BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach Fort Walton Beach (FL), Florida
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach vs Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is a family-focused beachfront resort on Okaloosa Island with multiple pools, bars, and on-site entertainment; this guide is for travelers who want resort amenities and organized activities. Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest is a 3-star beachfront condo on Okaloosa Island for visitors who prefer condo-style comfort and self-catering options over hotel public spaces.

Updated

Aerial view of the resort pool and beachfront at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

Family-friendly · Multiple pools & bars · On-site dining & entertainment

Best for families and groups who want resort-style pools, on-site restaurants and daily entertainment steps from the beach.

See rooms & suites
Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest

Beachfront condo · Simple condo comforts · Recognized Gulf Dunes name

Best for travelers who prefer a single condo unit on the beach with basic condo amenities and free self-parking.

Quick Verdict: The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach vs Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest

When The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach wins: choose The Island Resort if you want a lively, all-ages resort with multiple dining outlets, a signature grotto swim-up bar, kids' activities, mini golf and convention/wedding facilities.

When Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest wins: choose Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest if you want a straightforward beachfront condo footprint — a private condo unit with condo-style amenities, a single outdoor pool, and less of the hotel public-space bustle.

Bottom line: both properties place you on Okaloosa Island sand; pick The Island Resort for full-service resort programming and more on-site restaurants and bars, and pick Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest for a simpler condo stay with direct beach access and basic recreational options.

Call +1 (888) 605-1350Book The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach vs Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach and Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest
CategoryThe Island Resort at Fort Walton BeachGulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest
Overall vibeFull-service family resort with programmed activities and multiple public venuesBeachfront condo accommodation with a quieter, self-contained feel
LocationOn Okaloosa Island beachfront (600 feet private beach)
Size / roomsAbout 333–335 rooms across four buildingsSingle condo unit listed as 'Condo (Gulf Dunes 510 - The Wave Crest)' ; total property room count Not published
Ages / policyAll-ages resort; children welcome; minimum check-in age 21All-ages condo rental; check-in minimum age listed as 25 on supplier listing
PoolsTwo outdoor pools (including Grotto Pool with seasonal swim-up bar) plus outdoor hot tub; fitness center includedOne outdoor pool (heated listed) and on-site fitness facilities noted
Restaurants & barsMultiple on-site venues (Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar, Cabana Cantina & Tequileria, The Beach Bar, Grotto Bar, food trucks)No on-site signature restaurants listed; condo-style stay with grocery service and kitchenette expectations Not published
Spa / wellnessNo on-site spa; fitness center included with staySpa Not published
Known forGrotto Pool with seasonal swim-up bar, family activities, event and convention spaceRecognizable Gulf Dunes condo name and direct beach frontage
Parking & transportSelf-parking available for a fee; local ground transport options from VPS airportFree self-parking included on site (supplier listing)

A Look Inside The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesThe Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach: pools & beachPools & beachThe Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach: diningDining
See all photos →

Location: beachfront Okaloosa Island vs beachfront condo

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach – Location

The Island Resort sits on Okaloosa Island with direct access to roughly 600 feet of private Gulf sand and walkable island attractions.

  • Addresses: 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach (Okaloosa Island).
  • Walkable to Okaloosa Island Pier, Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and family attractions.
  • Resort fronting private beach plus beach-chair and umbrella rentals; resort fee includes private beach access.

Choose The Island Resort for an active beachfront location with resort-managed beach access and nearby island attractions.

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest – Location

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest is a beachfront condo on Okaloosa Island, positioned for direct beach access and short trips to island attractions.

  • Address: 376 Santa Rosa Blvd / Gulf Dunes 510, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
  • Listing highlights proximity to Okaloosa Island Beach (0.1 mi) and short distances to HarborWalk Village and Destin attractions.
  • Free self-parking is available on site per supplier listing; grocery shopping service is offered.

Choose Gulf Dunes 510 if you want straightforward beachfront condo access and the flexibility of a condo setup near Okaloosa Island points of interest.

Rooms: resort rooms & suites vs one condo unit

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach – Rooms

The Island Resort offers a wide range of rooms and junior suites across four buildings, some with Gulf or pool views.

  • Room types include Standard Room, Room, multiple Junior Suite layouts and Gulf View options (eight named types).
  • Rooms are spread across The Beach House (six stories) and three two-story buildings with interior and exterior corridors.
  • Free WiFi in rooms; enhanced WiFi is included with the resort fee; ADA-accessible rooms are available.

The Island Resort is better when you want a variety of room styles, family suites and accessible options within a resort complex.

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest – Rooms

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest is listed as a single condo unit (Condo (Gulf Dunes 510 - The Wave Crest)).

  • Supplier listing shows one room type name for the condo unit; detailed bedroom layouts are not published in the supplied listing.
  • Wireless internet access is available for a surcharge according to the supplier listing.
  • Check-in requirements include a minimum age (25) on the supplier listing and standard ID/payment requirements at check-in.

