Did you know the Destin Water Taxi is the most fun and efficient way to travel around Destin Harbor? You can skip the traffic and parking hassles and combine traveling to your destination with a scenic boat ride.
Destin Harbor is full of fun things to do and places to explore, but getting there comes with plenty of traffic and parking issues in busy season, so that’s when you might want to use the Destin Water Taxi instead.
Not only is it sometimes time consuming and difficult to find parking in the Destin Harbor area, but the prices of parking are also a factor. The Harborwalk Village parking fee is $20 and the City of Destin lots across the street from Harborwalk are $15.
The water taxi is not only convenient, but it’s also a fun way to travel. This is not just a ride, but also an experience. You never know what you might see on your water taxi ride. Look out for dolphins and other wildlife, enjoy the sunset, and maybe even make new friends along the way.
This post will cover all the most frequently asked questions about using the Destin Water Taxi, including operating days and times, places to go, prices, special fireworks cruises, and more.
How much does the Destin Water Taxi cost?
The Destin Water Taxi is $8 each way for adults and $16 round trip. Children age 3-8 are a $5 flat rate whether round trip or one way and children age 2 and under ride free. They accept cash, Venmo or credit cards but there is a 4% charge to use a credit card.
When does the Destin Water Taxi operate?
The Destin Water Taxi will run daily from March 1st through October 21st for the 2023 season. They close in high winds or severe weather.
MARCH – JULY
- Sunday – Thursday: 11am-11pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11am-midnight
AUGUST – OCT 21st
- Sunday – Thursday 3pm-11pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm
When the captain drops you off at your destination, he will probably ask if you are planning to get a return trip and let you know what time last call is for a ride home. Pay attention to the time so you don’t get stuck having to take an Uber home.
Getting stuck could also be an issue if the water taxi has to shut down for sudden severe weather. Luckily, that is a rare incident that they will probably warn you about at drop off if they know of a severe weather possibility.
Where do I catch the Destin Water Taxi?
The water taxi can pick you up and drop you off from pretty much any house, condo, restaurant, or any other place on Destin Harbor–it does not have to be an official taxi stop. Just tell the captain where you are when calling and he will tell you where to meet and when.
There are two water taxi boats and they will organize the best route between them so you can call either number to book and they will direct you to use the other boat if needed. One boat is yellow and the other one is white.
The Destin Water Taxi is an especially valuable option for people staying on Holiday Isle, which is anywhere off Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. There’s not much as far as restaurants on most of Holiday Isle since it’s mostly residential, so this opens up a great way to get places without a car from there.
As you can see by my map graphic below, the fastest way to get from Holiday Isle to Harborwalk is across the water instead around on the road. It’s a shorter distance, plus you don’t have to spend time stuck in traffic or looking for a parking spot.
Even if you aren’t staying on Holiday Isle, you can still use the water taxi from the Destin Harbor Boardwalk or Harborwalk to go places further down the harbor (such as from Harborwalk to Boshamps which are on the same side of the water, but a decent walking distance apart) or to go from the Harborwalk side to Holiday Isle.
How do I Catch the Destin Water Taxi?
There is no set schedule for the Destin Water Taxi because their route varies based on how busy it is and how many boats they have running. The best way to catch a ride is to call and ask them to pick you up.
Your wait can be anywhere from a few minutes to 45 minutes, depending where the boats are when you call and how many passengers are onboard.
The water taxi differs from a regular taxi as far as how long it takes since it’s a shared boat holding 16 passengers—all going different places. Keep that in mind if you are in a hurry.
There will probably be other stops between you and your final destination and sometimes you will have to wait a few minutes while other riders walk down from their condo. It’s always best to be prepared for delays when riding the water taxi and leave plenty of time to get where you are going.
Can I Bring Drinks Onboard?
You are welcome to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks on the Destin Water Taxi to enjoy on your boat ride as long as they are not in glass. This is especially nice if you have a long ride ahead of you.
Can I Watch Fireworks from the Water Taxi?
The Destin Water Taxi recently started offering a fireworks cruise on Monday and Thursday nights in summer for the Destin Harbor fireworks show.
The fireworks cruise is the only time you will see the Water Taxi boats in the East Pass because the normal route is all inside the harbor (see the map above for the east pass vs the harbor area).
You can call anytime during the week leading up to the Monday or Thursday fireworks to reserve it and tell the captain how many in your group and where to pick you up. He will give you a time to be ready—usually between 8:00-8:30pm depending where you are on his route. The cost is $25 per person. Book early since the boat only holds 16 people.
The Destin Water Taxi is an especially great option for a fireworks cruise if you are staying on Holiday Isle. It saves you from having to go over to Harborwalk Village to catch your cruise since he can pick you up and drop you off at your house or condo on the harbor.
For more information about the Destin Harbor Fireworks, check out my post here: 6 Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks and the 2024 schedule of shows
Is the Destin Water Taxi Pet Friendly?
Yes. If your dog is friendly and the boat isn’t too full to accommodate it. Ask the captain when you call if it’s ok.
Captain Patrick who drives the yellow water taxi boat usually has his dog Bella on the boat with him. Bella has become the face of the water taxi so you might get to meet her if you catch the yellow boat.
For more about traveling to Destin with your dog, check out my post here: Visiting Destin with your Dog: Pet Friendly Beaches, Hotels, Restaurants, and Activities
Where can I go on the Destin Water Taxi?
The water taxi can drop you off almost anywhere on Destin Harbor—same as for pick up. Just tell the captain where you are going and he will take you to the closest stop.
I’m including some points of interest below where you might want to go on the water taxi, in case you aren’t familiar with Destin Harbor. All the spots listed in this section are on the map below so you can see a general layout
Harborwalk Village
Harborwalk Village is a shopping and entertainment complex that spans from the base of the Destin Bridge to the Harborwalk marina. Emerald Grande Resort is the building towering above Harborwalk Village.
Food and Drink options at Harborwalk Village include Harry T’s Lighthouse Restaurant, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, East Pass Oyster House, Harbor Tacos, Fish Heads Bar, Coyote Ugly Saloon, Cafe Cafe Coffee Shop, Crafty Siren Craft Beer and Pretzels, Jester Mardi Gras Daiquiris, and the Fudgery Frozen Yogurt and Candy Store. There is also a strip of food trucks offering Boardwalk Fries, Ice Cream, Shaved Ice, and Grilled Cheese.
Harborwalk has a large variety of retail shops and temporary art vendors selling everything from souvenirs, clothing, handmade soap, sunglasses, kites, shoes, artwork, caricature drawings of you, jewelry and almost anything else you can think of.
Activities include an escape room, axe throwing, virtual games and rides, a laser maze, theater, zip line, climbing wall, free fall, mini golf, trampolines, and much more. You can also walk along the marina and watch the fishing charters come in with their fresh catch.
You can also rent pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks or paddle boards if you want to get out on the water. Several companies offer dolphin cruises, Crab Island tours, snorkeling or snuba excursions, and fishing charters.
Harborwalk Village also has entertainment and events, including several festivals, live music on the events stage, fireworks, silent disco parties, parades, and much more.
Destin Boardwalk
Harborwalk Village ends at the second zip line tower, just past the row of food trucks, and that is where the Destin Boardwalk begins. Some people think of these as the same place, but they are technically not, so I’m separating them here.
The Boardwalk area is the older part of the business district of Destin Harbor and Harborwalk is the newer, more resort type area.
Food and Drink options on the Destin Boardwalk include AJ’s Seafood and Oyster House, Tailfins, Boathouse Oyster Bar, Red Door Saloon, The Edge Seafood and Sky Bar, Harbor Tavern, Dewey Destins, and Brotulas Seafood.
