Destin, Florida, once a quiet fishing village, has become one of the top travel destinations in the Untied States. The lure of the sugar white sands and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico draw tens of thousands of visitors from across the world each year to enjoy the area’s beauty, and in particular to enjoy the water. Here is a list of the top seven water sport activities to try to get the most out of your Destin vacation. Whether you rent a boat and pack in all the fun in one day or try various activities throughout your stay, you will truly enjoy your time on the water!

1. Go fishing- Destin is known for its many waterways and ample supply of fish, earning it the reputation of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. Not surprisingly, fishing is one of the biggest draws to the area. You can find fishing charters and fishing boat rentals to get you out on the water to where the fish are biting.

Charter boats can find an abundance of grouper, red snapper, amberjack, triggerfish, and scamp while bottom fishing. While trolling, you can fish for sailfish, Wahoo, blue marlin, mahi, king mackerel, and various kinds of tuna. Cobia fishing is another popular sport amongst fisherman along the Emerald Coast.

You can also rent a fishing boat or pontoon boat and fish the Choctawhatchee Bay and its adjacent bayous year-round for a variety of fish such as Flounder, Redfish, Speckled Trout, White Trout, Bluefish, and Sheepshead.

2. Anchor at Crab Island- The area known as “Crab Island” is actually not an island at all, but an underwater sandbar. It is one of the most popular hangouts in Destin in the summer months. Many people anchor their boats and enjoy the beautiful emerald green waters for which Destin is known. On most summer weekends, bands play on floating stages, children bounce on a water trampoline or slide down an inflatable slide, and people spend their days relaxing in the sun. Floating restaurants and mobile food vendors complete the unique scene at Crab Island.

3. Snorkel the Jetties- The Destin jetties were constructed by the US Corps of Engineers in 1969 to protect the East Pass from erosion from the Gulf of Mexico. They consist of large rocks placed on top of one another and form a reef barrier, and have become one of the area’s most well known landmarks and hottest snorkeling destinations. The jetties offer a habitat for fish and other sea creatures. The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide an excellent view of marine life including thousands of fish, different species of crabs, and the occasional sea turtle, manatee, and stingray. Rent a boat and snorkel gear and check out this snorkel destination, or take a snorkel tour.

4. Take the Kids Tubing- Rent a pontoon or powerboat and an inflatable rubber tube and go tubing on the waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Skimming across the top of the water is sure to cause many smiles and create wonderful vacation memories.

5. Sightsee for Dolphins and Other Marine Life- Dolphins are some of the most beloved marine animals. They are very intelligent, friendly and playful mammals, and in their natural state they play and jump in the air. Watching wild dolphins is a truly amazing experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. Be sure to watch for other marine life such as fish, loggerhead sea turtles, stingrays, manatee, and birds. Destin offers a rich natural ecosystem that is home to many marine animals.

6. Go Jet Skiing- Satisfy your need for speed aboard one of these fast yet stable watercraft. Jet skis are fun for the whole family, and allow a different riding experience than a boat. Skim across the water at a quick speed and enjoy the feel of the water spraying against you, or go at a slower pace and explore waterways of the backcountry that aren’t as easily accessible by boat.

7. Watch the sunset or see fireworks over the Destin Harbor- Enjoy beautiful views of the sun slipping across the sky and sinking over the water to the west, the colors of the sky echoed in the reflection of the water which glitters with gold, crimson, burnt orange, and turquoise. Destin sunsets are truly beautiful and are even more enjoyable to watch from the water. On Thursday nights during the summer months, there are firework displays over the Destin Harbor, and the picturesque views of the sunset are replaced with the bright bursts of color against the night sky. These views are a fantastic way to relax at the end of a full day of enjoying the water.