Planning a vacation to the Florida 30a book a paddle board or boat tour
Come paddle 30A!
There have been a few questions about what we are up to on 30A with paddling and boats so I thought I would give an update!
The coast of 30A has so many places to paddle. Let's start here, where 15 named coastal dune lakes stretch 26 miles along Highway 30A in South Walton, Florida. Yes, all 26 miles are considered Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, filled with all of the beach communities along the shoreline.
Due to the frequent exchange of fresh and saltwater between dune lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. Winds redistributing sand from the Gulf beaches, creating shallow basins, formed the coastal dune lakes in South Walton, which are believed to be over 10,000 years old. These lakes are a unique geographical feature and are only found in a few places in the world including Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, Oregon, and in Walton County, 30A.
The coastal dune lakes have an intermittent connection with the Gulf of Mexico, called an "outfall", which aids in natural flood control by allowing lake water to pour into the Gulf.
Paddling around the dunes and watching hundreds of birds or dragonflies are some of the best moments of paddling in the area's small lakes. I can sit for hours to bird watch while taking in all the sights and sounds. If you have ever wanted to paddle board, don't miss out on the wildlife.
According to Walton County Florida,The lakes are home to a variety of plant and animal species such as. Rushes (Juncus sp.), sedges (Cyperus spp.), mayflower marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata), cattails (Typha spp.), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), waterlilies (Nymphaea spp. ), water shields (Brasenia schreberi), royal ferns (Osmunda regalis var. Spectabilis), camphorweed (Pluchea spp.), marshelder (Iva frutescens), groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia), and black willow are some of the plants.
The area is home to many types of animals, including western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), east mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum), saltmarsh snakes (Nerodia clarkii sp.), and crocodiles. Among them are the blue heron (Egretta caerulea), the American coot (Fulica americana), and the North American river otter (Lutra canadensis).
Back to paddling, You might catch a wave or two here, but the waves are mostly calm, rough to gentle, so there isn't much surf. Despite that, our beaches have the most beautiful colors I've seen. On Highway 30A, you'll see lines of blue as far as your eyes can see. It's a great place to do stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). You can take advantage of the dune lakes depending on where you are and where you are going.
There are times when words can't explain the feeling of paddling in the Gulf and feeling awestruck by the sun, the water, and the miles of views. The best part for me is I feel so close to Jesus. I use paddle boarding to talk with God and find hope there. It's a sign of hope and peace, a reminder that God is always with us.
Paddle boarding is the best of both worlds - you enjoy the water and exercise at the same time! Book a paddle boarding tour NOW
After paddling, take a boat tour with your own Captain!
Book a boat tour with your own captain while you admire the stunning view of the crystal-clear water and pristine white sandy beaches. Visit Crab Island, which is one of a kind destination you have to be on the water to get the full experience.
After spending some time at Crab Island, set off for a beautiful sunset cruise. As the sun dips below the horizon you will usually see dolphins swimming by. It's always an amazing experience and definitely one of the highlights when most vist the area.
Master Captain Ken and Captain Taylor are both running tours to Crab Island and Dolphin Tours all year long. You can DM us here to book a tour or email ken@30aboat.com.
Keep an eye out for more to come and keep asking questions!
Get your paddle boarding and boating tour booked today + we cant wait to see you!
Peace out!
Julie, xx
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