Island Hopping & Ferry Excursions in the Emerald Coast

Hop from island to island, and let the good times keep rolling.

There’s a reason locals always head for the water. In the Emerald Coast, island hopping is part of the rhythm of life. Ferries and water taxis lead to places where dunes roll on without footprints, where shorebirds drift overhead, and where every island has its own kind of peace. These routes are part of the wonders of the coast, inviting you to wander and discover.

It’s how the locals spend their favorite days. Some bring paddleboards here and coolers packed for the afternoon. Others carry just a towel and a plan to wander. With each crossing, you find something new — maybe a calm cove, a pod of dolphins, or the perfect stretch of sand to sit and stay awhile. The movement itself becomes the memory.

A man paddle-boarding into sunset at Okaloosa Island Pier.

Top 5 Stops for Island Hopping

• Okaloosa Island
  A barrier island just off Fort Walton Beach, known for its wide beaches and calm surf. Visit its fishing pier, stop by the Gulfarium, or enjoy a long, quiet beach walk in the area.
  
  
• Santa Rosa Island
  This protected stretch of Gulf shoreline includes parts of Gulf Islands National Seashore and Fort Pickens. You may ride the Pensacola ferry, walk through coastal trails, and explore historic military ruins by the sea.
  
  
• Perdido Key
  Home to Johnson Beach and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, this Perdido Key will welcome you to its serene beaches and clear, shallow waters. Bring a paddleboard or just sit and watch the pelicans glide by!

• Norriego Point, Destin
  At the edge of Destin’s East Pass lies this sandy peninsula with clear, shallow water and tidal pools. Reach it by water taxi and spend the day snorkeling, swimming, or watching boats glide past.
  
  
• Shell Island, Panama City Beach
  A completely undeveloped pristine island between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay. Take the shuttle or a dolphin tour to enjoy quiet beachcombing, gentle surf, and stretches of untouched shoreline.

Perdido Key Beach, ideal stop for island hopping along the Emerald Coast.

Local Tips

• Check ferry schedules before you go. Many routes are seasonal and may not run daily.
• Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, snacks, water, and a lightweight beach chair!
• Bring cash or card, some landings are remote with limited services.
• Wear swim shoes for shell-strewn or rocky spots.

• Respect nesting zones and local wildlife, especially during turtle season (May–October).

Plan Your Stay

With vacation rentals near Destin Harbor, downtown Pensacola, or Panama City Beach, it’ll never be far from your next island hop. Rentalz makes it easy to find a home base that fits the trip, close to the ferries, beaches, and hidden coves to explore. 

Go hop a ferry, slow it down, and see why locals keep coming back to these peaceful shores.