Destin, Florida, is famous for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for jet-skiing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, the area offers a variety of options to explore the coast and encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife. We’re particularly impressed with the Island Jet Ski Adventure, which combines scenic cruising with wildlife sightings, and the Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure, known for its close-up dolphin encounters and small-group atmosphere. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the Jetski Waverunner Rental provides flexibility and freedom for a memorable day on the water.
For those looking for guided tours that focus on wildlife, Destin’s jet-ski excursions offer a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, often with knowledgeable guides sharing local insights. If you’re interested in a longer, more immersive experience, the WaveRunner/Jetski Rental and Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tour are excellent options that balance adventure with sightseeing. Whichever choice you make, booking early is wise—destin’s water adventures fill up quickly in peak season.
1. Island Jet Ski Adventure
At number 1, the Island Jet Ski Adventure offers a 1-hour guided ride that’s perfect for all skill levels. This tour takes you out from a dock on Miracle Strip Parkway and explores Destin’s intracoastal waterways, Santa Rosa Sound, and nearby sandbars and secluded islands. The guides have a reputation for being friendly and knowledgeable, sharing tips and pointing out wildlife along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to spot dolphins and other marine life, all while enjoying the thrill of riding your own Waverunner. The ride is exhilarating—reaching speeds of 45-50 mph—and the scenery includes lush mangroves and white sandy islands. It’s a great value at $119 per group (up to 2 passengers), with many reviewers praising the well-maintained equipment and fun guides like Alejandro, who they say heightens the experience with humor and local knowledge.
This adventure is best suited for those wanting a guided experience with marine wildlife spotting, especially if you want to learn about the area while having fun on the water. The only downside is that bookings are per jet ski, so larger groups need to reserve multiple slots.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers and wildlife lovers, this tour combines scenic beauty with the excitement of riding a jet ski under expert guidance.
2. Jetski Waverunner Rental – Destin
Number 2 on our list is the Jetski Waverunner Rental, which offers an independent way to explore Destin’s waters for about $95. You get to choose from high-quality jet skis, with speeds reaching 50 mph, and can cruise around Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound at your own pace. Rentals include a full tank of gas and a detailed map of local waterways, making it easy to navigate yourself to Crab Island or other favorite spots.
What makes this rental stand out is the flexibility. You can go where the wind takes you—cruise past the iconic Crab Island, stop for a snorkel session, or zip along the open water. It’s ideal for confident riders who want control over their adventure without a guide. The vehicles seat up to two adults plus a small child, making it suitable for families or small groups.
Reviewers highlight the professionalism and friendly staff, with many mentioning how easy the check-in process is and how much fun they had driving freely. It’s especially appealing if you’ve already experienced a guided tour and want to explore more on your own.
Bottom Line: Great for independent explorers comfortable with navigation and looking for a flexible, adrenaline-filled day on Destin’s waters.
3. Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure
Taking the number 3 spot, the Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure is a 2-hour tour designed for dolphin enthusiasts. Starting from the dock on Miracle Strip Parkway, you’ll cruise into the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound on your Yamaha Jet Ski. The tour focuses on dolphin sightings, as you zip through the water, slowing down to observe these playful creatures feeding, swimming, and jumping.
This tour is unique because it combines the thrill of riding with a wildlife safari, often with the chance to see other marine animals like sea turtles and rays. The small group setting (up to 2 per jet ski) minimizes disturbance to the dolphins, making it a more natural experience. Several reviewers mention how their guides, like Nick and Corey, go above and beyond to ensure safety and dolphin sightings, with one noting that they saw numerous dolphins and even a shark.
At $227 per group, it’s a bit pricier but offers a more immersive experience. It’s best suited for travelers eager to combine wildlife viewing with a fun ride, especially those who want personal attention from guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for dolphin fans wanting a longer, more interactive experience with wildlife in a small-group setting.
4. Jet Ski Rental in Destin and Fort Walton Beach
Number 4 is the Jet Ski Rental in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, offering 1 to 2-hour rentals starting at $71. This is a straightforward rental option where you control your own adventure, cruising around Destin’s beautiful shores and passing Crab Island. The staff is praised for their friendliness and clear instructions, making it a good choice for first-timers or those who want to explore without a guide.
