Navarre Beach’s gentle waves, warm waters, and miles of pristine shoreline create prime conditions for aquatic recreation. Visitors flock here to enjoy the abundance of water sports available that cater to all ages and skill levels. From stand-up paddleboarding to sports fishing charters, there are endless ways to get out on the emerald Gulf and Santa Rosa Sound surrounding this coastal community. Here are some of the most popular and exciting water sports not to miss during a Navarre Beach summer getaway.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding’s surge in popularity reaches full force on Navarre Beach’s tranquil waters. Rent a board for the hour or day from one of the beachfront huts. Newbies can take a quick lesson to learn proper balancing techniques before heading out solo to enjoy the workout benefits and breathtaking views paddling provides.
Explore the shoreline paddling east or west parallel to the beach just beyond the frothy surf. Look for dolphins cresting alongside you! Take a board out on the sound side for even calmer conditions. This fun activity engages your core and lets you appreciate Navarre’s stunning horizons from a tranquil new perspective.
Surfing
While not known for huge waves, patient surfers can have a blast riding the smaller crests Navarre Beach delivers. Covered foam longboards make it easier to catch the gentle breakers. Or try a stand-up paddleboard outfitted with a surf leash for greater stability waveriding. Typically best after an offshore storm stirs up swell, free surf lessons are even offered at the beach most mornings.
The mellow waves make Navarre’s waters ideal for surfing newcomers to gain skills and confidence. Seasoned surfers appreciate the chance to hone techniques in uncrowded waters before tackling Hawaii’s big waves! Just be sure to steer clear of swimmers and watch for rip currents when riding waves.
Kayaking
Paddling a kayak allows experiencing Navarre from a fun new perspective. Rentals are available for solo and tandem kayaks to explore nearshore or inland waters. Beginners benefit from the stable shallow areas of Santa Rosa Sound to gain skills before venturing out from the beach. Guided eco-tours lead you to photogenic spots through lush marshes and mangroves.
On a calm day, paddle out from the beach to snorkel reefs or search for dolphins. Pack a waterproof camera to capture sunsets from the water and spy on seabirds. Athletic kayakers can join groups paddling Navarre’s 12 miles of coast for an adventure. Kayaking delivers an awesome upper body workout with nonstop scenery.
Parasailing
Those seeking bird’s-eye views of Navarre’s stunning shores and emerald waters can take flight by booking a parasailing adventure. Boats towing parachute-like sails launch daily from Navarre Beach. Single, tandem and triple riders soar 450 feet above the beautiful coastline for exhilarating vistas.
Parasailing offers an awesome chance to admire the shallow Gulf waters and lovely beach homes from above. Reservations guarantee a spot for sailing. The boats operate in optimum weather conditions for an ultra-safe, controlled experience under experienced captains.
Fun Floats
For family-friendly water fun, rent a huge swan, unicorn, or rainbow floats and take a leisurely drifting tour of the beachfront. These oversized inflatables allow lounging atop the gentle waves in quirky style. Floats with clear bottoms let you peer below at sea life swimming past.
Most float rentals also include a towable cooler tube to keep refreshments handy. Bring goggles and a mesh bag for collecting seashells without having to leave your float. Pedal boats and water trikes available to rent near the Navarre Beach Marine Park offer another fun way to cruise the shoreline.
Snorkeling
Just offshore, Navarre’s Emerald Coast waters open onto stunning reefs teeming with tropical fish. Many charters include snorkel stops on trips so beginners can safely experience the reefs up close. Or rent gear to go DIY from an authorized beach concession stand for day use.
See spotted coral, brilliant parrot fish, trumpet fish, angelfish and more on shallow snorkeling adventures. Look for conch and whelk shells on the sand near grassy areas. Take an underwater camera to document Navarre’s exotic marine life just below the surface.
Jet Skiing
Zip across the open water on a turbocharged personal watercraft offering fun in the sun for ages 16 and up (with younger kids riding tandem). Rentals at the Juana’s and Holley piers let you cruise along scenic shorelines at your own pace. Speed demons can hit the throttle in permitted deeper waters for extra thrills.
After getting oriented, newbies quickly master controlling the nimble jet skis. Blissfully roam Navarre’s coast and unwind by going full throttle. Jet skiing allows discovering secluded coves and shallow flats only accessible from the water.
Kayaking, sailing, fishing, paddleboarding – Navarre Beach truly offers endless aquatic pursuits to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Emerald Coast. Rentals and lessons allow visitors to safely experience new sports. By participating in the array of watersports and activities, you can fully appreciate the joy of Navarre’s stunning coastal setting.