Mary Esther, Florida

Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center is a well-established outdoor recreation resort located in Santa Rosa County, Florida, within the scenic Blackwater River State Forest. Founded in 1978, the center has grown from a modest canoe rental operation to a comprehensive wilderness resort featuring a wide range of activities and lodging options. Its unique combination of extensive watercraft fleets, including canoes, kayaks, tubes, and paddleboards, alongside rustic cabins, group retreat facilities, and a zipline canopy tour, sets it apart as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts of all experience levels. The center’s long-standing presence and continuous expansion reflect its commitment to providing quality outdoor experiences in a picturesque natural setting. The center offers a diverse array of activities such as canoeing, kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding, and zipline tours, catering to families, groups, and individual adventurers seeking both relaxation and excitement. Guests can choose from secluded cabins, the Schoolhouse Inn, group cabins, or camping sites, many of which are pet-friendly, to complement their outdoor excursions. With nearly 100 acres of wilderness resort grounds, including nature trails, sports fields, and playgrounds, the experience is designed to foster connection with nature and among participants. Whether planning a family getaway, a group retreat, or a rustic wedding, visitors can expect well-maintained equipment, knowledgeable staff, and a variety of amenities that enhance the enjoyment of Florida’s natural beauty.

30a Pontoon Rental is a premier luxury boat rental company located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, serving the vibrant 30a community and nearby coastal destinations such as Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Destin. Specializing in high-performance pontoon boats, the company offers some of the fastest, largest, and safest pontoons in the Panhandle, featuring 150 and 200 horsepower tritoons and double-decker pontoons equipped with water slides. These 28-foot vessels provide a smoother, faster, and more spacious boating experience compared to typical 23-foot, 50 horsepower pontoons, allowing customers to enjoy extended rental periods of six to nine hours. The company’s strategic location enables guests to save significant travel time to popular spots like Crab Island, enhancing the overall convenience and enjoyment of their water excursions. The business offers a diverse range of watercraft and services tailored to various customer needs, including luxury yacht charters ranging from 46 to 75 feet, fishing charters, tiki boats, and powerboats. Ideal for family gatherings, corporate events, bachelorette parties, and casual outings, these options provide flexible cruising durations from four to nine hours, with amenities such as Bluetooth stereos and onboard restrooms. Additional recreational equipment like Waverunners, paddle boards, kayaks, and banana boat rides will be available starting in 2025, further expanding the activity offerings. Guests can also enhance their experience with fun add-ons like floating pads and karaoke machines, ensuring a memorable day on the water in one of Florida’s most scenic coastal regions.

SunQuest Cruises operates year-round from the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida, offering a distinctive waterfront dining and entertainment experience aboard the SOLARIS yacht. This 125-foot vessel features three decks with both indoor and outdoor spaces, including panoramic windows and an open-air sky deck, providing guests with breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay. Recognized as the only dining and entertainment yacht in Northwest Florida, it combines upscale coastal cuisine with live music and elegant ambiance, making it a unique venue for dinner cruises, weddings, and special events. The company’s extensive experience and attention to detail have earned it accolades such as Best in Destin and Best of the Emerald Coast. The SOLARIS yacht caters to a diverse clientele, including couples seeking all-inclusive wedding packages, groups hosting meetings or celebrations, and individuals looking for a memorable dining cruise. Guests can enjoy a three-hour cruise featuring a chef-prepared, three-course meal with options like fresh Gulf seafood, prime beef, and southern classics, accompanied by live entertainment and dancing under the stars. The yacht accommodates up to 149 guests and offers flexible event packages, including holiday cruises and private group rates. With dedicated wedding planners and customizable celebration packages, the experience aboard the SOLARIS is designed to be both seamless and unforgettable, set against the stunning backdrop of the Florida coastline.

Located in Destin, Florida, the Vera Marie offers a distinctive deep sea fishing experience aboard a 70-foot walk-around vessel equipped with a sun deck, spacious air-conditioned salon, restrooms, and overnight accommodations. With years of experience operating two daily fishing trips during peak season and one trip in the off-season, the Vera Marie caters to a wide range of customers beyond fishing enthusiasts. Its ability to host up to 65 anglers on daily party boat trips and accommodate up to 135 passengers for private events sets it apart as a versatile choice for both recreational fishing and special occasions. The Vera Marie provides various fishing options, including daily party boat trips, shared fishing charters, and private charters tailored to groups of different sizes. Daily trips last between four to seven hours and include all necessary fishing gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning services. Shared charters offer a more intimate setting for 8 to 25 passengers, focusing on bottom fishing for species such as snappers, porgies, and sea bass. Private charters are ideal for weddings, corporate events, and large parties, providing exclusive use of the vessel and personalized service from a dedicated crew. This combination of comprehensive amenities and flexible offerings ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience on the water.

