The Best Outdoor Activities in Navarre Beach
If you’re looking to spend time in the beautiful sunshiney outdoors, Navarre Beach is the perfect destination for your vacation! There are no limits to water activities in Navarre since we’ve got the ocean, several nearby rivers and the Santa Rosa Sound which is the body of water between the ocean and the mainland of Navarre. Of course there are many land-based activities as well since we have several State and National Parks nearby. Let’s dive in to learn about the best outdoor activities in Navarre Beach.
The calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make it the perfect setting for kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and diving.
Kayaking at Navarre Beach
Kayaking is the ultimate water sport that lets you pop into your own individual boat, armed with a paddle, and glide through rivers or ocean waves, all while experiencing the beautiful scenery and serenity of the water. You also get a fantastic upper body workout!
At Navarre Beach, you can rent kayaks easily at several locations including on Santa Rosa Sound (the locals call it the soundside) off Highway 98 or you can find rental spots by Juana’s Pagodas or all along Gulf Boulevard which runs parallel to the ocean. Some companies even deliver kayaks to you and offer a quick start lesson upon delivery.
You can also rent the kayaks and take them to the nearby East Bay, Blackwater Bay, East Bay River, Yellow River or the Blackwater River State Park. Each of these locations have their charms and offer different scenery.
Paddleboarding at Navarre Beach
With a kayak you have a little more control of the vessel. Standing on a paddleboard is not difficult, though you will get a great core workout. The calm and serene waters in Navarre definitely set you up for the most success when it comes to paddleboarding.
Paddleboarding is simply standing atop your paddleboard, paddle in hand and gliding through the waters. It is a unique experience to feel the gentle pull of your paddle as you travel through the calm waters and have an excellent vantage point to see nature up close.
What you experience depends on where you decide to paddleboard. If you’re in the Gulf Of Mexico at Navarre Beach, you might see a number of busy little sea life creatures at the artificial reef. The crystal clear waters and gentle waves allow you to see a lot from above, without necessarily having to snorkel or dive.
Paddleboarding in the Santa Rosa Sound might still lead to wildlife encounters including dolphin spotting.
One of the biggest advantages to paddleboarding is the tranquility. As you push out into the water, the noise and busyness of everyday life fades, replaced by the gentle sound of water lapping against your kayak. You’re going to love it, especially when you combine that peace with the breathtaking views at Navarre Beach including the emerald green waters and the undisturbed sand dunes.
Snorkeling and Diving at Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is home to four artificial reefs that have been strategically placed in the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound to attract marine life and provide opportunities for divers and snorkelers to explore exciting underwater ecosystems.
The reefs, called near-shore reefs, allow people of all skill levels to witness colorful fish, coral formations, sea turtles and more just a few hundred feet off-shore. They are a fun and inexpensive option to give snorkeling and diving a try.
Jet Skiing and Boating At Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach offers many opportunities if you’re looking for some excitement with a jet ski or a boat. Both are available for rent at several spots on the soundside. Jet Skiers can be seen everyday zooming around the Santa Rosa Sound. Navarre Beach is also a great starting point for a day trip to nearby Crab Island, a popular sandbar located in Destin, Florida. The shallow area is a fun gathering spot for locals and tourists where you’ll find them anchoring down their boats and setting up for the day to swim, float, socialize and play games.
By The Water Activities
If you’re ready to get out of the water but still stay active, there’s much more to do in Navarre!
Fishing At Navarre Beach
Fishing is definitely one of the most popular outdoor activities in Navarre. However you like to fish, Navarre Beach can accommodate. There is fishing inshore and offshore, charter fishing and pier fishing. You’ll also find many people fishing directly on the beach or off of the roads and bridges that bring you from the mainland to Navarre beach. And that’s just saltwater fishing! You can also fish the bays and rivers a few miles north to keep it interesting!
The most popular fish caught at Navarre Beach and surrounding waters include Redfish (Red Drum), Speckled Trout, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel and Pompano.
Take Scenic Ride at Navarre Beach
Head over to the scenic drive that spans the Gulf Islands National Seashore national park and space between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach. Why? There are so many ways to enjoy it!
You can enjoy a beautiful walk, run or bike ride. Then you also always rent a golf cart, scooter or an electric bike. Regardless of the way you decide to traverse the scenic trail, you’ll absolutely love being in the 25-mile stretch that hosts protected, unspoiled sands and dunes. As you travel west, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico on your left and the natural, rolling hills laced with dune grass and views of the Santa Rosa Sound to the right. Pack a picnic and bring water because you can take a break at the several parking lots and beach fronts along the way.
Hiking at Navarre Beach
If you’re looking to change it up a bit, you’ll find several parks that will provide you with hiking adventures and trails near Navarre Beach. The Florida Trail also starts near Navarre and heads all the way through the state. There are many parts of that trail you can hop on while visiting Navarre Beach.
- Take Your Pup On The Florida Trail: Just a few minutes north of Navarre Beach is an easy, 5.4-mile out-and-back trail that generally takes less than 2 hours to complete. The hike to Dean Creek is a popular trail where dogs are welcome. You can get there by heading up Highway 87 to the parking lot for the Dean campsite.
- Nature Trail at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park: Located approximately 35 miles northeast of Navarre Beach is a 2.5-mile trail that runs along the Yellow River with views of marsh, forested wetlands, seagrass beds and the largest concentration of pitcher plants in all of Florida.
- The Opal Beach Trail at Gulf Islands National Seashore: How often do you get to consider a walk at the beach a hike? There is a 1.5 mile loop run that is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail that will offer you beautiful views of the Gulf or Mexico.
- Arcadia Mill Historic Site: This 1.3-mile loop trail near Milton, Florida has a boardwalk and lots of signs with historical information and even some ruins to make it an informative trip.
- Jackson Red Ground Trail at Blackwater River State Forest: Just 30 miles northeast of Navarre Beach, this trail takes you along the scenic Blackwater River through picturesque pine forests on a 4-mile trail.
Navarre Beach offers a wide range of outdoor activities that will make your vacation fun and adventurous! From kayaking and paddleboarding along the serene waters to exhilarating jet skiing and boating adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The area’s artificial reefs and abundant marine life provide opportunities for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, while hiking trails in nearby state parks allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty Navarre’s parks have to offer. For more information and assistance in planning your outdoor adventures, consider Emerald Waters Property Management!