Kayaking has become a very popular mode of leisurely transportation in South Walton with the key emphasis on the word "leisure". After all, this is not a form of transportation like the stress of commuting by car to work in the hustle and bustle of everyday living. It is instead a delightfully fun, soothing, laid-back kind of transport that allows you to enjoy nature at its best. This is particularly true when you have the kind of sensational scenery that abounds along our coast. You may enjoy a kayak adventure either next to the sugary white sands along the glistening jewel-toned gulf or beside them in one of the exotic coastal dune lakes. We offer families many distinctive private vacation rental homes and condos near each along South Walton's Scenic 30A and Miramar Beach.

Many may be unfamiliar with coastal dune lakes, and for good reason. These unique bodies of water are located in very few places on the entire planet. In fact, besides this part of Northwest Florida, they can only be found near the coast of Australia, New Zealand, and Madagascar. These precious lakes are formed by woodland streams, natural springs, and rainwater. Intermittent storm surges open the dunes up to the gulf allowing salt water to periodically connect with them. This creates a fertile environment in nature that flourishes with fish, flora, and fauna. They provide a perfect place to kayak because these protected placid waters are breathtaking in their natural beauty since each is nestled next to forested shores, marshy grasses, and some of the gently gurgling streams that feed them. Wildflowers like native blue lupine vividly dot the pastoral scenery along with palmetto palms, magnolia trees, and towering pines. The glistening gulf waters that border them can be seen in the near distance across sandy dunes that look like giant piles of sugar. Adventurous anglers have found that these lakes are also brimming over with fish including a wide variety of bass, speckled trout, redfish, flounder, catfish, panfish, and mullet. They also provide a picturesque setting for bird watching from your kayak. Along with the many other more common birds don't be surprised to spot Great Blue Herons, Osprey Falcons, White Egrets, and even Eagles. Most of the coastal dune lakes in South Walton border state forests or parks. Virtually all of them parallel Scenic 30A where many of our Ocean Reef Resorts Vacation Rentals are located. Public access can be obtained anywhere along Scenic 30A since it is a county road with a parking easement. Topsail, Grayton Beach, and Deer Lake State Parks also provide ready access along with ample parking.

Kayaking along the gulf is also a glorious experience but totally different from the interior coastal dune lakes. It can be a bit more challenging especially when the surf is high but the excitement of getting out beyond the breaking waves can be invigorating. However sometimes, as many South Walton locals know, the gulf can be just as calm as the protected waters of the lakes. It provides a truly serene and magical experience since most of the time there is some kind of wave action. When kayaking out in the gulf you have more sun since the waters are wide open and so of course is the beach. You may also fish the salt waters from your kayak and catch some varieties that are not available in the semi-freshwaters of the lakes.

There are two fine locally-owned companies that provide kayak rentals in South Walton and they are called La Dolce Vita Destin Beach Services and Reef Beach Services and Rentals in Seagrove Beach.

La Dolce Vita which stands for "the good life" in Italian is a premier water sport and beach rental company with a friendly professional staff. They provide kayaks as well as other beach rental services up and down the coast.  Conveniently enough many of our luxurious beachfront condominiums are also located at or near these delightful destinations so you may rent a kayak nearby instead of hauling yours from home. Besides kayaks, La Dolce Vita also has rentals for Sailboats, Boogie Boards, Paddle Boards, Floating Cabanas, Pontoon Boats, Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Bikes, Baby Cribs, and Sand Wheel Chairs. Services and amusements provided include parasailing adventures, banana boat tows, and a fun water park. For special occasions, they will even provide you with a beach bonfire if you want one. Information on all of their rentals and beach services may be found at ldvbeach.com or by calling them at 866.651.1869.

Reef Beach Services and Rentals are located in Seagrove Beach right off Scenic 30A at 33 Cassine Way. Their main location is conveniently centered right in the heart of all the villages along Scenic 30A. This family-owned company was started by a veteran who honorably served our U.S. military. They pride themselves on being a "one-stop shop" with a company motto that says, "Exceptional service is our top priority!" They rent out kayaks as well as Beach Chair Umbrella Sets, Boogie Boards, Body Boards, Bicycles, Scooters, and Golf Carts. Single and double-seated scooters are available along with Legal Street Vehicle (LSV) Golf Carts that can seat up to six passengers. Large LSV "Beach Trolleys" can carry up to eight people providing street-legal transportation for special occasions like weddings. Reef Beach Services and Rentals has also branched out to include full setups for beach weddings, parties, and bonfires. Their Bonfire Parties include the required county fire permit, plenty of firewood in the pit, Tiki Torches, chairs, a table, marsh mellow skewers, and ingredients to make Smores. A member of their staff stays on site the entire time for set up, attendance and clean up. Similar services are provided for beach parties which can also include beach chairs, tables, tents as well as Kayaks and Paddle Boards for watery entertainment. They also provide complete setups for beach weddings including transportation on a decorated Beach Trolley. These events can be completely catered as well for the receptions or parties providing everything from pizza to shrimp boils. Information for all of these rentals and services may be obtained at reefbch.com or by calling 850.296.9077.

Ocean Reef Resorts is always pleased to serve our visiting guests with fine vacation rental accommodations of all kinds. Many of these rental homes and condos are along the beaches of South Walton off Scenic 30A or in Miramar Beach. We are fortunate to have been rewarded with accolades of praise for these private vacation rental properties from literal generations of guests for over thirty years. Take some enjoyable time to make your own fun plans on our user-friendly website by selecting a South Walton Vacation Rentals that will best serve the needs of your family and friends. In addition, these two companies can help you with all of your recreational water sports needs whether it be kayaking or more. We are sure you will be able to create many warm memories that will last for years to come.