With a Destin boat rental, top destinations include Crab Island, the area’s most famous sandbar, perfect for anchoring, swimming, and socializing in shallow emerald-green water. Choctawhatchee Bay offers calmer conditions for cruising, tubing, and family-friendly outings. Head into the Gulf of Mexico for deep-sea fishing, dolphin cruising, or snorkeling near jetties and reefs. Scenic harbor cruises around Destin Harbor are also popular, especially for sunset trips.

The cost to rent a boat in Destin FL starts at $44/hour.

Destin Harbor Marina – Central location with direct access to Crab Island and the harbor.
HarborWalk Marina – Walkable to restaurants and shops; ideal for short-term rentals.
Baytowne Marina – Located in Sandestin; calmer waters and family-friendly boating.
Legendary Marina – Easy access to both the bay and the Gulf; popular with local boaters.

Destin Fishing Rodeo is a daily fishing competition with weigh-ins at the harbor (10 AM–7 PM), dozens of divisions (offshore, inshore, kayak, junior, etc.), and big catches often drawing crowds and happens in October 1–31, 2025
Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, also known as Destin Boat Parade has boats decorated with holiday lights cruise through Destin Harbor, and the evening ends with a fireworks show over the water. It happens on Sunday, December 14, 2025 with the parade starting at 6:00 PM