Gulf Dunes 510 suits travelers who want the privacy and self-contained nature of a condo rather than multiple room categories.

Dining & drinks: multiple on-site venues vs limited condo options

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach – Dining & drinks

The Island Resort runs several on-site restaurants, bars, and food trucks, covering casual beach fare and a Gulf Coast restaurant.

  • Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar serves breakfast and dinner daily; Sea Oats Bar & Lounge offers daily happy hour.
  • Cabana Cantina & Tequileria (poolside Mexican), The Beach Bar (beach bar / pizza / live music) and Grotto Bar (seasonal swim-up) are all on property.
  • Two food trucks (The Frosty Palm and Sizzle & Smash) provide snacks and casual bites on the Beach Patio.

Pick The Island Resort if you want several on-site dining choices and themed pool and beach bars without leaving property.

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest – Dining & drinks

Gulf Dunes 510 is a condo listing that does not present on-site full-service restaurants in the supplier listing.

  • Supplier listing highlights a free grocery shopping service to support condo-style self-catering.
  • No signature restaurant names or bars are listed for this condo in the supplied listing.
  • Guests can expect to rely on the condo kitchen or nearby island restaurants for meals.

Gulf Dunes 510 fits travelers planning to self-cater or dine at nearby island restaurants rather than on-site hotel venues.

Pools & beach access: resort pools and swim-up bar vs condo pool

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach – Pools & beach access

The Island Resort emphasizes pool complex variety and a signature grotto swim-up bar alongside its private beach frontage.

  • Two outdoor pools: a year-round heated pool and the Grotto Pool with cascading waterfalls and a seasonal swim-up bar.
  • Outdoor hot tub/whirlpool and pool/beach towel service included via resort fee.
  • Pools are used for daily entertainment and family activities; pool hours reported as late evening in guest Q&A sources.

If pool variety and a seasonal swim-up bar matter, The Island Resort clearly leads.

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest – Pools & beach access

Gulf Dunes 510 lists typical condo recreational options and a single outdoor pool among property amenities.

  • Supplier listing notes one outdoor pool and that the pool is heated.
  • Recreational on-site amenities also include outdoor tennis courts, a fitness facility and boating/fishing nearby.
  • Direct beach access is part of the condo's appeal, but public dining and poolside service are not listed.

Gulf Dunes 510 works for guests who want a quieter condo pool and direct beach access without resort-style pool programming.

Wellness & nightlife: fitness and live entertainment vs basic recreation

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach – Wellness & nightlife

The Island Resort combines an included fitness center with nightly/regular entertainment and live-music programming.

  • Fitness center access is included with every stay.
  • Daily entertainment and live music are covered by the resort fee; Sea Oats Bar hosts a daily happy hour.
  • Nightlife is family-friendly and centered on the beach bar, Grotto area and scheduled events.

Choose The Island Resort for included fitness options plus programmed live entertainment and family-friendly nightlife.

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest – Wellness & nightlife

Gulf Dunes 510 lists fitness facilities and multiple outdoor recreational activities but no on-site nightlife programming is published.

  • Supplier listing shows fitness facilities and outdoor tennis courts available on property.
  • Recreational offerings include rowing/canoeing, fishing on site, sailing nearby and miniature golf on site.
  • No published schedule of live entertainment or curated nightlife events in the supplier listing.

Gulf Dunes 510 is a good match if you prefer exercise and outdoor recreation without resort entertainment programming.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for families & activities
Lawn area and walkway beside the beachfront at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort — multiple pools, kids' activities, mini golf and daily entertainment make it easier to keep children and families busy.

Best beachfront condo experience
Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest

Gulf Dunes 510 — a condo unit on the beach with grocery-shopping service and self-catering options for a quieter stay.

Best on-site dining & bars
Lawn seating and beachfront pier view at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

The Island Resort — several restaurants and bars including a swim-up Grotto Bar, a beach bar and a new Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar.

Best simple, low-fuss stay
Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest

Gulf Dunes 510 — fewer public venues and a condo layout suit travelers who want a straightforward, independent stay.

Frequently asked questions

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach vs Gulf Dunes 510 The Wave Crest: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which property is better for families with kids?

The Island Resort is better for families; it lists kids' activities, two pools (including family-friendly Grotto Pool) and on-site entertainment.

Does Gulf Dunes 510 have on-site restaurants and bars?

No signature on-site restaurants or bars are published for Gulf Dunes 510; the supplier listing highlights grocery shopping service and condo amenities instead.

Is parking available at both places?

Yes — The Island Resort offers self-parking for a daily fee (unless a promotion waives it); Gulf Dunes 510 lists free self-parking on the supplier listing.

Are both properties beachfront?

Yes — both properties place you on Okaloosa Island beachfront, giving direct access to Gulf sand.

More The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach Comparison Guides

Explore how The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Outdoor resort swimming pool and loungers framed by palm trees at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Book your stay

Enhanced Wi‑Fi & Activities Included

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Check availability Call 888-605-1350
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach.
Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.
Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.
About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer