Vernon, Florida

Capt. Anderson's Marina is a family-owned deep-sea fishing, sightseeing, dolphin cruising, and Shell Island operation located on Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach, Florida. Operating since 1935, it offers head boats for affordable family deep-sea fishing trips (5-12 hours), 40 private charter boats for trolling, sportfishing or bottom fishing, 4 dive boats for scuba to spearfishing, jet boat rides, Shell Island eco-tours, dolphin encounters, and sunset cruises.

Get Up And Go Kayaking is a premier clear kayak tour company headquartered in Florida, with additional locations across Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Established in 2016, it has grown from a small startup into the world’s highest-rated clear kayak tour provider, recognized by TripAdvisor and USA Today. The company is distinguished by its use of 100% transparent kayaks, allowing paddlers to observe underwater wildlife and natural features directly beneath them. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, the tours highlight unique flora and fauna while promoting environmental stewardship and conservation. With over 30 locations, including iconic Florida waterways such as Crystal River, Weeki Wachee, and Rainbow Springs, the company offers an unparalleled perspective on some of the most beautiful and ecologically significant waterways in the United States. The tours cater to paddlers of all experience levels, providing an accessible and immersive outdoor adventure suitable for individuals, families, and small groups. Each guided excursion features tandem clear kayaks designed for two paddlers, with expert instruction and safety equipment provided. Guests can expect intimate group sizes, typically capped at ten participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace. The company emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including passive wildlife observation and partnerships with conservation organizations like Save The Manatee Club. Whether exploring mangrove tunnels, hidden sandbars, or manatee habitats, participants enjoy a unique blend of education, recreation, and connection to nature, making each outing both memorable and meaningful.

Coastal Wildlife Adventures offers private dolphin and snorkeling tours departing from Panama City Beach and Port St. Joe, Florida. Specializing in eco-friendly excursions, the company provides personalized experiences that emphasize wildlife education and conservation. With knowledgeable captains at the helm, guests explore pristine locations such as Shell Island, St. Joseph Bay, and the Forgotten Coast, gaining close encounters with wild dolphins, sea turtles, and diverse marine life. The tours stand out for their commitment to minimizing environmental impact while delivering memorable and informative outings in some of Florida’s most beautiful coastal waters. The company’s offerings include private boat tours that combine dolphin watching, snorkeling over shipwrecks, and visits to remote beaches, catering to families, nature enthusiasts, and vacationers seeking an immersive marine adventure. Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities to bring their own beverages and snacks while enjoying world-famous sunsets and unique wildlife sightings. Captains engage participants with detailed knowledge of local ecosystems and often guide tours to hidden spots rich in starfish, mollusks, and other sea creatures. These tailored experiences provide both excitement and education, making them a favored activity for visitors to the Panama City Beach area.

Located in Panama City Beach, Florida, Airboat Adventures is a veteran-owned business specializing in thrilling airboat tours through the region’s unique backwaters, rivers, creeks, and marshlands. With over 20 years of experience, it offers the area’s only “full contact alligator experience,” setting it apart from other local tour operators. Guests explore authentic Everglades-style environments aboard real airboats, gliding just inches above the water to observe native wildlife such as American bald eagles, ospreys, herons, dolphins, and alligators. The company’s commitment to safety, knowledgeable guides, and immersive natural settings make it a standout choice for eco-tourism in Panama City Beach. Airboat Adventures provides a range of tour options, including daytime eco tours and private excursions that allow access to areas unreachable by other boats, with opportunities for guests to even pilot the airboat themselves. These tours are designed for families, nature enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers alike, offering an educational and entertaining experience that highlights the local ecosystem. The tours typically last about an hour and run daily from morning to early evening, ensuring flexibility for visitors. With a focus on combining excitement with wildlife observation, the company delivers memorable adventures that appeal to all ages and interests.

