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Northwest Florida is easily overlooked as a tropical destination, but without reason. The Florida Panhandle spans over 100 miles and has been nicked-named "Emerald Coast", and "Miracle Strip." These endearing names hint at the gem-like character of the area. The waters are known to be emerald green and warm, and the sand stunningly white.

The Panhandle’s climate is a special treat. It acts tropical yet offers some distinction. Residents enjoy four seasons. Mild winters honor temperatures in the 50-60’s during the day and 30-40’s at night. It rains in the winter, setting the stage for a beautiful mild Spring. Nearing April the weather, and water, warm up. Following Spring, the hot summer arrives.

Destin
Our Florida Panhandle adventure begins in the city of Destin. Destin is not just an alluring beach town. It is steeped in historic character. American Indians inhabited the area before the 16th century. Spanish explorers arrived there in the 17th century, if not earlier. A fisherman named Captain Leonard Destin settled the town in the late 1800’s. Captain Destin is known for launching the fishing industry. There is no doubt that Destin remains a fishing haven.
Over the years, the town grew into a tourist destination, which influenced the building of its local government. Today, Destin is a modest city with just over 11,000 residents. Nevertheless, it is known as the ‘Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village’; boasting the grandest and most sophisticated fishing fleet within Florida. Deep-sea fishing is possible year round. March through November is a good time for inshore trolling runs. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and many other water sports are also readily accessible to the adventure enthusiast.

Before you lay down in the soft sand of a Destin beach, consider a stop at Island Sports Shop. The on-line store promotes many sports, including windsurfing, surfing, kayaking and bicycling. They sell and lease an elite line of equipment, including one very unique item, a beach wheelchair. The chair has two large tires that make it capable of rolling on the sand.

The store has some top-notch standard bike brands, including Worksman and Caloi Bikes. Worksman Biycles has been around for a century. They are known for their rough and tumble bikes, capable of carrying big loads. Island Sports Shop’s web site states, “All Worksman bikes are made to order, and available with a large list of options, so delivery is usually 3 to 4 weeks.”

There are some truly unique make, including an adult tricycle, for instance.

If heading for the water, Island Sports Shop will equip fun seekers with fabulous brands such as Ocean Kayaks, Spectrum or Heritage kayaks. They offer sit on top kayaks and kayak accessories. Liquid Shredder soft surfboards, and Block Surf surfing accessories are also for sell. Catering to families, the shop carries a fun line of accessories to add to your bicycle that allow a child to tag along, including bicycle trailers and jogging strollers.

If the expansive offering of unique sports equipment gets overwhelming, call the shop and talk to Al Kemp. He is happy to offer suggestions. Be sure to ask about Destin. He is sure to offer his suggestions on where to go and what to do in the area.

Pensacola Beach & Panama City
Located on the slender barrier island of Santa Rosa, Pensacola Beach is named after the first inhabitants of the area, the Panzacola.

Pensacola Beach has vibrant white sand beaches and a plethora of sports opportunities. Imagine a day filled with swimming, snorkeling and parasailing, followed by a front row seat to one of the most gorgeous sunsets you’ve ever seen. If you can dream of this, then you can understand what it’s like to be in Pensacola Beach. The town boasts the longest pier along the Gulf of Mexico, where these amazing sunsets can be observed. Many people fish off this pier also.

Eight miles of trail wait on the side of the island facing Santa Rosa Sound. These trails lead right to Gulf Islands National Seashore. The beaches of Pensacola are extremely visitor- friendly. Picnic facilities, nature exhibits, and campgrounds make the island an ideal destination for families.

Nearby Panama City has a rich history. Today, there are many reminders that the Spanish visited, several hundred years ago. These Spanish explorers named many of the area’s landmarks. St. Andrew’s Bay, for example, was named after a Catholic saint.

The Native Americans who resided first in Panama City were known to have built homes thatched with palm trees, nestled in the lovely harbors and nooks. The Spanish arrived and built forts along the Gulf Coast. Before 1819, when the U.S. purchased the territory, Panama City was reportedly a place where slaves and Indians escaped. Today, there are over 27 miles of plush beaches in Panama City. What does this means for travelers? It means plenty of activities for all types of travelers to enjoy.

If you’ve ever wanted to sail away with friends or a significant other, then consider a trip to Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach, and a day out along the Emerald Coast with Emerald Coast Sailing. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, or a family holiday, Emerald Coast Sailing can help arrange a dream come true.

Their sailboats offer first class accommodations. They days out at sea offer opportunities for relaxation or activity; you choose. The Emerald Coast Sailing web site states, “Imagine a sailing vacation with Emerald Coast as staying in a luxurious mansion or hotel penthouse. You can get all the comfort and pampering you desire to enjoy your time off. However, there is one special advantage, your mansion comes with you! Every day the yacht will move from a coastal heaven to a coral wonder. You can swim along side while the yacht waits on you or stay on deck to observe the amazing sights.” Emerald Coast Sailing provides wonderful food, coral reef snorkeling and, of course, endless opportunities to just lie in the sun. The gorgeous sunsets are a bonus.

Emerald Coast Sailing’s ASA certified sailing instructors offers private sailing courses. Limited to two people, the school provides an intimate and ever valuable education, a skill that will be respected for a lifetime.

Emerald Coast Sailing maintains bases all along the coast, starting from Sabine Marina in Pensacola Beach. From here you can walk across the street to Quietwater Beach Boardwalk and dine, shop, and be entertained. You can have a full vacation, without even renting a car.

Visit Flounder’s, Hemingway’s, or Papa’s Pizza.

If a more interactive vacation is what you’re looking for, seek the specialized adventures of Water Planet of Panama City Beach. They offer swim with dolphin programs and therapeutic dolphin interactions for special needs children.

Denis Richard, founder of Water Planet, explains why he chose Panama City Beach as the location for Water Planet, stating “Panama City is one of the few places on the planet where humans have a privileged relationship with wild bottlenose dolphins.”

Water Planet has a plethora of expedition options. Most of their tours take individuals out to Shell Island where dolphins live wildly and interactive with humans gently. Water Planet has several types of educational itineraries to choose from, including One Day, Three Day, and 1-Week.

Each program provides educational segments on dolphin physiology and social behavior, interactive safety, and swimming with the dolphins. Included in the lengthier excursions are lectures on environment and ecology, and how dolphin interactions can be therapy for special needs children. In addition, each expedition includes a ‘wet lab’, which entails the Water Planet staff diving for sea species and bringing them on board for viewing.

Water Planet has two therapeutic programs to choose from, all guided by their expert staff members. First, the Harmony Program utilizes expressive art, massage, watsu and music, in addition to dolphin interactions to help treat children with such ailments as autism, manic depression, and Down Syndrome, in addition to terminal illnesses. Second, the Serenity Program includes aquatic bodyworks, physical and occupational therapy and expressive arts for children with physical and motor disabilities such as Muscular Dystrophy and Spina Bifida.

If that weren’t enough, Water Planet offers a live-aboard or live-ashore cruise dolphin workshop to the Bahamas. Water Planet web site states, “The purpose of this trip is to create an awareness of the fragile balance of nature and the need to nurture a relationship based on understanding and respect. We will attempt to channel the emotional impact of the experience towards ways for you to improve and adjust your attitude towards nature and towards yourself and others.” The trip includes seven nights on board the Calypso Spirit, three meals, and educational programs about cetaceans and the protection of wild Spotted Dolphins. Also, discussions on human and dolphin communication, what we can learn from it, and swimming with dolphins in the crystal clear water of the Bahamas are a part of this choice cruise.

When asked what his most memorable day has been, Denis Richards says, “I was swimming by my boat and got surrounded by about 12 wild dolphins, who took the time to swim in the same direction as I was for about ten minutes. The sun was about to set and the oblique sunbeams were casting an almost mystical atmosphere. They were looking at me while vocalizing and scanning me with their sonar, allowing me to swim so close that I was carried by the draft of their wake, much like a dolphin calf can travel effortlessly for miles while positioned under his mother's tail. Even though, or I should say, because, these beautiful animals were not interrupting their activities for me or changing direction, I had a feeling of awe for having been allowed to share ten minutes of their mysterious lives. These brief moments to me were more valuable then all the shows in the world.” Ultimately, Water Planet and its dedicated staff achieve a vital goal – to teach everyone patience and respect via their dolphin encounters.

After a long day in Panama City Beach, Denis recommends Salt Water Grill on Middle Beach Road in Panama City Beach, and Canopies at 4423 West Highway 98 in Panama City.

Port St. Joe
Make an effort to visit Port St. Joe, where you can then join family-friendly Seahorse Water Safaris. They do it all, from snorkel trips on the alluring St. Joseph Bay, to boat rentals.
Explorers are sure to encounter some fantastic sea life while snorkeling. The guides will help snorkelers catch and release species such as starfish, seahorses, and even octopus. On board the Seahorse Island Queen Cruise, patrons will encounter octopus and conch, and may be introduced to a sea squirt or sea hare.

Hop aboard a trip to Cape San Blas where you can shell on shore, or succumb to the guilty pleasure of sunbathing. “The seclusion of the beach, aquamarine waters for swimming, magnificent picturesque sand dune formations with waving sea oats, and generally good shelling are all reasons to take this 2-1/2 hour trip,” declares the Seahorse Water Safaris web site.
Seahorse also offers SCUBA options. Their SCUBA Adventure provides the chance for non-scuba divers to try the sport, beginning in five feet of water. For anyone over age ten, and those that are drawn to the adventure, Seahorse offers open water diving certification. In addition, Seahorse Water Safaris will counsel individuals through the delicate task of scallop hunting from July to September. Other options include sunset cruises, full moon cruises, ecotourism kayak trips, and custom sailing charters for most any event.

Perdido Key
Boating and fishing in Northwest Florida are known to be quite rewarding. Adventure Perdido, based in Perdido Key, will take you on a fishing expedition or cruise to remember in beautiful Perdido Bay and Big Lagoon. “If the whitest beaches you've ever seen are what you have in mind, then Big Lagoon and the uninhabited beaches of Perdido Key are just for you,” proclaims the Adventure Perdido web site.

If you are still dreaming of sailing, then check out Captbill.com. Captain Bill Crouch is a licensed USCG Captain – Master, ASA Certified Advanced Sailing Instructor, and US Sailing Certified Adult Sailing Program Instructor. The Captain specialized in transporting your yacht. He will deliver it in pristine condition. He is trained in both delivery and sailing instruction. If you are interested in learning how to sail, Captain Bill’s program is a significant value. In his private training, students will learn watch standing, docking (even in heavy winds), weather forecasting, diesel maintenance, emergency procedures, passagemaking strategies, and more. The training is a splendid choice for new boat owners and their spouses. There are many details to absorb, such as how to take the boat out for Coastal/Offshore cruising. For this activity, Captain Bill teaches the basics, along with weather planning, navigation, crossing bars, entering foreign harbors, and communications. Over and above all of this, learn how to properly tie-up, do a pre-cruise inspection of your boat, read charts, and use the latest electronics.

Those without a boat of their own can charter a yacht from Captain Bill, for Bareboat, Gulf Coast, or Caribbean sailing. If desired, the Captain will go with you on your charter to teach you what he knows. With his willingness to share his knowledge, Captain Bill contributes tremendously to the value of the Florida Panhandle.

With a plethora of adventure options, miles of pristine beaches, close ties to the Deep South, skilled and friendly people, and four seasons, the Florida Panhandle is a unique place in a convenient location. There’s no reason not to visit.