Established in 1951, the Fort Walton Yacht Club is a private members-only organization located on Smack Point at the western end of Choctawhatchee Bay in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Positioned on the Emerald Coast with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Destin Pass, the club boasts a rich history of sailing and boating excellence. Its unique setting combines waterfront views with a welcoming atmosphere that has attracted sailors, boaters, and families for over seven decades. The club features a clubhouse with both casual and elegant dining options, a marina with wet and dry slips, a swimming pool, and a strong tradition of hosting regattas and social events. The club offers a wide range of activities catering to boating enthusiasts and their families, including sailing lessons for all ages through a partnership with the Emerald Coast Sailing Association. Members participate in local and regional regattas, power boating events such as fishing trips and cruising, and numerous social gatherings like wine tastings, themed dinners, and family festivals. The facilities also accommodate private events with indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for celebrations and meetings. With a focus on fostering community and lifelong friendships, the club provides a family-friendly environment that supports both recreational and competitive boating along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

MarineMax Pensacola, located in Pensacola, Florida, is a leading boat dealer and marine service center serving the Florida Panhandle community. With over 30 years of experience, the dealership offers an extensive selection of premium boats and yachts from top brands such as Azimut, Cruisers Yachts, Galeon Yachts, Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, and more. The marina features 61 slips accommodating vessels up to 60 feet, along with dry storage and outside racks for nearly 300 boats, including the area's only covered wet slips. This combination of quality inventory, comprehensive marina amenities, and expert staff makes MarineMax Pensacola a trusted destination for boating enthusiasts seeking both sales and service excellence. The facility provides a full range of services designed to support every aspect of boat ownership, including routine maintenance, repairs, engine repowering, and winterization, all handled by factory-certified technicians. Customers benefit from convenient amenities such as in-water slips, dry storage, and a knowledgeable dock staff dedicated to ensuring a seamless boating experience. MarineMax Pensacola also offers flexible financing options and hosts educational events and classes to enhance boating confidence. Whether customers are looking for fishing boats, pontoons, or luxury yachts, the dealership’s diverse inventory and expert support cater to a wide range of boating lifestyles and preferences.

Friends of Camp Helen State Park is a Citizens Support Organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Camp Helen State Park, located on Lake Powell in Florida. The park spans 800 acres and features the largest coastal dune lake in the northern hemisphere, where a unique blend of saltwater and freshwater creates a diverse brackish ecosystem. This natural setting offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a variety of wildlife and scenic landscapes. The organization supports the park through volunteer projects, community events, and fundraising efforts, ensuring the preservation of this valuable natural resource for future generations. The organization facilitates a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, bird-watching, hiking, and fishing, although kayak rentals are temporarily unavailable as they work to resume this service. They also provide fishing clinics and host several community events throughout the year, such as the Americana Concert series, Fall Festival, and International Coastal Clean-up. These offerings cater to nature enthusiasts and families seeking educational and recreational experiences in a pristine environment. The Friends of Camp Helen encourage visitors to enjoy the park responsibly, emphasizing conservation and respect for the delicate ecosystem.

Located in Destin, Florida, this kayak rental service offers a unique and premium paddling experience on the scenic waters of Okaloosa Island and Grayton Beach. With a focus on quality and comfort, the business provides top-of-the-line equipment including adjustable footrests, thigh pads, and ergonomic seats, ensuring an enjoyable outing for both beginners and experienced kayakers. The company stands out for its attentive customer service, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to safety, supplying life jackets and dry bags with every rental. Their dedication to creating memorable outdoor adventures is reflected in their flexible scheduling, accommodating weekday and weekend excursions. The business caters to a wide range of customers, from families with small children to corporate groups seeking team-building activities. Rentals typically last two hours, with private parties available for up to six hours, offering exclusive access to exotic locations. Each kayak rental includes thoughtful extras such as snacks, bottled water, sunscreen, and safety whistles, enhancing the overall experience. Guests appreciate the personalized touches like complimentary photos and the opportunity to bring friendly dogs along. Whether for bonding with loved ones, celebrating special occasions, or simply immersing oneself in nature, this kayak rental service provides a well-rounded and enjoyable outdoor adventure in the heart of Florida’s coastal beauty.

MarineMax Fort Walton Beach is a premier boat dealership located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, serving the Panhandle region with over 30 years of experience in the boating industry. The dealership is known for its extensive selection of premium boat brands, including Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Cruisers Yachts, Aviara, Aquila, Azimut, Ocean Alexander, Galeon Yachts, and Harris Pontoons. Positioned on the Emerald Coast, MarineMax Fort Walton Beach combines expert knowledge with a commitment to quality, offering customers a comprehensive boating experience that extends beyond sales to include personalized service and support. The dealership provides a wide range of services tailored to boating enthusiasts of all levels, from first-time buyers to seasoned captains. Customers can explore new, used, and brokerage boats suited for various activities such as leisure cruising, watersports, and offshore fishing. MarineMax Fort Walton Beach also offers educational classes to enhance boating skills, factory-certified maintenance and repair services, and flexible financing options. With a dedicated team of sales consultants and technicians, the dealership ensures that every customer receives expert guidance and ongoing support to keep their vessels in optimal condition and ready for adventure on the water.

Angler’s Events is a distinguished wedding and event venue located on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, along the scenic Emerald Coast. This farmhouse-style venue offers a unique blend of beachfront charm and modern elegance, featuring a semi-private beach for ceremonies and a spacious 4,000-square-foot top-floor event space with panoramic views of the Gulf Coast’s emerald waters. With years of experience in destination wedding planning, the team at Angler’s Events is dedicated to providing a seamless and stress-free experience, handling every detail from décor to coordination. Its prime location near vibrant towns such as Destin and Santa Rosa, combined with easy access to multiple airports, makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a picturesque and convenient wedding destination. The venue specializes in all-inclusive wedding packages that cover ceremonies, receptions, and planning services tailored to meet diverse needs and budgets. Couples and their guests can enjoy amenities such as a light-filled getting-ready suite, a beachfront Tiki Bar, and proximity to local attractions like the Okaloosa Island Pier and the Gulfarium marine park. Angler’s Events also accommodates private events including corporate gatherings and family reunions, offering expert event planning, decoration, and catering services. The experienced staff ensures that every celebration is personalized and memorable, with a focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere where clients can fully enjoy their special day.