Double Fun Watersports operates premier double-decker pontoon boat rentals along Florida’s Emerald Coast, with locations in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City Beach. Now entering its tenth season, the company is recognized for providing high-quality, custom-built pontoons that accommodate up to 14 passengers and feature unique amenities such as two waterslides, Bluetooth audio systems, and spacious lounge seating both in sun and shade. Their boats are equipped with all required Coast Guard safety gear and powered by quiet yet powerful Yamaha motors, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. With convenient marinas near popular destinations like Crab Island and Shell Island, Double Fun offers easy access to some of the region’s most beautiful waterways. The company’s offerings include half-day and full-day rentals of double-decker pontoons as well as luxury 12-person pontoons, catering to families, groups of friends, and special occasions such as bachelorette parties. Rentals come with complimentary perks like free Lily Pads, pool floats, and on-site parking, and pet-friendly options are available. Customers can choose to captain their own boat or opt for a captained charter for a stress-free outing. Whether cruising Destin Harbor, exploring Choctawhatchee Bay, or relaxing at Panama City Beach’s Upper Grand Lagoon, guests enjoy a blend of adventure and relaxation, with opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and socialize on the water. The consistently high customer ratings reflect the company’s commitment to quality boats and exceptional service.

Crab Island Dolphin Tours is a private captained boat tour agency based in Destin, Florida, specializing in exclusive pontoon boat excursions. Located at 314 Harbor Boulevard, the company offers a unique way to explore the Emerald Coast’s waters without the hassle of self-driving among crowded boaters. Their experienced captains bring extensive knowledge of the local dolphin population and Destin’s waterways, providing guests with an informative and relaxing experience. The tours take place on brand new, pet-friendly 26-foot pontoon boats equipped with modern amenities such as Bluetooth radios, cupholders, and shaded bimini tops, ensuring comfort and convenience for up to 12 passengers. The company offers a variety of tours including dolphin watching, sunset cruises, fireworks viewing, and customizable private events like bachelorette parties and family reunions. Guests can bring their own food and beverages to enjoy during the typical two-hour tours, with all-day rentals also available. Departing daily from Herron Harbor, the tours provide a floating living room atmosphere where families, friends, and even pets can relax and take in the scenic views of Destin Harbor, the Pass, and the famous Crab Island. Weather-dependent cancellations are managed by the captain to ensure safety, and gratuity is included in the price, with additional tips welcomed for exceptional service.

Canoe Adventures, LLC is a locally owned business situated just two miles outside Vernon, Florida, providing exclusive access to the pristine Cypress Springs. This natural spring, located in the heart of Northwest Florida near Panama City Beach, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that maintain a consistent temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Surrounded by towering cypress and tupelo trees, the spring spans approximately 150 feet in diameter with a maximum depth of 29 feet, offering a serene and shaded retreat. The only way to reach this secluded destination is by watercraft via Holmes Creek, making the journey an integral part of the experience. Canoe Adventures brings extensive local knowledge and handles all logistics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable outing. The company offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and visitors seeking a peaceful day on the water. Customers can choose trips ranging from one to three miles downstream on Holmes Creek, culminating in a visit to Cypress Springs. The rentals include shuttle services to and from the launch and pick-up points, allowing guests to explore at their own pace without the hassle of multiple vehicles. Fishing is also permitted along the creek, adding an extra dimension to the adventure. With a focus on safety and convenience, Canoe Adventures requires life vests and whistles for all participants and provides a private landing area exclusively for its customers, enhancing the overall experience.

Destin Water Fun is a well-established watersports rental and tour company located in Destin, Florida, offering a comprehensive range of aquatic activities in the scenic Panhandle region. With a strong emphasis on safety and customer experience, the company operates from East Pass Marina on Harbor Boulevard, providing access to popular local destinations such as Crab Island and Destin Harbor. Their fleet includes modern pontoon boats, jet skis, and a state-of-the-art parasailing vessel named The SkyScraper, all maintained to high standards. The company’s knowledgeable staff ensures that guests of all experience levels receive thorough safety orientations and guidance, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned water enthusiasts. The business offers a variety of water-based adventures including pontoon boat rentals that accommodate up to 12 passengers, jet ski rentals suitable for riders aged 18 and older, dolphin cruises, and parasailing flights reaching heights of up to 400 feet. Each pontoon boat is equipped with comfortable seating, a large Bimini top for shade, and Bluetooth-enabled sound systems, while jet skis come with life jackets and fuel included. Parasailing trips provide breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and Destin’s coastline, with options for single, double, or triple flights. The company also caters to military personnel and law enforcement with special discounts, and prioritizes safety with certified captains and adherence to local boating regulations, ensuring a memorable and secure experience on the water.

Blue Dolphin Tours operates in Panama City Beach, Florida, offering a unique opportunity to swim with a resident pod of wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. With over 30 years of experience, the company specializes in small group tours aboard super-fast boats designed specifically for dolphin encounters. Unlike larger vessels that carry up to 150 passengers, Blue Dolphin Tours limits groups to six people per boat, ensuring a more intimate and less disruptive experience for both guests and dolphins. The tours also include exploration of nearby Shell Island, known for its abundant shells, starfish, and sand dollars, providing a diverse and engaging wildlife adventure. The tours cater to families and nature enthusiasts seeking a personalized and educational experience. Guests are equipped with snorkel gear and guided by experienced captains who provide instructions on safe and respectful dolphin interactions. In addition to dolphin swimming, participants can enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters of St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, where they may encounter sea turtles, stingrays, seahorses, and various bird species. Blue Dolphin Tours offers multiple boat options, including larger family cruisers accommodating up to 15 passengers, making it suitable for groups of different sizes while maintaining a focus on wildlife observation and environmental respect.

Anchor Charters is a private boat tour company based in Panama City, Florida, specializing in personalized eco-tours along the Gulf Coast. With experienced captains who possess extensive local knowledge, the company offers unique access to prime spots for dolphin sightings, shelling, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. Their expertise ensures guests enjoy safe, informative, and memorable experiences on the water, whether they are first-time visitors or Gulf Coast locals. The company’s commitment to environmental preservation and family-friendly service distinguishes it as a trusted choice for exploring the region’s natural beauty. The charter services include private tours tailored to various interests such as swimming in crystal-clear waters, spotting dolphins, collecting seashells, and snorkeling among vibrant marine life. These excursions are designed for families, thrill-seekers, and casual explorers alike, providing a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. Guests often highlight the personable and knowledgeable captains who enhance the adventure with educational insights and attentive care. Each trip promises a blend of excitement and tranquility, allowing visitors to connect with the Gulf Coast’s diverse ecosystem while creating lasting memories.

Destin Inshore Guides is a seasoned fishing charter service located in Destin, Florida, an area famously known as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village." With over 50 years of combined local fishing expertise, the guides bring deep knowledge of the region’s waters and fish species. The company operates from Heron Harbor Marina, offering access to the calm inshore bays, nearshore Gulf waters, and the scenic Destin Harbor. Their fleet includes spacious and well-equipped Sea Hunt bay boats, such as the 25-foot Reel Lucky and Reel Lucky 2, designed to provide a comfortable and dry ride for small groups and families. This local expertise and quality equipment make their fishing trips both accessible and rewarding for anglers of all skill levels. The charter service specializes in a variety of fishing experiences including inshore bay fishing, nearshore Gulf trolling and bottom fishing, shark fishing, and customized kids fishing trips. Anglers can expect to target species such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, and even sharks, with trips tailored to seasonal fish migrations and customer preferences. Kids fishing trips are uniquely flexible, allowing shorter durations to accommodate younger anglers and focusing on education and fun in calm waters. All trips provide top-quality gear, bait, and fish cleaning services, with an emphasis on catch and release to preserve local fish populations. Whether seeking a family outing or a trophy catch, customers are assured a memorable and engaging fishing adventure in the heart of the Emerald Coast.

Located in Panama City, Florida, Capt. Anderson's Marina boasts a rich heritage dating back to the mid-19th century, making it one of the region’s most established fishing and boating operations. With a legacy rooted in generations of experienced captains, the marina offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Its prime location on Grand Lagoon provides convenient access to some of the Gulf of Mexico’s best fishing grounds, earning it the reputation of being “nearest the beaches, nearest the fishing grounds.” The marina’s fleet includes several well-maintained vessels named in honor of the Anderson family’s history, reflecting decades of expertise in deep-sea fishing and eco-tourism. The marina offers a wide range of activities tailored to fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can choose from deep-sea fishing trips lasting from five to twelve hours, including private charters and night excursions. For those seeking adventure beyond fishing, the marina features new jet boat rides that deliver thrilling high-speed maneuvers, as well as eco-tours and dolphin encounters around Shell Island. The experience is designed to accommodate families, groups, and individuals, providing both excitement and relaxation. Additionally, Capt. Max’s Bar & Grill on-site offers a convenient dining option, enhancing the overall visit with local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.