Discovering the Diverse Waterways of Walton County

Luckily, Walton County is well-equipped to accommodate this. Sure, visitors have a great time exploring all the incredible land activities in our beach neighborhoods, but these places are also interconnected by amazing bodies of water that surround them – including rivers, bays and of course the Gulf of Mexico.

Kayaking is such a quick and nimble method of exploration, allowing you to maneuver easily in and out of tight spaces. Spend an afternoon paddling along local rivers or winding your way through the incredibly bio-diverse cypress swamps. Butterfly Bike & Kayak in Seagrove has a nice selection of rentals available, making it easy to get what you need and get going.

For those with S.C.U.B.A. certification, Morrison Springs just east of DeFuniak Springs offers one of Florida’s most unique diving experiences. The main spring-fed pool is 250 feet in diameter with crystal-clear water for optimal visibility. There are three cavities for underwater exploration, the deepest of which is 300 feet and leads to an underground chamber that has yet to be fully measured.

Maybe what’s in the water is more exciting for you. Even if you’re just a novice angler, there are all sorts of opportunities to do a little sportfishing around Walton County.

Santa Rosa Charters specializes in unique back bay experiences on the Choctawhatchee Bay, which are fantastic for all ages. For inshore charter flats fishing and fly-fishing excursions, check out Florida Boy Adventures. And Reel 30A has exciting surf charters where they meet you right at the beach and guide you through everything you need to know. If you prefer to fish on your own, they also have premium fishing gear and tackle for rent and will deliver it right to you.

If you’re in a tranquil mood, you can hop on a stand-up paddleboard and take a spin on one of the area’s coastal dune lakes. These very rare bodies of water are only found in a handful of locales around the world, including Madagascar, Australia and New Zealand. The glass-like surface offers an ideal vantage point for spotting unique local wildlife and plants.

When you’ve officially become obsessed with water adventure and are in the market for some new gear, BOTE in Grayton Beach has paddleboards, kayaks, skiffs and more for sale. Adventure 30A and YOLO Board also sell equipment, while also providing rentals and fun guided tours of all sorts.

The many waterways of Walton County present a unique opportunity to get out and try things that you might not get to do back home. Thankfully, there are countless ways to experience the fun, whether you’re looking for a measure of adventure or you just want to unwind and appreciate the surrounding beauty.