Boating, Fishing, and Travel Information for Destin (Choctawhatchee Bay, East Pass), FL

The city of Destin, located in Okaloosa County, FL, calls itself “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and claims the largest fishing vessel fleet in Florida. It originated as a small fishing town, and the fishing industry as well as tourism due to the beautiful sandy beaches and nearby resorts have continued to grow, drawing many to the area.

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Boating in Destin (Choctawhatchee Bay, East Pass), FL Map View

There are several marinas in Destin Harbor (Old Pass Lagoon), a lagoon behind the spit on the E side of the entrance to East Pass, Choctawhatchee Bay Entrance. There is reported to be excellent anchorage in Old Pass Lagoon along the S shore. Gasoline, diesel fuel, berths, electricity, water, ice, pump-out station, launching ramp, wet and dry storage, and marine supplies are available.
A marina is on Santa Rosa Island about 3 miles W of the highway bridge over East Pass, Choctawhatchee Bay Entrance. There is a mobile hoist that can handle craft to 15 tons for hull and engine repairs or storage. Berths, electricity, and water are available. There is a fuel dock at the S end of the bridge over The Narrows to Fort Walton Beach. Gasoline and diesel fuel are available.
Destin Coast Guard Station is on Santa Rosa Island, about 0.5 mile WSW of the highway bridge over East Pass.
Navigation:
Click the “Map View” button above to see a chart of this location.
Choctawhatchee Bay Entrance, East Pass extends into the W part of Choctawhatchee Bay between Moreno Point and Santa Rosa Island, and is protected by two jetties. The jetties are marked by a light off their seaward ends. Choctawhatchee Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy CB (30°22’14″N., 86°30’56″W.), about 0.5 mile off the entrance to the channel, marks the approach. To carry the best depths, mariners should be guided by the color of the water. Passage should not be attempted in rough weather. Local knowledge is advised. The channel S of the bridge is subject to frequent changes and shoals rapidly between dredgings. Buoys are frequently shifted to mark best water. The channel is marked by lights, buoys, and daybeacons.
From close offshore the entrance is easily identified by U.S. Route 98 fixed highway bridges crossing the channel just inside the E end of Santa Rosa Island. The parallel bridges have a least clearance of 49 feet.
Destin is a small fishing village and resort on Moreno Point