Spend a few hours zooming around the waves on a jet ski or take a leisure cruise to Crab Island on a pontoon boat, all courtesy of Destin Water Fun. The friendly staff will teach you how to operate the equipment, even if you’re a novice. You’ll feel confident pulling away from the dock and taking the short cruise to Crab Island or just tool around the harbor
Destin Water Fun rents 2016 Sweetwater, 60 HP, 24 ft pontoon boats. Throw some drinks and sandwiches in an ice chest and spend the day on the water with 10 adults or 12 people, if young children are onboard. A Bimini top offers shade or retracts it to catch some rays. The boats have a waterproof Bluetooth-equipped stereo, so you can blast your favorite summertime playlist. A ladder on the back allows you to go for a swim or snorkel, then easily climb back aboard. The pontoon boats can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, which generates a pleasant breeze, not a strong headwind. You’ll still be able to enjoy the music and talk to your companions without yelling. Just be sure to stay within a 13-mile radius of risk a $500 fine.
Jet skis are also available to rent from Destin Water Fun. The craft can hold three people or up to 400 pounds, whichever comes first. The jet skis’ top speed is 57 miles per hour, which is fast enough to be exhilarating. Keep in mind you must be 18 to rent a jet ski (or pontoon boat) yourself. Those between 16 and 18 can drive a jet ski if a parent or guardian signs the contract for them.
There’s one other way to have fun on the water with Destin Water Fun. The company charters private fishing excursions in the bay, deep sea or for a bottom-fishing experience. Expect to snag red snapper, amberjack, gag grouper, scamp grouper, cobia, triggerfish and many other varieties. The captains know the best places to fish so expect a bite within seconds of dropping your line. All equipment is provided and up to six people can join in the fun.
A few things set Destin Water Fun apart. You aren’t required to provide a $500 deposit. Instead, the company verifies fund availability on your credit card. Gas is included in all rental prices so you won’t have to pay an additional fee once returning to the dock. Boats and jet skis can be reserved over the phone, online or onsite.
Insider Tips:
– If you were born in 1988 or later and plan to drive a boat or jet ski, you must have a Florida Boaters’ Permit to operate any vessel with more than 10 HP. Take the test ahead of time or Destin Water Fun offers it onsite for a fee of $3. Allow 30 minutes to study and take the test. To get the certification beforehand, go to boatus.org.
– Destin Water Fun closes at 6 p.m., but no jet skis can go out after 5:15 p.m.