The Destin Boardwalk also has a marina and fishing docks where you can go on fishing charters, dolphin cruises, parasailing and rent jet skis and pontoon boats.
Boshamps and Marina Cafe
This taxi stop is on the other side of the gated Destin Yacht Club so you can’t walk there from Harborwalk or the Boardwalk without detouring up to the sidewalk on Highway 98. Or you can get dropped off on the docks in front by the water taxi.
Boshamps and Marina Cafe are a few of the best and most popular restaurants in Destin, and they are right next door to each other.
Boshamps has several large decks and an elevated bar overlooking Destin Harbor. The parking lot is almost always full, so arriving by water taxi is very convenient.
Boshamps is a great spot for drinks or dinner and there’s a beach area near the water with chairs, corn hole games, and space for kids to run around and play.
Marina Cafe is another popular fine dining restaurant in Destin. They have half priced drinks and sushi along with special priced appetizers in the bar area from 5-7pm every day. There’s also a BOGO entrée deal in the dining room from 5-6pm.
I wrote more about Marina Cafe in this post: Best Happy Hour Spots in Destin
On the beach area in front of Marina Cafe, is Aloha Pontoon Rentals and Blue Crab Watersports, both offering pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.
Harbor Docks
Harbor Docks Restaurant is a longtime tradition in Destin, serving gulf to table seafood since 1979. They make everything they serve from scratch using fish caught daily from boats going out right from their docks.
You can also hop off the water taxi around this area and cross the street to Beach Camp Brew Pub, Red Onion Organic, Sexton’s Seafood, Pecan Jack’s Ice Cream, and lots of other options on this area of Highway 98.
Pelican Adventures
Pelican Adventures has a large marina right next door to Harbor Docks. they offer Parasailing, Snorkeling, and Deep Sea Fishing Charters of every size from small and private to party boat. Check out their website and book your adventures here: Pelican Adventures website
Louisianna Lagniaape
This is the furthest stop on the water taxi, all the way down at Sandpiper Cove Resort on Holiday Isle. They serve fresh gulf seafood prepared with a Creole flair. It’s an upscale yet relaxed dining experience with indoor or outdoor seating directly on Destin Harbor.
One of the most popular dinner specials at Louisiana Lagniappe is the “Two can dine with a bottle of wine for $69” special they offer on Sunday through Thursday evenings.
Norriego Point
Norriego Point is one of Destin’s public beach areas and it’s a beautiful place to walk around or take a swim. Norriego Point is a white sand peninsula at the end of Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle in Destin. It’s directly across from Harborwalk Village.
The shoreline facing Harborwalk is a long stretch of sand where you will often see boats anchored up and people swimming. You can walk around to the other side too where there are safe swimming coves on the more gentle waters of the east pass and lifeguards keeping watch.
Norriego Point is a good place to catch the Destin Water Taxi if you are staying somewhere on Holiday Isle without direct harbor access (such as a beachfront place on Gulf Shore Drive). It’s also a good destination if you find yourself on Destin Harbor wanting more of a beach experience.
From Norriego Point, you can also walk the sidewalk on Gulf Shore Drive to the jetties at O’Steen Beach. This is the best snorkeling spot in Destin and also a nice calm swimming area on the East Pass. From here you can also walk out to a further set of jetties on the Gulf of Mexico.
More information on both these beach areas are in this post: Find your Perfect Beach: Guide to the 13 Public Beaches in Destin, Florida
Does the Water Taxi go to Crab Island?
The Destin Water Taxi does not go to Crab Island because it is illegal for any water taxi or boat shuttle to drop you off at Crab Island. The vessel that takes you to Crab Island must stay with you the entire time you are there in case of emergencies.
For a complete guide to Crab Island, check out this post I wrote: Crab Island in Destin, Florida: 2023 Ultimate Visitors Guide
Below is a 360 video I made recently of my ride on the Destin Water Taxi. You will feel like you are on the taxi with me if you watch in the YouTube app of your Virtual Reality Headset (subscribe to my YouTube channel first to make it easier to find on the headset). You can also watch on other devices and just move the screen to look around.
