environmental benefits, making it a rewarding pursuit for people of all ages and skill levels.

• We welcome paddlers of all skill levels; however, kayaking can be a physically demanding activity.  Winds, tides, and weather can all impact the difficulty of the paddle. Adults paddling with a child and solo paddles require moderate physicality as you will do all the work.

• Beginners are welcome on Paddleboard tours, but moderate physicality is required.

 Please reach out to us to discuss further if you have questions.  Call now!

Yes, large groups have the option of a private tour.  We close the booking to guests outside of your crew!

• Being on the water is a great way to celebrate a bachelorette party, family reunion, or friends gathering.

• If you have more than 10 crew members, please call to check availability.

• A minimum gratuity of $75 will be applied.

• Our guides will take plenty of photos to share at the end of the tour!

Call now to reserve your tour or if you have additional questions! Call now!

Our guides are passionate about their work and will do their best to ensure you have a great experience.

• There are several ways you can show appreciation to your guide.  Of course, tips are greatly appreciated.

• Your guides will receive 100% of your online or in-person tip.

• If your guide provided a 5-star adventure, please share your experience by writing a Google or Trip Advisor review.

We are a small family-owned business; our tours are limited to 5 kayaks.  When you book, the seats are held and are no longer available to the general public.  Late changes, cancellations, and no-shows make it impossible for us to refill the seats reserved for your party.

• Tours booked without trip protection can be canceled up to 48 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund. No refunds/reschedule within 48 hours of the tour.

• Tours booked with trip protection can be canceled or rescheduled for any reason up to 12 hours before the scheduled tour time. This protects you against unforeseen changes to your plans and provides a full refund, less the cost of the trip protection.

• Trip protection is calculated at 10% of each reservation.

• If Get Up and Go Kayaking cancels a tour due to inclement weather, guests will be offered the choice of rescheduling, a refund, or a gift certificate.

We are happy to answer any questions about the cancellation policy. Call now!

Our Clear Kayak Eco tour provides an unobstructed, 360-degree view above and below the water while exploring salt marshes, remote sand beaches, and hidden coves.

• You will learn about local ecology and wildlife from our passionate, expert, CPR-certified guides.

• Your experience will be personal, as tours are limited to 5 kayaks.

• An ecosystem like no other in Florida!

• You are contributing to preserving this unique ecosystem as a portion of each tour is donated to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.

• Our private launch allows you to escape the busy downtown bustle of  Destin for a serene adventure in nature.

• Make unforgettable memories with family and friends, or even embark on a solo adventure while exploring the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors.

• You are supporting a small, woman-owned business.

We proudly offer a 10% discount to all active and retired military personnel and their guests.  We are a small women-owned business and understand that our freedom to do so comes from the past, present, and future men and women who serve our country.  We are centrally located between Eglin and Hurlburt Air Force bases.

Call to book your tour using your military discount. Call now!

While the area is home to many species of fish, crabs, rays, pelicans, birds, and dolphins, we can not guarantee they will appear during the tour. It is always a hope but never a guarantee! Even if wildlife does not appear during the tour, our experienced guides will make it fun as they search for wildlife, stop for photo opportunities, and take swim breaks (daytime tours).