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From Calm to Extreme: Find Your Perfect Water Adventure in Navarre Beach

Visitors often come to Navarre Beach to lounge on the beach and wade in the emerald waters of the Gulf of America, but there are countless other ways to enjoy the water here.

Navarre Beach offers a variety of watersport options that can take your beach vacation to the next level! Whether you’re pumping up your adrenalin on a waverunner, fitting in a workout by stand-up paddleboarding, or lazily tubing down Coldwater Creek, here are some great ways to get outside, make a splash, and take advantage of the beautiful waters in Navarre Beach.

Snorkeling

One of the most popular recreational pursuits in Navarre Beach, snorkeling offers both solitude and excitement. There’s nothing more magical than seeing a colorful fish swim by — or even better, a school of them. Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary has built three artificial reefs — two in Santa Rosa Sound, one in the Gulf of America — that are centrally located near the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. They’re within comfortable swimming distance, too. The reefs are havens for marine life like fish, turtles, dolphins, octopuses and even manatees at certain times of the year. Pretty much anyone can don snorkel gear and dive into these underwater wonderlands.

Standup Paddleboards

This popular water activity is so easy to learn that nearly everyone can stand up on a paddleboard after their first few tries — which makes it an ideal family activity. Navarre Beach has countless places to paddleboard, from Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf of America, to Coldwater Creek and the Blackwater River north of Milton. Catch some rays, enjoy the view and get a good workout. Rent a paddleboard from Sage Paddle Company.

Waverunners

Crank the throttle and head out into open waters. Feel the wind in your face and the power beneath you. Go solo, or with a partner. Once you get the hang of operating a waverunner, you can make some fierce turns and maybe even catch some air. You can rent waverunners through Navarre Family Watersports. Note: You must be at least 18.

Kayaking

There are many ways to get your paddle on in Navarre Beach, and a kayak is the perfect vessel in which to explore the many natural wonders found here. You can launch from just about anywhere. A terrific place to drop in is the scenic Gulf Islands National Seashore, where you can paddle the Santa Rosa Sound or the Gulf of America. Head north and paddle along the gentle current of the Blackwater River or the slightly faster Coldwater Creek. Rent kayaks, singles or doubles, at Sage Paddle Company. Adventures Unlimited offers kayak trips on Coldwater Creek from four to 11 miles.

Fishing

Anglers of all skill levels and ages can cast away in Navarre Beach. You can head out on one of our many fishing charters and reel in amberjack, cobia, mahi mahi and even sharks. For a simpler, more relaxing, experience, drop a line off the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. It’s the longest fishing pier on the Gulf at 1,545 feet (and 30 feet above the water). With a little luck, you might pull up an impressive Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, cobia or tarpon. Whether you reel in a keeper or not, there’s no better way to spend the day.

Sailing

Follow the wind and soak up the sun by renting a Hobie Cat. These small catamarans are known for their ease of rigging, which makes sailing more enjoyable for any captain and first mate. They’re appropriate for any age, size or skill level. Depending on the model, Hobie Cats can accommodate two to six people. This activity is a perfectly relaxing way to tour the waters of Navarre Beach. Rent a Hobie Cat through Navarre Beach Ski & Sail.

Boating

Grab 12 of your closest family and friends and rent a pontoon boat from Navarre Beach Ski & Sail, Navarre Beach Pontoon Rentals, Navarre Family Watersports, or other vendors. They’re easy to operate, and they’re excellent party crafts. Select fishing boats and tritoons are available through Boatsetter.

Tubing

There’s nothing quite like the bliss you feel from lying in a tube and floating down a river for several relaxing miles. Tubing Coldwater Creek is something you won’t soon forget. It’s refreshing, too — the water ranges from 70 to 75 degrees, offering a refreshing chill on those hot summer days. Tubing is a great outing for groups, and there’s a good chance you’ll link up with other tubing groups and form a fleet. Adventures Unlimited offers an array of trips. And you don’t have to work against the current. Adventures Unlimited drops you off and picks you up.

Catch a Wave

The waves on Navarre Beach are typically pretty gentle. But there are still a number of ways to take advantage of them. Whether you’re hanging ten on a surfboard, getting some air kitesurfing, or just cruising on a wave with a bodyboard, the Gulf of America and the Santa Rosa Sound are ready to give you an unforgettable ride!

Get Inspired

Endless inspiration.
Many ways to relax.

Within these stories you’ll find a relaxing blend of waterfront beauty and backwoods adventure that begs to be explored on your next Florida vacation. So read on. Plan your visit.