Sailing with Captain Pam is the highlight of our summer vacations! Last year we did the 3 hour snorkel and sail. We loved it so much we booked a 5 hour snorkel and sail this year and it did not disappoint. Captain Pam is relaxed, knowledgeable, focused on safety, fun and providing a wonderful experience. We love stopping at crab island to snorkel and look for hermit crabs. We undoubtedly find the best shells of our vacation at crab island... just need to be sure there are no hermit crabs in them if you decide to bring the shells home (we did find a live hermit crab in our shell bag when we got back home which surprised us all!). We always see dolphins while sailing and this year one dolphin got very close to us while we were snorkeling... my son thought that was so cool! This summer we had enough time to sail out in the ocean for a while and that was so relaxing. My husband and I enjoyed a drink up front while Captain Pam gave the kids fake tattoos in the back. My daughter enjoyed getting "jobs" while we were on the boat: drying off the walking areas, helping to lift the sails, etc. My son has really taken to sailing; he loves to learn from Captain Pam and spent his entire time on the boat in the captain's chair. By the end of the trip he was navigating the harbor all by himself. It's so nice to see his confidence building and his interest in something beyond basketball! We can't wait to get him into sailing lessons back home. We do drive from Seagrove Beach which is about an hour each way and it's totally worth it. I highly recommend going out on a sail with Captain Pam if you are in town. We are already planning our trip for next year! read more

Exceptional Sailing Experience with Smile n Wave I recently had the pleasure of sailing aboard Smile n Wave, a tri-hull sailboat docked behind Marina Cafe, and I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. From the moment I stepped onto the dock and spotted the cheerful sail adorned with a smiley face, I knew I was in for a memorable outing. Pam, the captain, and her all-female crew were outstanding--warm, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about both the vessel and the surrounding area. Their hospitality created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the trip. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, beverages, and personal items to enhance the experience. The crew provides coolers with ice and a Bluetooth speaker, making it easy to enjoy music and refreshments while sailing. While the boat does have a small bathroom, I would advise using facilities beforehand for added comfort. Whether you choose to swim, snorkel, or simply unwind on deck, the excursion is tailored to your preferences. Pam's passion for sailing and her attention to detail make this more than just a boat ride--it's a personalized adventure that's truly worth every penny. read more

My family and I trusted and hired Captain Pam to take us out to spread my fathers ashes. The weather was perfect and ended up with a dolphin escort. Pam was well experienced with this type of event and had great advice to give on how to preform the spreading of the ashes. I took her advice and she took us a special spot in the Gulf of Mexico. She turned the boat off and provided the time for us to have our moment. It was obviously an emotional deal but Pam and her son were amazing... taking candid pictures of the event and recording that moment for us. Once we were done, Pam sat down on the boat and pulled my 10 year old daughter in. She immediately started taking with her and sharing removable tattoos with her, completely taking her mind in a positive direction. Pam was amazing.... She had a great personality and was a part of a very special family moment. I highly recommend her for any of your family's needs. She knew where to find all the dolphins, every boat captain waved at her, and she was a genuine and real person. I can't wait to take my family back out with her! read more

From the moment we stepped aboard, the catamaran experience exceeded every expectation. The crew was not only exceptionally professional, but genuinely warm and welcoming--striking that perfect balance between attentive service and relaxed hospitality. They took us to just the right spots, where we were treated to the unforgettable sight of dolphins gliding effortlessly through the water--an experience that felt almost magical. And as if that weren't enough, the evening concluded with a breathtaking sunset that seemed perfectly choreographed for the occasion. The boat itself was immaculate--beautifully maintained and clearly cared for with pride. Every detail reflected a commitment to quality and safety, which made it easy to fully relax and enjoy the experience. I truly cannot say enough good things about Smile N Wave Sailing Adventures. If you're looking for a memorable, seamless, and genuinely special time on the water, this is it. Highly, highly recommended. read more

Smile and wave came up under google searches as one of the top rated gulf excursions. I had sailed before on a catamaran and throughly enjoyed it so we decided to go for it again. We were not disappointed! Pam, the owner and captain, was fantastic. She not only gave us great food advice, the smoked tuna dip at Harbor Docks was out of this world, but she also created a fun sailing experience. We saw Dolphins, and a black tip shark. She also shared with us, apologetically, how God had led in her life and taken care of her. If you are looking for a fantastic outing sailing, look no further, a great trip with great atmosphere! My only regret is that due to oversight on our part, we neglected to bring enough cash to give a very good tip, just completly forgot. We gave her all we had with us! 10 stars! read more

This is a "must do" if you are in Destin. Captain Pam is the best local sail charter in Destin for sure! We have never sailed before. The weather was not cooperating but Pam worked with our schedule and got our family in the following day. She immediately made us feel like family. She made us feel very welcome and at ease. We were so excited to see dolphins and her enthusiasm was contagious. Words cannot express how peaceful this trip was. We later took a trip on another boat and I can say after experiencing both, Smile N Wave is definitely the way to go. This was the best part of our vacation. The one on one personal touch is far better than a crowded boat. If you want a memorable experience with your family or friends, book with Captain Pam and you will love it!! read more

If I could give more than five stars I certainly would. What an amazing experience with beautiful views. Ms. Pam & her son were phenomenal! She was so nice and personable truly caring about us. This review is coming from someone who is terrified of water and boats. All that changes for me today and I couldn't be more grateful. They put my mind at ease and I was able to enjoy this perfect trip. I found myself wanting to sit on the front net of the boat. The sunset was beautiful but what really makes the experience is the crew. Our family also loved that she is dog friendly. It was our first time sailing and we will now be frequent customers booking every time we are in the area. Thanks again for an amazing time and truly making a difference! read more

