How did you discover this activity?

We found TripShock while searching for fun things to do in Destin. TripShock offered multiple tour options, and we decided to try snorkeling for the first time and see dolphins. For $40 a person, it was an absolute bargain! It was cheaper than a day pass to the local water park, absolutely the best part of our vacation!

When did you book your tour compared to the departure date?

Not knowing the area, we waited until we arrived to look for activities. We booked Sunday for a Thursday, 9:00am departure.

Why did you choose this activity?

We were vacationing with friends, our kids are ages 16-22, so we were looking for something to do as a group. The tour offered all needed equipment, and it was the perfect length, 3 hours.

The tour was a quick boat ride to the beach for snorkeling, and the group saw a stingray, a manatee, and a variety of fish. After 90 minutes, we hopped back in the boat to look for dolphins, and our captain made sure that everyone had the chance to see dolphins, and even a shark!

How did you get to the activity location?

Getting to HarborWalk Village was a breeze by car, $10 parking, but you can get your ticket stamped to come and go all day. The staff at check-in walked us to the dock to make sure we were in the right place.

What was your experience with the activity’s staff?

Captain Daniel was incredible! He played great music, let the kids (big and little) drive the boat, and he was patient with young children who asked 100 questions. The staff was super friendly, kept everyone’s glasses full, they played great music, and everyone had fun!

Highlights or memories you and your group will take from the trip?

This was our first trip to the Emerald Coast, so we wanted an experience to remember as a family. TripShock offered so many options we never would have discovered without them. The kids will never forget their first snorkeling experience in the clear water, and seeing creatures up close and personal.

Captain Daniel made sure to manuever the boat so everyone had the opportunity to see dolphins and sharks. Because we’re stuck living in the Midwest, we value every second of our trips to the coast. This tour inspired us to buy our own snorkel gear to use the rest of our trip, we saw sea turtles, fish, and lots of marine life the kids never would have experienced otherwise.

Would you recommend this activity to another group like yours? Why or why not?

We absolutely recommend this trip! There were kids as young as 5 and 6 enjoying the trip, but I would say those 10 and up enjoyed it the most. There were jellyfish in the water, so you want to be a strong enough swimmer to avoid them, and manuever the distance to the rocks to be able to see the most marine life.

You really don’t need to bring anything other than a towel, and something to take pictures with, but it will get wet, so a waterproof bag for your phone works best (ID too if you want beer/wine). The staff work for tips, so having cash on hand, is highly recommended!

There was only one person on the trip who had motion sickness, and she refused to sit up to get fresh air (which would have helped). The ride down the coast is bumpy, and you can see the most from the front of the boat. While you only are required to be there 30 minutes early, don’t wait, or you’ll be stuck in the back of the boat!