Sara Becnel of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resorts redefines what it means to blend luxury boating with sportfishing culture.
What makes Sandestin’s marina one of the premier destinations on the Gulf Coast?
Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina offers more than just a place to dock; it’s an integral part of a world-class resort lifestyle. With 2,400 acres of resort amenities, miles of shoreline between the Gulf and the Bay, and a walkable village experience, our marina delivers the best of boating with the convenience of a destination resort. What truly sets us apart is the synergy between marina access and residential living. For boat owners looking to relocate, invest, or snowbirds on the Emerald Coast, this marina becomes a front door to not only adventure, but to community, convenience, and elevated coastal living.
How have you evolved the boating lifestyle?
My role at Sandestin Investments and The Agency Northwest FL Beaches has always been about identifying needs and creating solutions that enhance long-term value for guests and owners. One of the proudest moments in that evolution is the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. What started as a regional fishing tournament has grown, under our stewardship, into one of the top billfishing events in the nation, drawing elite teams and multimillion-dollar vessels from around the world.
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What can visiting boaters expect?
Baytowne Marina features 223 slips that accommodate vessels up to 140 feet, with full hook-ups and access to premium resort amenities. Our boaters enjoy complimentary tram access across the resort, beachfront dining, signature events, and a full-service marina team. From kayak and paddleboard rentals to deep-sea charters and waterfront dining at Marina Bar & Grill, there’s no shortage of experiences tailored to boaters. The Village of Baytowne Wharf offers nightly entertainment, boutique shopping, and fireworks during special events.
Give us your best spots to boat in the area.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about anchoring just off Crab Island in Destin in the spring and fall, or cruising around Choctawhatchee Bay at sunset. For secret boating spots near Santa Rosa Beach, explore Makaph Island in the Santa Rosa Sound for a secluded picnic, and venture into the Choctawhatchee Bay to find hidden inlets and diverse wildlife, using pontoon boats to access these less-traveled areas. The Santa Rose Sound offers opportunities to find beautiful, secluded spots once you depart from the main marina. sandestin.com
Interview by Angela Caraway-Carlton
