Destin, Florida

[Cap Cod Bay]

Hello all....

I previously posted a request for information about Panama City as we were thinking of spending 2-3 months there this winter.

Now we are leaning more towards the Destin area. We have never been there and would appreciate any information about the marina situation there and any other info anyone would like to share about the sailing community there. We will probably rent an apartment there and alternately make some short coastal trips.

We are excited to be under agreement to purchase a 28' Liberty Pied Piper which we will have delivered by truck to the location of choice.

Thanks to all on this great forum

David and Karen

[a64pilot]

What is your air draft? 49' bridge at the mouth of the bay I think.

[Cap Cod Bay]

No problem. 38'

[Mayhemdog75]

Shalimar marina has pretty good prices and very decent amenities and the owners are great.


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[tuffr2]

It gets cold in north Florida. But that area is pretty. Should see manatee in the winter months.
You will still be on the mainland and in a cooler weather band than it you move further south 50 or 60 miles.

Not sure exactly where the water gets skinny but be careful as you can not hug the coast going south. I know for sure from Yankee Town to Tarpon Springs you cannot hug the shore.

If you are very careful you can however get into Crystal River. Three Sisters Spring is part of Kings Bay. Lots of manatee there and worth seeing. If you make it to Crystal River (again be careful as hard limestone is everywhere with skinny water). You will need a dingy to get to the spring. Also Hunter Spring is a nice place to swim. But again if you are looking for a two day trip there you go. Both Three Sisters Spring and Hunter Spring are very close to Pete's Pier Marina.

Oh, from Pete's Pier you can walk into down town Crystal River to get a bite to eat and groceries.

[Frankly]

I don't think you will find Destin per se a very good location to sail from. Plenty of condos if you are not staying aboard, but to reach the bay you have to navigate a tricky harbor and a bridge. In between the fronts we get pretty stiff East Winds and Choctawhatchee Bay can get pretty nasty. The Destin pass is outlined with a bar carrying only 5 to 6 ft of water which can turn dangerous in some pretty mild conditions. Also there is no haulout facilities for commissioning a new yacht.

Pensacola or Panama City but not Destin.

Go to Google Earth and take a look at that pass and decide if that is where you want to learn on a new yacht.