DESTIN

Our launch site is in quaint Mary Esther, just west of Fort Walton Beach. The address is 101 W Miracle Strip Parkway. Mary Esther is only 10 miles from downtown Destin.  However, during peak season, April – September, traffic in the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area can cause a major slowdown.  Please leave ample time to make it to our launch before the start of the tour.  We cannot hold the tour for late arrivals.  The launch is directly behind Native Cove Landing (which is under construction.)  A local artist is painting a mural on the entire building, so it is easy to spot!

You can park on top of the building or take the gravel side road immediately east of the building to park directly next to the launch.  Pardon the dust as the building and surrounding area are finalized. (The front of the building can be dark at night. We recommend you drive to the back of the building, which will be fully lit for the night tours.)

• Due to the unique materials and shape of the clear kayaks, our manufacturer has provided a strict limit of 250 lbs per person.
• No more than 425 lbs of combined weight per kayak – 2 people.
• No more than 225 lbs per paddle board.

• 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 encourage you to bring the following:

• Water (preferably in a reusable water bottle)
• Swimsuit/clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet – dress for cooler nights
• Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
• Towel for after the trip
• Any extra gear you’d like! Remember – the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak!

• Our tours are family-friendly, and children ages 5+ are welcome on our daytime, sunset, and glow tours.
• Haunted Tour children ages 12+ may participate.
• 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 of the utmost importance.
• One adult must attend for every child under 15 years of age. Children under 15 cannot paddle without an adult, and minors under 18 are not allowed to paddle without an adult present. We recommend a moderate fitness level for those kayaking with children, as the adult will do all the work.
• We require one adult per child aged 14 and under.  For teens 15-17, we require at least one adult to attend the experience. 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 the teen has the physical ability to navigate the kayak in various tides and winds.

• We love furry friends, but to preserve the fragile ecosystem, pets cannot come on the tour.

• 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.  Please reach out to us to discuss further if you have questions.
• 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.

• Yes! We can accommodate special parties by assigning two guides.  Please call or email to check on availability for large groups.

• We proudly offer a 10% discount to all active and retired military personnel.  We are centrally located between Eglin and Hurlburt Air Force bases.

• Our guides are passionate about their work and will do their best to ensure you have a great experience
• Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”

• 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 can be booked with or without trip protection. If you book and do not purchase Trip Protection, you can cancel up to 48 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund. No refunds/reschedule within 48 hours of the tour.
• If you purchase Trip Protection when booking, you can cancel or reschedule your tour for any reason up to 12 hours before your scheduled tour time.  This protects you against unforeseen changes to your plans.  If you cancel 12 before the tour, you will be refunded for the full amount of each ticket, less the cost of the trip protection and processing fees.
• 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.

• Our kayaks and paddleboards are CLEAR, providing an unobstructed, 360-degree view above and below the water.
• Your experience will be personal, as tours are limited to 5 kayaks.
• You will explore salt marshes, remote sand beaches, and hidden coves surrounded by ancient dunes. 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.
• You will learn about local ecology and wildlife from our passionate, expert, CPR-certified guides.
• 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.