Destin, Florida, is famous for its sparkling waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. It’s a haven for boat lovers, offering everything from quick dolphin sightings to full-day private adventures. What makes Destin stand out is its variety of water experiences tailored for all interests—whether you want to relax with a sunset cruise or get your adrenaline pumping on a speedboat. One of our favorites is the Original Cruisin’ Tikis Sunset Cruise, which combines fun, scenery, and a BYOB tiki bar—something unique in Destin’s boat scene. Watching the sunset while dolphins swim nearby is pure magic. For families, the Banana Boat Ride in the Gulf of Mexico offers a guaranteed thrill with dolphins often riding alongside the boat. With so many options, you can easily tailor your water day to your style.
Quick Overview
Destin’s boat tours cover dolphin watching, sunset cruises, private charters, eco-tours, and adrenaline-filled rides. For those seeking a relaxed experience, sunset and eco-dolphin cruises provide scenic views and wildlife encounters. Families and thrill-seekers will enjoy banana boat rides and speedboat tours. Want to explore at your own pace? Rent a pontoon boat and cruise Crab Island. For a mix of adventure and relaxation, private sunset and dolphin cruises are perfect. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each, so you can pick what suits your trip best.
1. Original Cruisin’ Tikis Sunset Cruise
This funky Destin experience has a perfect 5-star rating from 383 reviews. The 1 hour 30-minute cruise takes you on a vintage-inspired tiki boat with a BYOB policy—ice and coolers are provided, so you can sip your favorite drinks as you watch the sunset. The captain guides you into Destin Bay, where dolphins often make an appearance, and the skyline provides a stunning backdrop. Guests love the relaxed vibe, island tunes, and the chance to see dolphins, making it a fun, social outing for friends or families. It’s especially popular for its uniqueness—sailing on a tiki bar rather than a typical boat. Many reviewers mention how peaceful and beautiful the sunset is, even if the weather gets choppy. The fun, casual atmosphere and personal touch make this a top pick for a memorable evening.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a laid-back, scenic cruise with drinks in hand, especially if sunset and dolphin sightings appeal to you.
2. Banana Boat Ride in the Gulf of Mexico
Rated a perfect 5 stars by 294 reviewers, this 1 hour 15-minute adventure is a hit for families and groups craving excitement. The tour uses classic banana boats, which are safe and easy to ride—perfect for kids and first-timers. All equipment is included, and the tour starts from Destin Harbor, passing by the boardwalk and Crab Island. Many guests highlight dolphin sightings during the ride, with some saying it’s “great for kids and parents alike.” The crew’s friendly attitude and the opportunity to upgrade to ride solo on your own banana boat add to the fun. Falling off is part of the experience, often leading to laughs and stories. It offers great value for a lively, watersport-style outing with plenty of chances to see marine life.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or groups wanting a fun, active day on the water with the bonus of dolphin encounters.
3. Destin Dolphin Cruise
This highly-rated 1 hour 30-minute cruise, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 223 reviews, takes you aboard a 45 Corinthian Catamaran to explore Destin Harbor. The main attraction? Wild dolphins, which are often seen jumping and swimming close to the boat. The tour also covers Crab Island, The Destin Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico, adding a scenic tour component. Guests appreciate the comfortable catamaran and the chance to walk around for the best views. The guides share interesting facts, and many rave about how many dolphins they see, making this a reliable choice for wildlife lovers. The tour is suitable for most ages and offers a relaxing way to experience Destin’s waters.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a combination of scenic cruising and dolphin watching in a comfortable setting.
4. Destin: Dolphin Watching Cruise
Rated 4.9/5 based on 204 reviews, this 1.5-hour dolphin cruise is a budget-friendly option at just $30 per person. It’s a straightforward trip into Destin’s waters, focusing on dolphin sightings with views of luxurious waterfront homes and the emerald coast. The boat is designed for dolphin spotting, and the natural habitat guarantees many opportunities for sightings. Reviewers mention how well the crew keeps a lookout and how close they get to dolphins, making it an accessible, family-friendly choice for a quick nature fix.
Bottom Line: Excellent value for those wanting an informative, dolphin-focused ride with scenic scenery.
5. Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL
With a 4.5/5 rating from 574 reviews, this 1-hour cruise offers a quick, engaging dolphin encounter. Operated by Hydrojet, it explores Destin’s East Pass and Gulf of Mexico, with lots of wildlife—including stingrays and turtles—along the way. Guests love the short duration for a quick escape, and many mention how they get great photo opportunities. It’s suitable for all ages and emphasizes marine life viewing in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a fast, wildlife-focused trip that packs plenty of marine encounters.
6. Crab Island: Pontoon Boat Rentals
Rated a perfect 5-star by 143 reviewers, this self-guided pontoon rental lets up to 12 people explore Crab Island at your own pace. Starting at Fort Walton Beach, you choose between 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours—perfect if you want flexibility. The boat includes a cooler, and you’re free to swim, sunbathe, or snorkel. Guests love the ease of driving and the ability to customize your day, often mentioning how they enjoyed feeding fish or just relaxing with family. Wildlife such as dolphins is common, and the privacy makes it ideal for special occasions or a laid-back day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups wanting total control over their day on the water, with the convenience of your own boat.
7. Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise
This 1 hour 30-minute eco-friendly cruise, rated a perfect 5, from 131 reviews, takes you into Destin Harbor for a dolphin-focused sunset. The boat’s design offers close-up viewing, and the crew is known for their keen eyes and educational commentary. The cruise ends with a spectacular sunset, and guests mention seeing plenty of dolphins along the way. It’s family-friendly, relaxing, and offers an intimate experience compared to larger tour boats.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful, educational, and scenic dolphin and sunset experience.
8. Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Rated 5/5 by 131 reviews, this 2-hour evening cruise is a lovely way to conclude a day. The “dolphin whisperer” captain guides you to see dolphins, sharks, and manatees, with spectacular sunset views over Destin. Children can take the wheel, adding a playful element. Many reviews highlight how close the dolphins come and the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s especially good for travelers wanting a longer, more leisurely sunset experience with wildlife sightings.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a more relaxed, longer sunset and dolphin outing.
9. Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor
This fast-paced 1-hour speedboat trip has earned a 4.5/5 from 423 reviews. The small jet boat and lively crew make for a personalized, energetic adventure. Sightings of dolphins, sting rays, and other wildlife are common, with guests commenting on the speed and excitement. The boat limits the group size for a more intimate experience. Many mention how the speed and wildlife sightings create a memorable ride.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adrenaline junkies or those wanting a short, energetic wildlife ride.
10. Destin- Private Chartered Slide Pontoon Boat
Rated 5/5 from 78 reviews, this private cruise for up to 6 offers a customizable experience. Starting from Destin’s Heron Harbor, you can choose to visit Crab Island or other spots, with options for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just relaxing. The personalized service and flexibility make it popular among couples or families celebrating special occasions. Guests rave about the dolphin sightings and the ease of the trip, often mentioning how Captain Wendy made everyone feel at home.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a tailored, private water adventure with a small group.
11. Sandestin Sunset Eco-Dolphin Cruise Aboard Sol y Luna
With a flawless 5-star rating from 78 reviews, this 1 hour 30-minute cruise offers a relaxed way to see dolphins and the sunset. The boat gets close to dolphins, with the crew providing educational insights. The calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay provide a peaceful environment, perfect for families or couples wanting a quiet end to the day.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a quiet, intimate, and wildlife-rich cruise at sunset.
12. Destin’s Floating Tiki Bar Cruise
Rated 5/5 from 75 reviews, this 1 hour 30-minute tour is for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a party atmosphere. The floating tiki bar sails through Destin Harbor with 360° views and a cooler of drinks provided. Guests enjoy the casual vibe, lively music, and the chance to see harbor lights. Many reviews mention how fun and relaxed the experience is, with some noting the informative commentary from the captain about local sights.
Bottom Line: Great for those looking for a fun, social cruise with scenic harbor views.
13. Small-Group Banana Boat Ride at Miramar Beach Destin
Rated a perfect 5, from 74 reviews, this 15-minute ride is perfect for a quick burst of fun. Towed by a Jet Ski, the small group setting makes for personalized attention, and the thrill of riding and falling off keeps everyone laughing. Reviewers mention how friendly and attentive the captain was, with many noting the marine life sightings, especially dolphins and turtles.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a short, exciting experience suitable for children and adults alike.
14. Sunset / Harbor & Bay Cruise in Destin with Complimentary Wine
This 1 hour 30-minute cruise, rated 5.0 from 66 reviews, offers a cozy, intimate experience. The small group (maximum six) enjoys complimentary wine and snacks while cruising Destin harbor. Many mention the beautiful sunset views, dolphins, and the overall relaxed vibe. Guests love the personalized service, with some noting it’s a perfect celebration outing, especially for special occasions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups wanting a calm, elegant evening on the water.
15. Destin: Snorkeling Cruise with 2 Stops and Dolphin Watching
Rated 4.8/5 from 107 reviews, this 2.5-hour guided tour combines snorkeling at two spots with dolphin watching. The boat is modern and comfortable, and guests often feed fish during the second snorkel stop. Many reviewers commend the diverse marine life, including colorful fish and turtles, along with frequent dolphin sightings. This trip is ideal for active travelers who want more underwater exploration alongside wildlife.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous snorkelers who want to see marine life both above and below the water.
16. Private Guided Sunset and Dolphin Cruise up to 6 Passengers
Rated 5/5 from 59 reviews, this customizable private cruise offers a personalized experience for up to 6 people. You can choose to visit Crab Island or Norriego Point, and enjoy bottled water, Bluetooth speakers, and even stop at local restaurants. Guests rave about the dolphins, sunset views, and how welcoming the captain makes everyone feel. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups celebrating a special occasion.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a private, tailored water experience with flexible options.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Destin
When selecting the perfect cruise, consider your budget, interests, and group size. For a relaxing sunset with drinks, the Original Cruisin’ Tikis Sunset Cruise offers a unique, fun atmosphere. If you’re traveling with kids, the Banana Boat Ride or Dolphin Speedboat provide lively, quick adventures. For a private experience, the Private Sunset Cruise lets you customize your route and activities. Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and time.
In summary, Destin offers a diverse range of boat tours, from dolphin encounters to lively party cruises. For tranquil sunset views, the Sunset Eco-Dolphin Cruise and Sunset Dolphin Cruise shine. Families and adventure lovers will enjoy the banana boat rides and speedboat tours. For those wanting control, the pontoon rentals and private cruises are unbeatable options. Booking early helps you lock in the best time for your trip, ensuring a smooth and memorable day on Destin’s waters.