Miramar Beach has become our favorite vacation spot. We've done everything when it comes to excursions. We wanted to do a catamaran trip but with just our group of 4. When I asked for recommendations on a couple of the Destin pages, Pam & Smile N Wave kept popping up. I gotta say I'm so happy we got on Pam's schedule with such short notice. Pam is so knowledgeable about sailing and the area. We just loved hearing about her adventures in sailing. She is absolutely amazing! We saw lots of dolphins, a couple of tiger sharks, and did some snorkeling and lots of sailing in the beautiful Florida waters. Our 4 hour time slot just flew by. We will be back again next year and we will be giving Pam a call for more sailing. read more

Not sure how to start this but Pam is an absolute gem of a person. I had NO CLUE that I was going to get engaged on her boat and she made it the most memorable, amazing experience ever. My now fiancé , scheduled a sunset sail and it was absolutely beautiful, she took us to see dolphin and all around the harbor. She was super personable and an amazing photographer to catch the entire thing on camera. After he proposed she even had other excursions congratulate us, I think 4 different boats total.all in all it was the best experience in my life thus far and words cannot express how awesome she was to make it special. Captain Pam is amazing and I would recommend her to anyone!!!! read more

I need to take a moment to highly recommend a "must do" for while you're in Destin! Just last night, I went on my 5th trip with Captain Pam from Smile n Wave Sailing Adventures. It's been outstanding every single time. Captain Pam is so genuine and kind. She wants you to have an amazing time on her boat and she'll make sure that happens. This is a great activity for families, friends, proposals, romantic evenings, dolphin watching, snorkeling, sunsets and more. I visit Destin three or four times a year and you better believe I will sail with Smile N Wave Sailing Adventure every single time. Book it! You will not regret it! read more

For many years now, sailing with Captain Pam and her crew every Spring Break has always been a highlight for our family. Her genuine love of the gulf, its wildlife, and expert knowledge of the area make every trip with her uniquely unforgettable, and this year was certainly no exception. We simply cannot say enough good things about Pam and her crew that would fully express our gratitude for the incredible experience they provide each and every time. So, do yourself a favor and skip the overcrowded boats - Smile n Wave Sailing Adventures is where the five-star service is at. See you next year, Pam! read more

We loved sailing with Pam so much that we booked sailing trips two weekends in a row! We have a 9 month old and 3yo and they had SO MUCH fun. Pam was great with the kids and even let my 3yo sit with her in the 'captains' area and he LOVED it. We did 2 hour trips both times just because we have little ones, but I really hope I can book a longer trip in the future! It is so nice and relaxing and we saw lots of dolphins on both trips. Once we went in the bay because the gulf was super choppy and the next weekend we went out on the gulf - both trips were amazing. read more

My family and I chose Smile n Wave Sailing for our mother's Memorial cruise. Pam made this a very memorable experience. Pam and her assistant were very attentive and compassionate. They let us take the time we needed to properly scatter our mom in her final resting place. They took pictures for us and videoed the service for family who couldn't make it. Afterwards, we just sailed around, and they pointed out dolphins, sea turtles and other interesting things. I would definitely choose Pam and Smile n Wave Sailing for future adventures. read more

Can't recommend this trip with Capt. Pat enough. We were comfortable and felt safe the entire time. She knew where the dolphins, spinner sharks and sting rays could be found. We were on top of or right next to them! The catamaran had front nets that meant we were sitting over the water and we could see straight to the sand below. She provides a cooler for drinks and snacks you bring. The seats are on the front of the boat but you can wander anywhere. She even has a bathroom. A wonderful small business to support. You won't regret it. read more

If you are looking to be the hero for a fun and romantic evening........this is the only place you need to call, period. I have to thank you Pam and Daniel for the best night of our trip!! It was a pleasure celebrating our 25th Anniversary with both of you. It was fun, romantic and very educational as well. The sunset was amazing as was the night life you showed us afterwards. The dolphins coming up next to the quiet of the sailboat was amazing. We are looking forward to visiting our new friends again on our next trip to Destin. read more

Pam is a professional, knowledgeable, hospitable and experienced captain. We chose her last April when we first time visiting Destin. Then we chose her again for a trip for our moms and us after our wedding in Destin. It's a sunset tour. And it's defiantly an unforgettable experience for all of us! We had so much fun seeing dolphins around us and moms have taken tons pictures during the trip. I would strongly recommend Pam to anyone who would like to have an adventure in Destin. She will make your trip so much more special! read more

Amazing trip! I have sailed two times now and it is just such a blast! From beginning to the end Captain Pam is so helpful and awesome. The boat is a perfect size it's comfortable and you are so close to the water. I have had some unbelievable experience is so close with the dolphins on this boat. Pam not only is a great captain but she make sure everyone has everything they need she brings a cooler with ice she waits on you she takes pictures of you she is just amazing!! If you have not booked this you are truly missing out read more

We sailed with Pam three times during our winter vacation. We took different family members on dolphin cruises. She is an amazing captain and handles her boat with excellent skill. We sailed around listening to good tunes as Pam found the dolphins. She moved the boat into just the right position for beautiful sunset photos of our family. Pam even takes the photos! She has such an engaging personality and can adjust to all ages. Her knowledge of ocean life is incredible! We plan on sailing with Pam yearly. We love Pam!! read more

Best money I've spent in a long while. Captain Pam was amazing and oh so accommodating. She was funny and helpful and a great communicator leading up to the trip. We had an awesome time and even got to see two dolphin pods! The boat was beautiful and clean and Pam made sure we were comfortable with variety of seating options and even offered to set up an umbrella for shade if we wanted. She was flexible with our plans and open to whatever we wanted to do. I can't recommend her highly enough. read more