I hope this post helps you plan your next ride on the Destin Water Taxi!
Water Taxi Website: www.destinwatertaxi.com
Water Taxi Phone Numbers: 850-499-6679 or 850-499-1909
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
…..🌴😃🐬 I have a few rentals including a large house with a boat slip, a 2-bedroom condo, and a 1-bedroom apartment. All are directly on Destin Harbor with private gated access to the most beautiful beaches in Destin. 
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This is hands down my favorite vessel on the harbor. So beautiful at night too with those soft blue lights.
I love seeing the water taxi too. I call it the first sign of spring when I see it in March!
Great info. Thank you
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
Hi! We’ll be staying at Sandestin Golf and Beach resort. What is the closet spot we can be picked up? Thank you!
The water taxi only runs on Destin Harbor which is over 12 miles west of Sandestin so you would not be able to get a taxi ride around there. If you visit Destin Harbor at Harborwalk Village during your visit you can ride it then but you probably would not need the transportation if you park at Harborwalk. Sandestin is a great spot though, enjoy your visit!
The post about the water taxi was very helpful. Thank you.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Is the water taxi wheelchair friendly (if folded up)
Should I be concerned about elderly and stepping down into boat or up to a steep dock?
They pull up with the nose of the boat at the dock and there is stairs down. But it would still be a bit shaky and the captain would not be able to help. But if someone else got on first and helped them down I think it would be ok for most. There’s definitely space for a folded wheelchair.
Hi we are staying at the aegean
Where is the closest to get picked up to go to Barbour walk to eat at Brotulas at 5pm
Can I make and pay for reservation??
Wednesday 3/16 I am guessing 4pm?
9 people
You can pick up the water taxi from Norriego Point. It might be farther then you want to walk though but there is parking. The Destin Water Taxi will help you with reservations 850-499-1909
Hi. I love the information that you share! I am in Georgia and planning a trip for Summer 2023! I want a condo or home on the Gulf! We stayed at Harbor Landing a few years ago and loved it. I want to know do I need to stick with Harbor Landing properties or what others due you suggest on the Gulf for 6 adults? It’s a must to have walking distance access to the Water Taxi! 🙂
Hello! I am staying in the Destin/Fort Walton area next week and was wondering if there were any taxi’s or chartered excursions from the Destin/Fort Walton area to the Flora Bama bar?
I’m sorry I just saw this but no most charters would not go that far
Have you looked at Sandpiper Cove? The property spans across Gulf Shore Drive so you have the beach on one side and the harbor and water taxi on the other. It’s a great spot!
Awesome resource – thank you! Recently moved to Destin from Chicago and your blog has been so helpful with amazing information (especially paddleboarding info)! Destin Water Taxi sounds like such a cool way to get around the area and I love your detailed outline on how to use and where to go!
I’m glad you have found it helpful! Congrats on the move and I hope you enjoy living in Destin!
Sarah this is the best info I have seen about the water taxis and related information. But wanted to point out that I think the Lagniappe special is only a winter thing.
I really appreciate the info, I will update it!
I’m staying at Jetty East Condos. Will I be able to walk to south shore of Destin Harbor
to catch ride on WATER TAXI to Harborwalk restaurants??
It used to be that you could walk to Norriego Point and catch the water taxi from there but now with the construction there, it’s difficult to get to the side where the water taxi can pick you up. So, it depends on your trip dates whether that work is done yet. You can also call the water taxi and tell him you are at Jetty East and see if he has a spot to tell you to walk over to where he can pick you up. He’s very familiar with Holiday Isle so he will help if he can.
Hello,
You don’t mention any information about people with handicaps like having a cane or for people of size riding on the Water Taxi. Are there any restrictions?