The rental is flexible—you can start with a quick hour or extend up to 8 hours if you’re feeling adventurous. Many reviewers appreciated the hassle-free check-in and the quality of the equipment. It’s perfect for those who prefer to set their own pace and explore at leisure, or for families who want a relaxed day on the water.
If you’re comfortable navigating and just want the freedom to go where you like, this rental provides excellent value for money and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Best suited for confident riders or families wanting a flexible, self-guided day on Destin’s waters.
5. Jet Ski Dolphin Tour from Gilligan’s Watersports
Coming in at number 5, the Jet Ski Dolphin Tour from Gilligan’s Watersports is a 2-hour guided experience focused on dolphin sightings. This small-group tour (up to 2 per jet ski) offers a more intimate look at Destin’s marine life, riding from the harbor into the Gulf of Mexico. Guides lead you to dolphin hotspots and share insights about the local ecosystem, making it a favorite among wildlife watchers.
Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to see dolphins swimming and leaping in their natural environment. One reviewer highlighted the guide Mason’s local knowledge, while another raved about how many dolphins they spotted, including sharks and stingrays. It’s great for those who want a less hectic, more educational experience with safety and marine life as top priorities.
At $180 for a 2-hour tour, it’s a bit more expensive but offers the chance for close encounters with dolphins and in-depth commentary about Destin’s ecosystem.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want a guided, small-group adventure with educational insights.
6. WaveRunner/Jetski Rental
Number 6 is the WaveRunner/Jetski Rental, offering rides from 1 to 8 hours. This option is about flexibility—rent a jet ski for an hour or a full day, and enjoy exploring Destin at your own pace. The staff is friendly, and the equipment is top quality, with reviews emphasizing how smooth and fun the rides are.
This rental is especially suited for travelers wanting to create their own itinerary. You can cruise past Crab Island, explore the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, or zip across open water. It’s a straightforward rental without a guided component, so some navigational familiarity is helpful.
Reviewers mention the staff’s helpfulness and how the experience felt safe and enjoyable. For those seeking independence and a longer ride, this rental offers a good mix of value and freedom.
Bottom Line: A flexible, self-guided option ideal for experienced riders or those comfortable navigating independently.
7. Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tour with Gilligan’s Watersports
Rounding out our list, the Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tour with Gilligan’s Watersports is a 2-hour guided adventure that combines dolphin watching with the thrill of riding jet skis. While the reviews aren’t listed here, the emphasis is on zipping across the waves and keeping an eye out for playful dolphins and other marine wildlife.
This tour appeals to those who want a longer, more immersive experience than a quick ride, with a focus on marine life and scenic views. The guide will point out local landmarks and wildlife, making it both entertaining and educational.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want a longer, wildlife-focused jet ski tour with the chance to see dolphins in action.
$175 per group up to 2
How to Choose the Best Jet-Ski Experience in Destin
When selecting your ideal jet-ski adventure, consider your budget, comfort level, and what you hope to see. Guided tours like Island Jet Ski Adventure and Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure excel if you want company, safety, and wildlife encounters. Conversely, Jetski Waverunner Rental and WaveRunner/Jetski Rental provide freedom for confident explorers.
Peak season booking is recommended for all options, as these experiences tend to fill up quickly. Think about whether you prefer a guided, educational experience centered on wildlife or a flexible, self-guided adventure that allows you to explore at your own pace.
Final thoughts
Destin offers a wide range of jet-ski experiences—from guided wildlife tours to independent rentals—making it easy to find the perfect way to enjoy the water. If you’re new to jet skiing, guided tours like the Island Jet Ski Adventure provide safety and local insights, while experienced riders may prefer the freedom of renting their own jet ski or longer tours like the Crab Island Dolphin Adventure.
No matter which option you choose, booking early guarantees your spot, especially during the busy summer months. Destin’s sparkling waters are waiting—so get your gear, and start planning your water adventure today.