Sail Destin offers authentic sailing excursions from Destin Harbor. Trips can be local and last for just a couple of hours, or they can involve an overnight voyage to Panama City, Florida. In many ways, this is the premier sailing experience in Destin.
The boat that Sail Destin operates is a 42-food sloop called “Discovery”, and it’s the largest sailing yacht available for private charter in the harbor. With such size, the boat offers groups plenty of room to spread out, mix and enjoy their time on the water. It’s also fully equipped with a complete bathroom (including shower), full galley (with a three-burner stove and oven that remains level) and iceboxes onboard. An air conditioner keeps the cabin cool when the boat’s docked.
When out on the water, the Captains keep Discovery under sail 95 percent of the time, using power only in the harbor and if it’s absolutely necessary. While this adds some unpredictability, both Captain Clark and Captain Matt are skilled sailors and able to navigate in varied wind conditions.
As for where to go, there are many different options. The day and sunset cruises are quite popular, you can also head down to Panama or sail to a local restaurant in Destin.
While not guaranteed, wildlife is commonly spotted on all of these cruises. Dolphins are seen 90 percent of the time, and sometimes there are also sharks, turtles, and dolphins in the water near the boat.
For refreshments, water, soda, and snacks are provided on all cruises. The crew can also serve complimentary adult beverages of choice (but groups are encouraged to tip the crew).
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of six, and the Captains don’t combine groups to reach that maximum. This ensures all outings are truly a private charter.
The prices charged for cruises reflect the premium sailing experience that Sail Destin offers, and they aren’t inexpensive. Customers should expect to spend a few hundred dollars for a daytime or evening sail, and up to $1,500 plus meals for an overnight outing to Panama.
For a fun, relaxing and even romantic adventure on the water, book a tour with Sail Destin. Go with one of their standard tours, or ask the Captains for a custom-designed excursion that’s tailored to exactly what your group would like to do.
A few of our favorite cruises at Sail Destin include:
2-Hour Getaway Sail
The shortest cruise offered, the 2-Hour Getaway Sail is perfect if you don’t have much time or are on a budget. You’ll still get out on the water and see some of the beautiful places surrounding Destin Harbor.
Sunset Cruise
One of the most romantic options, the Sunset Cruise is a 2.5-hour tour of the nearby waters. As long as you’re on a private charter, you can decide where to go. This is the only tour that is available as a shared cruise with other parties.
Moonlight Cruise
Sail well into the evening on the Moonlight Cruise. Highly customizable, you can plan a relaxing evening looking up at the stars, or take the boat to one of the area’s well-known restaurants or night clubs.
2-Day Cruise to Shell Island
The 2-Day Cruise to Shell Island involves a full day of sailing, an overnight at anchor or in a berth, and a day sailing back from the island. On the morning of the second day, you’ll have some time to explore Panama City itself. Food options for the overnight excursion include grilling on the boat or going to one of the waterfront restaurants in Panama City.
Insider Tip:
– If you have lots going on, select the 2-Hour Getaway Sail. Because it’s so short, you can leave the dock at any time between sunrise and 3:00 p.m. That makes it easy to plan your sail around other activities.