Imagine the ocean beneath you, a salty sea breeze embracing you, and the sun setting as you look to the horizon. Out on the water, you feel truly alive. If this sounds like your kind of vacation, check out our curated list of boat tours in 30A and start planning your dream getaway.
With so many types of boat tours available in the area, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for! Try a kayak rental, a paddleboard tour, fishing and yacht charters, pirate cruises, and sunset sails.
Best of all, when you stay at a rental from 30A Luxury Vacations, you will have a luxurious home base for your seafaring quests.
So, read on if you want ideas for family-friendly jaunts, romantic dates, adventure-packed excursions, and other on-the-water activities!
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Family Friendly Boat Tours in 30A
Want an outing that keeps the kids and the grown-ups entertained? Take the family dolphin watching, or, for a truly unique experience, a pirate cruise!
Dolphin Cruises
A dolphin cruise allows you to see these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat. These playful, social, and curious creatures often come up to the boat! You can enjoy watching them jump and swim around you in this delightful and awe-inspiring adventure.
Cruises can range from 2 to 9 hours. Larger tour boats can carry up to 100 passengers. Small and medium-sized ships can accommodate between 6 and 30 passengers. Larger boats will usually have restrooms, but smaller boats may not. Make sure to check with the charter company before you book.
What to Bring? Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, a waterproof bag, and something to eat and drink if the cruise does not provide refreshments.
Recommended Dolphin Cruises in 30A
Pirate Cruises
Ahoy, mateys! Climb aboard a pirate cruise and imagine that you are sailing the Seven Seas. These 1.5—to 2-hour boat tours are lots of fun. The boats are between 85 and 100 feet long, providing the real feel of a historical pirate ship.
Depending on which cruise you choose, you can expect singing, dancing, sword fights, water gun battles, treasure hunts, and cannon fire. You might even catch a sunset and a dolphin sighting! Make sure to book in advance, as tickets sell quickly.
What to Bring? Both pirate cruises offer a restroom and snacks for purchase, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for you and your crew! While these boats tend to stay in calm waters, take preventative measures beforehand if you get seasick.
Recommended Pirate Cruises in 30A
Active Boating Adventures in 30A
30A has plenty of activities for adventurous types, or those looking for eco-tour opportunities. From deep sea fishing trips to guided saltmarsh exploration, you'll find it all here on the Emerald Coast.
Airboat Tour
Explore the Choctawhatchee Bay and Choctawhatchee River on an airboat tour. An airboat is a flat-bottomed boat powered by an aircraft engine with bench-style seating. They are excellent for shallow and swampy water. On the water, you can catch sightings of fish, snakes, alligators, birds, and much more.
What to Bring? Bring sunglasses and any sun protection you may need. Depending on the weather forecast, once the boat gets moving (up to 25 mph), you may want to bring an extra layer of clothing since it can get breezy.
Recommended Airboat Tours in 30A
Fishing Charters
Ready to go fishing? Book a private charter with one of several fishing captains in 30A. Fishing trips can range from 2 hours to a full day, and will take you inshore or offshore. These fishing charters are an excellent choice for people of all skill levels.
Charters include all your fishing equipment and an experienced guide or captain who knows the area. They also include a fishing license as part of the reservation. Many charters offer to fillet and prepare your fish at the end of the day.
Try inshore fishing if you want a calm experience and to catch fish like trout and redfish. Inshore fishing allows you to explore the bays around the Gulf.
Head offshore for a full day of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico if you want to catch fish such as mahi-mahi, grouper, and snapper.
What to Bring? A small cooler is a must to store your catch at the end of the day. Besides that, you will need basic outdoor items: a hat, sunglasses, sun protection, water shoes, water, and snacks.
Recommended Fishing Charters in 30A
Kayaking and Paddleboarding Tours
Kayaking and paddleboarding allow you to experience 30A at your own pace. Explore the Emerald Coast's local flora, fauna, hidden springs, coves, and other natural treasures. These guided tours include an experienced guide who has extensive knowledge of the area, providing deep insight as you float.
Enjoy sunset and sunrise tours, 8-hour eco tours, and nighttime glow rides which utilize clear kayaks with lights underneath them.
Staying with 30A Luxury Vacations? Take advantage of our concierge services offered by VacayZen and have a kayak, paddleboard, or other beach gear delivered directly to you! In addition to beach gear, you'll find tons of custom experiences available to enhance your 30A stay. They even offer custom boating tours!
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What to Bring? Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and any personal items you take. Also, bring water and snacks, a hat and sunglasses, sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes.
Other Kayak and Eco-Tours in 30A
Romantic Boat Tours for Couples
Searching for the perfect date? A sunset cruise or a private yacht charter will create lasting memories.
Sunset Cruise
If you are looking for a way to spend a special evening, there is nothing more romantic than a sunset cruise. Imagine watching the sky turn lovely shades of pink, purple, dark blue, and crimson. These cruises usually last about two hours and you often get sightings of dolphins as well! Some cruises offer a full service bar, allowing you to toast to each other as you bask under the glorious sky.
What to Bring? Just you and your date. A camera is a nice touch if you want to relive the memories.
Recommended Sunset Cruises in 30A
Private Charters
Are you thinking of proposing or celebrating a special anniversary? Charter a yacht!
Yachts often have numerous places to relax and take in the sights. A captain and crew will take care of everything, allowing you and your significant other to enjoy the beauty of the Emerald Coast.
What to Bring? Just the two of you! If you would like food or drinks, ask if any will be available onboard, or if you can bring your own. Some boat charter companies may provide food and beverages as part of the reservation.
Recommended Yacht Charters in 30A
Book Your Luxury 30A Vacation Today
Featured property: 99 Sandy Shores Ct
After a day of dolphin sightings, deep-sea fishing, or paddling through crystal-clear waters, there’s nothing better than returning to a home that’s just as unforgettable as your time on the water. At 30A Luxury Vacations, we offer more than just a place to stay—we offer a curated coastal experience.
We have homes with pools, for large groups, pet-friendly rentals, private beach access, gulf front, and more. And when you book directly with us, you’ll enjoy personalized service and avoid the extra fees that come with third-party platforms.
What are you waiting for? Find your perfect home base for boating, relaxing, and reconnecting right here in 30A. Book your 30A vacation today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Tours in 30A
Where can I rent a kayak near Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and South Walton County?
If you're staying with 30A Luxury Vacations, take advantage of our partnership with VacayZen and reserve kayaks and equipment that can be delivered straight to your door.
What are some popular services for boat tours in 30A?
The services offered on your 30A boat tour will depend on the type of tour you reserve. For private charters, you can expect an experienced captain and often light refreshments. Fishing tours come with your license, all necessary gear, and assistance catching a variety of species. Kayak, eco, and airboat tours include a guide who will share their knowledge with travelers. Additionally, kayak and paddleboard tours provide kayaks, paddleboards, and lifejackets.
What kind of fish can I catch in 30A?
30A has extremely fertile waters. Inshore you'll find varieties like Spanish mackerel and speckled trout, and in the deeper Gulf waters, cast a line for snapper, mahi-mahi, and grouper.