Are you thinking about a snorkeling trip while visiting Destin, Florida? Snorkeling is a fun activity the whole family will enjoy. There’s no better feeling then spending a day on the water feeding the fish, looking for shells and enjoying the beautiful weather!
If you’re considering a snorkeling trip in Destin or you have some more practical questions before booking, this post of frequently asked questions will cover everything you need to know about snorkeling with us here at Pelican Adventures.
What Kind of Sea Life will I see in Destin?
You never know what you will see snorkeling in Destin! Blue crabs, hermit crabs, and a variety of fish (such as tangs, sergeant majors, damselfish, puffer fish,…) are the most common. Stay on the lookout for dolphin and turtle sighting too!
What is the Minimum Age for Children to go Snorkeling?
Children must be 3 years old and 30 pounds to participate in a snorkeling excursion with us.
Is the Water always Clear in Destin?
In Destin we are blessed with beautiful turquoise water most of the time, however sometimes Mother Nature has her own plans. The water color is affected by the tides, currents and storms so some days it’s not as clear as other days. We do make every effort to time your snorkeling trip during the optimal times for the clearest possible water although we can’t guarantee how it will look on any given day.
Where are the Snorkeling Locations?
Most of the time we have two stops on our snorkeling tour.
1-The Destin jetty is a man-made finger of rocks on the East Pass that leads to the Gulf of Mexico. This partially submerged rock wall plays host to a surprising amount of marine life and provides an ideal snorkeling destination.
2-Another stop is the grass flats on Choctawhatchee Bay. This spot is more shallow with calmer waters making it a great spot to see crabs, fish and other sea life as well as searching for seashells to keep for souvenirs.
There are rare occasions when we can’t snorkel the jetty due to tides, currents or jellyfish and instead will spend the entire time at the grass flats.
How Deep is the Water?
The water can be anywhere from about 3-10 feet deep depending on the spot and the tides.
Will I have help Learning to Snorkel?
Yes! Our crew will be with you the entire time. We provide fully sanitized snorkel masks, snorkels and fins available in sizes for all ages. Our Captain and mates will help size you and instruct the proper way to wear and use the equipment. We also provide water toys, nets, noodles and more for guests to enjoy their snorkeling adventure to the fullest.
What Should I Bring on my Snorkeling Trip?
We recommend that guests bring sunscreen, a towel, and beverages (no glass). A cooler will be available for you on the boat.
How many People are on the Boat?
Up to 28 passengers can comfortably ride on our “Anticipation” snorkel boat.
Private snorkeling charters are. also available if you want to go with just your group. We have our “Just Right” boat for small groups of up to 6 people or our “Anticipation” boat to accommodate larger groups.
What is the Cost of Snorkeling?
Snorkeling costs $59-$69 per person for a 2.5 hour adventure.
All snorkeling trips include fully sanitized mask, fins and snorkel gear. Instruction and assistance is provided by our crew.
How much should I tip my Crew?
Deck hands appreciate and rely on tips if you feel they provided you with a good snorkeling experience. As a general rule, 20 percent of your trip cost is standard but be as generous as you feel, especially if they went above and beyond. 
An additional way to thank your crew is by writing a review of your experience and mentioning the names of anyone who made your trip especially enjoyable. There is a QR code onboard to leave a Google review or you can leave reviews on our Facebook page and Trip Advisor as well as Fishing Booker or Tripshock if you booked through them.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
We have a 72 hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to departure will be refunded minus a 8% processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 72 hours of departure for any reason, including missing the boat or no-shows. Be sure to allow plenty of extra time for traffic delays and parking.
What if the Weather is Bad?
The captain reviews the weather and surf conditions daily leading up to your snorkeling trip. If he determines that the weather and currents are unsafe or too rough/unpleasant for snorkeling then he will cancel the trip. In this situation you will be offered a chance to reschedule or a full refund will be provided if your travel plans don’t allow it.
We recommend planning your snorkeling trip early in your vacation so there is time to reschedule in the unlikely event of weather cancellations.
We hope you are ready for your Snorkeling Trip with Pelican Adventures now! If you have any further questions, just call our office and ask! 850-650-3825
