Destin Florida
November 3, 2021
November 3, 2021
It doesn’t matter if you are a swimmer or not!! Not for having fun, snorkeling! Don’t worry if you have no idea where to start or how to go about it. Just book a guided snorkel cruise to have a great start with this amazing and refreshing water sport!
YES, Snorkeling is for all! So don’t let anything stop you! Go, pack your bags and head out to these fantastic spots in Destin to enjoy snorkeling.
Hours: No information is available
Location: Follow Gulfshore Drive (2.1 miles east of the Destin bridge) for 1.9 miles up until the beach public access point on the left and walk about a ¼ mile to get to the Jetties.
Contact No: No information is available
Amenities/Activities: Snorkeling, Fishing, Scuba Diving, Swimming and such
Parking: Yes
Restroom facilities: None
Entry: Free
Pet Friendly: No information is available
Disabled Access: No information is available
Lifeguard Support: No information is available
Rentals: No information is available
Restrictions: No information is available
The Destin Jetties located at the entrance of the East Pass is one of the famous snorkeling spots. You can be sure to spot tangs, redfish, sergeant majors, wrasses, pufferfish, barracudas, along with hermit crabs and octopuses. The waters are more transparent during high tides.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Location: 277 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin, FL, 32541
Contact No: (850) 837 4242
Amenities/Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Swimming, Jet Skiing, Boating, All-year-round Fishing tournaments, Picnic areas, Boardwalks, Educational signages, and such
Parking: Yes
Restroom facilities: Yes, including shower rooms and drinking fountains
Entry: Free
Pet Friendly: No information is available
Disabled Access: Yes
Lifeguard Support: Yes
Rentals: No information is available
Restrictions: Except when fishing on a charter where the captain holds a fishing license, a license is mandatory for anyone above 16 years of age. Recreational fishing licenses are also available with short-term and long-term options for residents and non-residents. Fishing licenses can be purchased online here or from the shops near the city beaches. The Florida Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations are regularly updated. So, for the latest rules, always visit their site here before heading out to fish.
The Norriego Point is one of nature’s hidden treasures and a preferred site for snorkeling and scuba-diving. The Finger Jetties and the Rocks are some places you can head out snorkeling to spot various types of fish such as Trout, Redfish, Tarpon, Snapper, Flounder, Pufferfish, Sheepshead, Blue Marlin, Grouper, Cobia, Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Mullet. The algae-covered rocks surrounded by the calm and clear salty waters provide a haven for swimming, snorkeling, and other activities.
Hours: Daily, 8 AM until Sundown
Location: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, United States
Contact: +1 850-837-7550
Amenities/Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Picnic areas, Playground, Pavilions, Drink vending machines, Wildlife viewing, Weddings, Camping, Geo-seeking, Hiking, Cycling, Shop (selling beach accessories) and such
Parking: Yes
Restroom facilities: Yes
Entry: Paid
Pet Friendly: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes - ADA compliant
Lifeguard Support: Yes
Rentals: Wheelchair rentals available, Campsites, Pavilion for private events (contact the park staff on +1 850-837-7550)
Restrictions: Alcohol, Glass Containers, and Fires are not allowed
The pallid white sands stretching over 6000 feet of this picturesque beach makes it a dream destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Dolphin sightings are very common. The clear Gulf waters are home to spectacular flora and fauna. During summer, the waters get comfortably warm, going up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As the turtles are protected animals, make sure you do not get close to them or disturb them in any way. Watch out for the warning flags posted at the Welcome stations to indicate the swimming conditions at the beach!
Hours: No specific information on accessible hours is available
Location: Walton County’s Scenic Highway 30-A corridor
Contact No: No information is available
Amenities/Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba
Parking: Available in most of these lakes, and since all lakes are nearby, you can park wherever and hike along.
Restroom facilities: No information is available
Entry: Free
Pet Friendly: Yes
Disabled Access: No information is available
Lifeguard Support: Not necessary
Rentals: No information is available
Restrictions: No information is available
South Walton’s Coastal Dune Lakes on the 30A corridor are naturally formed by winds movements. Coastal dunes lakes are formed by shallow, irregularly shaped, or elliptical depressions. The centuries-old coastal Dune lakes are a rare natural occurrence seen in very few parts of the world. The 15 named coastal lakes starting from the western end are Fuller Lake, Morris Lake, Campbell Lake, Stallworth Lake, Allen Lake, Oyster Lake, Draper Lake, Big Redfish Lake, Little Redfish Lake, Alligator Lake, Western Lake, Eastern Lake, Deer Lake, Camp Creek Lake, and Lake Powell (the largest of all).
All the 15 lakes are so unique in the sense that they are all utterly freshwater despite their very close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico’s salty waters. The lakes are no more than 5ft deep, making them perfect for snorkelers and scuba divers of all abilities, from amateurs to experts. The sand dunes, along with the unique flora and fauna of these lakes, are undoubtedly a pleasant feast for snorkelers all year round.
