Destin Harbor
Destin Harbor
4.5
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Top ways to experience Destin Harbor
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
114 within 5 kms
Attractions
53 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
863 reviews
Excellent
550
Very good
241
Average
53
Poor
7
Terrible
12
Debbykentucky
Louisville, KY132 contributions
Jun 2022
Very expensive and crowded. We went on Thursday night to see the fireworks at 9. Nice to walk around and look at everything but be prepared to spend money. Street in front of harbor is always busy. There is public parking across the street for $5.00
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sloth Life
9 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Location, Location, Location! 5 min boat ride under the bridge and onto Crab Island. The water was amazing and now I know why it is called the emerald coast. When tide washes out the bay water comes in and makes the magical ice blue/ turquoise water all shades of emerald green and yellow. Other than feeling rushed, this must be the best boat launch in the area!
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia D
Baltimore, MD10 contributions
Oct 2021
Stayed at the Emerald Grande. Nice, clean condo with a beautiful pool and affordable pool bar.
Harbor Walk has lots to do and eat with beautiful views.
The only negative is there's no direct beach access.
Harbor Walk has lots to do and eat with beautiful views.
The only negative is there's no direct beach access.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbi C
Lexington, TN41 contributions
Jan 2020
Stopped by here for some good photos of the Destin harbor bridge, and to get some exercise. There are several restaurants for anyone who wants to eat. Was interesting to see the preserved historic tree in front of Margaritaville. Most booths were closed, for purchasing souvenirs, air brush items, etc., but it is the off season, so that didn't surprise me. Uncrowded at this time of year, making for a pleasant afternoon stop.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christy M
Senoia, GA1 contribution
Aug 2013 • Friends
I own a rental condo in Destin, and have been on several deep sea fishing trips. I usually take the 6 hr trips, and have had some good luck catching many fish (on Back Lash boat), but for the most part have been disappointed. I've always had the sales pitch that if you want the big fish, you need to take the 8 hr trip and go further out to sea. So I recently booked the 8 hr trip on "Only Way" boat only to be disappointed again. It is early August and all fish except red snapper are in season. We rode for 2 hours to get 30 miles out, and immediately everyone caught an amberjack (big fish). But as always, the captain takes us off the "sweet spot" and drives us 10 miles back towards shore. He stops at the next spot, but talks to a boat nearby (not sure what is said as no communication takes place with us), and without casting our lines, we drive another 30 minutes and come to our next spot. We fish for about an hour and catch very few little "bait thieves". I had mentioned to the mate that I had caught a sand shark on my last trip, and it was a very tasty fish. He comments that sharks urinate through their skin, but he had heard that they tasted good. One of our group caught the exact same and size shark I had caught and worked hard to reel it in. When he got it to the boat, however, we were told that they don't keep sharks on their boat and released it, even though it was a legal catch. So, we spent the next several hours driving around the ocean, with very little fishing to be had.
My experience with most of the charter services in Destin has been that their attitudes are of annoyance with tourists, like we are a burden to them, even though we are their livelihood. They seem to assume that we are "city slickers" who know nothing about fishing and are in their way and on their nerves. They take your money and promise grand adventures with no intention of following through. They drive you around aimlessly in the ocean and keep their sweet spots for themselves.
When we got back to the dock, there was a 10 ft. shark that someone had caught. I guess their boat allowed sharks to be caught.
Research your charter service carefully before handing your money over. My guests will not be getting referred to Destin Charter Service.
My experience with most of the charter services in Destin has been that their attitudes are of annoyance with tourists, like we are a burden to them, even though we are their livelihood. They seem to assume that we are "city slickers" who know nothing about fishing and are in their way and on their nerves. They take your money and promise grand adventures with no intention of following through. They drive you around aimlessly in the ocean and keep their sweet spots for themselves.
When we got back to the dock, there was a 10 ft. shark that someone had caught. I guess their boat allowed sharks to be caught.
Research your charter service carefully before handing your money over. My guests will not be getting referred to Destin Charter Service.
Written 8 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hart259
columbus, ga2 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
This was my third trip outing on the Sweet Jody as part of a group of fishmen out of Fort Benning, GA. I will say we caught fish but this trip I was disturded at the end of the fishing how the Deck Hands were permitted to drink alcohol and the CPT in the wheel house in plan view was either fraternizing with a female customer or being rather affectionate in plain sight to any customer's sitting up on the top deck. As stated, prior trips had been very professional and well done. But this trip left a bad taste of unprofessional conduct - one deck hand at the end of the trip actually insulted one of our group by publicly ranting about the additional tip the individual attempted to give the Deck Hand - our group member had already tipped a 25% gratuity and this deck hand made a complete you know what of himself by trying to humilate one of our group members in front of all the customer's onboard. It was shameful he had to endure this deck hand's attempt to humilate him in front of other customers. Will definitely look at the other Party Boats for my next fishing trip. I thought it very unprofessional to have deck hands who were drinking in front of customers and a boat CPT being affectionate in the wheelhose. Not a good atomosphere or seaworthy professionalism.
Retired US ARMY FORT BENNING, GA
Retired US ARMY FORT BENNING, GA
Written 15 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeTrue0426
Cleveland, OH8 contributions
If you are in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area and are looking for a fun way to spend your day, rent a pontoon boat from Aloha Rentals, right in Destin Harbor. From the new boats, personable staff and service (they come to your car and help you unload/load your gear), they are fantastic. There are a lot of companies who rent pontoons, jet skis, etc, but we have found Aloha to be the best. We used them twice over the Memorial Day holiday. They care about their business and keep their boats in great shape. Very customer focused and they do a great job. Highly recommended.
Written 6 June 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie
14 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
You need huge amount of greenbacks $$$ here. This place has very expensive outlets and kiosks. More lavatories needs to be there.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
Atlanta, GA102 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
Harbor area and walk are nice to visit but is really a tourist trap. Several t shirt stores, decent but not great restaurants. Margaritaville tops the list. Get a cartoon picture drawn of you, you get the picture. The boat slips are nice to visit, also watch boats coming and going but besides that not missing much.
Written 4 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
im_justin_sane
Wimberley, TX121 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Destin Harbor, AKA Harborwalk, is the central hub for many fun things to do and places to see and eat. Fishing charters, jet ski rentals, dolphin cruises, parasailing trips, great dining, you name it. Watching the boats bring in their catch, waving at the people on boats, it's all just so much fun! If you're in the area, check it out!
Written 19 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Visiting in June and want to take a dolphin cruise. Is it best to book in advance or are there several boats and we can book when we arrive?
Written 26 May 2019
The Fishing Factor is my go to boat. Once I met Captain Mark who is very knowledgeable and helpful in many way. I appreciate it’s comfortable for a family or friends to board his boat. He picks quiet days and appreciate his tour or fishing excursion. Good luck
Written 4 June 2019
What day and time are the best to go especially to grab some fish from fisherman
Written 19 June 2018
That is not cften done. The charter costs make most want to take all their cleaned fish with them to give to their friends any that they don’t want.
Written 20 June 2018
Are there a lot of jellyfish on the beaches and in the water on the beaches in Destin? We will be heading there in April.
Written 3 April 2018
I’ve only seen a lot during September so I’m not certain.
Written 29 April 2018
Is this area near or part of the old east pass marina? If not, have all of the charter boats moved to this location? Also, if not, is it right next to the bridge? It's been awhile since we have vacationed in Destin and I may have my places all mixed up. Prior to 2011 all of our family vacations since I was a baby '71 were spent in Destin. My Grandad owned one of the first condos built in Destin when it was still just a small fishing village. I have so many fond memories and can't wait to return for a visit in a couple of weeks.
Written 1 July 2016
allanjharden@gmail.com
Greenville, South Carolina
The marina is on the west end of the island before the bridge. We were there for Destin Snorkel and it was great. The Captain knew where the Dolphins were and they were magical. Parasailing, boating, a bounce house in the water, plenty to do, including a pirate ship. Margaritaville was our dinner location and all were great!
Written 4 July 2016
Where can I find a slip for a 65' yacht
Written 22 February 2016
Hi Nursdeb, My best recommendation would be to browse the docks and ask anyone who may be working there or check with some realtors. Some private docks may be open, but without knowing who to contact, that may be a bit elusive. I couldn't point you in any specific direction, but that size boat shouldn't be really difficult to accommodate. Check with the booking booths on the docks and call some numbers on the ads for charter boats. You may find one fairly easily that way. I hope I have helped some, and thanks for visiting our page.
Written 23 February 2016
I'm looking for a condos at a reasonable price. First time visitors
Can u help? Party of 6 including A child under 2. Thanks
Written 22 February 2016
destincomforts. com
Just tell them Craig sent you. Welcome to paradise!
Written 23 February 2016
I'm looking for a place to do a little shore fishing with my son. Is there a place, not a pier, that would rent a pole and tackle that we could use for the day?
Written 20 January 2016
Yes, there are several places at the boardwalk that can rent equipment for you. There are so many fishing boats that it won't be difficult to find someone that rents by the hour.
Written 21 January 2016
Although you are correct about Crab Island being a sandbar, I would like to let you know a quick history tidbit about it. Up until the early 1960,s this area was actually an island. It was relatively the same size you see it now, and was full of pine trees and natural grasses. The old timers would set blue crab traps all around the island and collect crabs for either personal use, or to fill their commercial fishing quotas. Hence the name, Crab Island. Sometime back then a hurricane swept across the Destin area and wiped the island away. The currents, and dynamics of that particular spot in the bay keep "Crab Island" as you see it today. We're glad you are a part of our paradise, and we hope you continue to choose Destin as your place to vacation. Truly a cut above the rest.
Captain Craig Mann
Written 8 August 2015
Hello,
What is the best place to rent a boat from? Thanks!
Written 27 May 2015
Depends on what type of boat your looking for. Most of the boats that are rented out are the pontoon boats. I don't know of any fishing boats for rent, per say, but plenty of charter boats to charter that come with crew and everything you need for your trip, except your food and drink. Also to include your license for that trip. Jet skis, are also fairly available to rent.
If your looking for a fishing charter, Call me at 850-509-2544 and I can get you into the mix.
Thank you for your interest and have a great day.
Capt. Craig Mann
Written 27 May 2015
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