Destination X episode 7 recap: Players take on a kayaking challenge while Venice is revealed as the new location

Destination X (image via NBC)
Destination X (image via NBC)

Episode 7 of Destination X aired on July 8, 2025, continuing the intense mystery competition. With only six contestants left and Mack eliminated in the previous episode, tensions escalated as the group faced physical and strategic tests on their journey to uncover the unknown destination.

Host Jeffrey Dean Morgan revealed that the next stop was a powerful naval city, giving contestants subtle clues to decode. Episode 7, titled 'The Clues Were There All Along,' introduced a high-stakes kayaking challenge and a strategic game of human battleship — all leading to a surprise location reveal that sent another player home.

The major twist of the week came during the final moments, when it was revealed that the group had arrived in Venice, Italy. Despite multiple guesses pointing to other European cities, the signs had been in place throughout the episode, waiting to be deciphered.


What happened in the Destination X episode

At the beginning of Destination X episode 7, the remaining players reflected on Mack’s departure. Rick said it was the only way to get her out, while Peter acknowledged that Mack had given him the Salzburg clue and that he now felt indebted to Rick.

Biggy distanced himself from the others, sharing in his confessional that the bond he had with Mack was special. He also stated that Peter was the most dangerous player and should be eliminated. He advised Shayne and Ally to stay quiet about clues, and they agreed. Ally confirmed she would now only share information with Biggy and Shayne.

The players were taken to a river, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, where Peter speculated they might be near the Southern base of the Alps, possibly in Southern Italy. Jeffrey Dean Morgan informed them that they were about to kayak down a strong river current.

He instructed them to stop at three checkpoints along the route. Each checkpoint contained four bags, and the teams had to identify the items that didn’t belong.

The teams were: Biggy and Peter, Shayne and Rick, and Ally and Jana. At the first checkpoint, the options were Madonna, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Biggy and Peter picked Red Hot Chili Peppers. Ally and Jana chose Elton John. Rick and Shayne picked Madonna and were the only team to get the correct answer.

At the second checkpoint, the options were Mykonos, Ljubljana, Sicily, and Bled Island. Peter picked Mykonos, Rick identified Ljubljana, and Jana chose Bled Island. Rick and Shayne were correct again.

At the third checkpoint, the items were Balloon, Cork, Ice Cubes, and Marbles. Biggy and Peter chose Marbles. Ally and Jana selected Ice Cubes. Rick and Shayne also picked Marbles. Once the challenge ended, Jeffrey announced that Rick and Shayne won with all three correct answers and a time of 19 minutes and 12 seconds.

After returning to the bus, Rick and Shayne examined their postcards. Shayne connected the landmark in the image to their challenge answer, noting it may be made of marble. Rick suggested the location might be Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Rick said he had never previously shared clues with Shayne but decided it was strategic to do so.

Later in Destination X, the players opened up to each other. Jana discussed her past, including her experience on Love Island and her hopes of being married by 25. She explained that she now accepted that life happens on its own timeline. Rick shared how he met his wife as a teenager. Peter also reflected on his time as The Bachelor.

The group was then led to a fortress-like location for their next challenge in Destination X. Jana thought the setting had a “Croatian vibe,” while Rick guessed Slovenia. Inside, Jeffrey announced a new challenge — a life-size version of Battleship. Shayne and Peter were named team generals. Peter selected Rick and Jana. Shayne chose Biggy and Ally.

The objective was to get across a 24-square grid. Shayne and Jana were first, but Jana was caught after three steps. Peter took her place but was also eliminated. Rick replaced Peter. Biggy eventually succeeded in crossing the grid, winning the challenge for his team.

The losing team in Destination X — Rick, Peter, and Jana — faced the map room. Rick asked Biggy for help, and Biggy said he believed the destination was Ljubljana. However, Rick told Peter and Jana that they were in Croatia. Jana trusted Rick’s information. When it was time to guess, Rick chose Ljubljana, Peter selected Italy, and Jana guessed Southern Croatia.

All three guesses were incorrect. Jeffrey revealed that the group was actually in Venice, Italy. Since Jana’s guess was the farthest off, she was eliminated. Before leaving, she said she hoped Rick would win.

As the bus's glass panels were revealed, the players saw that they had been surrounded by water the entire time. Hidden clues throughout Destination X episode 7 — such as the Bridge of Sighs postcard and a concealed Venice flag — confirmed that the clues had been present all along. With Venice now exposed as the latest stop, Destination X continues to raise the stakes as the remaining players close in on the final destination.


Destination X airs every Tuesday at 10 pm EST on NBC.

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal