Staff Answer
Jun 20, 2026 - 05:39 PM
If it's really windy, I'd probably avoid anything that puts you out in the open Gulf. Parasailing, jet skis, and even some snorkeling trips are the first things that get rough or end up canceled. A dolphin cruise is usually still a good option unless the wind is really strong. Many of the tours stay inside the bay or around the harbor where the water is a lot calmer than the Gulf. If you still want to get out on the water, renting a pontoon can work too, as long as you stay around the bay instead of heading into open water. Just check with the rental company first since they'll know what conditions are like that day. Small craft advisories are possible during windy days which will ultimately cancel your rental. If it's one of those days where the wind is howling, I'd just switch gears completely. Check out HarborWalk Village, grab lunch on the waterfront, visit the Gulfarium, or do a little shopping. The nice thing about Destin is that even when the beach isn't cooperating, there's usually plenty to do without fighting the weather. One tip: don't just look at the weather forecast. Pay attention to the wind speed. A sunny day with 20-25 mph winds can make the water a lot rougher than a cloudy day with light winds.
