Artificial Reefs are man-made structures that function as habitats on the seafloor. They create ecosystems for several species of sea life. These artificial reefs enhance the existing habitat for marine life and make beautiful places for us to observe colorful tropical fish as a snorkler. We have some great suggestions for places where you can snorkel the artificial reefs in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A and Panama City Beach.
Snorkeling is a fun way for you to experience these underwater worlds in the Gulf of Mexico, and it only requires a few pieces of equipment to enjoy the full experience--a mask and a snorkel! Some of the fun marine life you can see in the reefs are sea turtles, snapper, amberjack, octopus, triggerfish, starfish, and grouper. We have some great suggestions for places where you can snorkel the artificial reefs in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A and Panama City Beach.
Destin/Ft. Walton Beach is a Snorkeler's Paradise
Destin and Fort Walton Beach are a snorkeling paradise due to the deployment of a multitude of artificial reefs and vast amounts of fish found in the waters. Okaloosa County deployed more than 300 artificial reefs since 2019, ranging in size from large sunken boats to single concrete structures. They even deployed the first 3D printed artificial reef in 2024.
If you’re snorkeling with younger kids or beginner swimmers, the tide pools at Norriego Point and the East Pass Jetty offer shallow, calm waters. Search for hermit crabs along the rocks and watch the charter boats return back to the harbor in the afternoon.
If you aren’t a diver or want to take a look at some of the artificial reefs prior to diving in, check out the interactive 3D models of more than a dozen reef sites offshore Destin-Fort Walton Beach. You can also find a map of all the artificial reef locations in Destin and Ft. Walton Beach.
Henderson Beach State Park’s Reef
Henderson Beach State Park is one of Destin’s most highly rated stretches of beach. This beach includes endless dunes, a quiet, undisturbed shoreline, and a reef with fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Directional signs indicate the location of the reef. The park is open from 8 AM till sundown, entry is $6 per car, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for cyclists and pedestrians.
John Beasley Park’s Reef
Located in Fort Walton Beach, this park borders the protected stretch of beach that leads to Destin’s East Pass. The artificial reef is located close to the shore, east of the pavilion. There is plenty of parking and there is no fee to enter.
Okaloosa Island
The Okaloosa Island reefs are located along Beach Accesses 2, 4, and 6. The reef on Beach Access 4 is located closest to the shore and has a beach walkover with restrooms. There are plenty of snorkeling tours in this area for your enjoyment if you prefer to venture further from the shore.
The Jetties
The Destin Jetties are located in the heart of Destin and are Destin’s most well-known snorkeling spot. You can see the huge rocks that compose the jetties when crossing the East Pass. They were built using rocks barged from Kentucky to stabilize the East Pass. The jetties are a wonderful place for beginners to snorkel. The water is extremely shallow close to the rocks, making it a popular spot for families.
Snorkel Reefs in the 30A area
There are four snorkel reefs located between Miramar Beach and Inlet Beach. (There are also twelve fishing and diving reefs for those who are SCUBA certified, including the Underwater Museum of Art) Each snorkel reef is uniquely designed in the shape of a marine animal and reaches depths of about 10-20 feet.
All of the reefs are meant to be easily accessible from the shore. The snorkel reef sites can be reached by kayak, paddleboard, or a medium-distance swim with a personal floatation device. You can find each location by visiting the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) website. Most SWARA fish/dive reefs are located within one nautical mile from shore.
Each reef site comprises approximately 40-acres of permitted sea bottom with at least five patch reefs and 30 prefabricated concrete and embedded Florida limestone rock reef modules of three design types. These structures provide valuable habitat for many and varied marine animals: fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and marine mammals.
The Grouper Reef
About 970 feet from the shore, Grouper Reef is the farthest to reach. It’s located off the Inlet Beach Regional Beach Access and comprises 94 individual EcoSystem Reefs.
The Seahorse Reef
The Seahorse Reef is located off the beach at Topsail Hill State Park. This reef sits about 715 feet from the shore and has 78 individual reefs deployed in the shape of a seahorse.
The Sea Turtle Reef
Located in Grayton Beach State Park, the Sea Turtle Reef was the first of the snorkeling reefs to be installed back in 2015. Today, it sits about 783 feet from the shore and comprises 58 individual reefs.
The Dolphin Reef
The Dolphin Reef is located in Miramar Beach. This reef is about 685 feet from the shore and comprises 79 individual EcoSystem Reefs.
Snorkeling in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is known for its beautiful emerald waters and abundance of marine life. This makes it a great spot for snorkeling on an artificial reef. The bay and the Gulf of Mexico both offer ideal spots for a great snorkeling experience.
A popular snorkeling spot is the rock jetty and artificial reef on the shores of St. Andrews State Park, with access to St. Andrews Bay. The park’s rock jetties serve as a wildlife habitat, allowing snorkelers to see fish, dolphins, and a variety of sponges and coral. This is a great place for experienced and beginner snorkelers to explore. You can bring your own gear or rent gear at the park store.
Grab your Snorkel and Explore the Artificial Reefs
The Emerald Coast has a unique variety of artificial reefs that are great for getting a glimpse into the underwater world. The artificial reefs in Destin, 30A, and Panama City Beach are a must-visit when exploring the emerald coast.
Snorkeling is a fun experience that the whole family can enjoy together. While exploring the Emerald Coast be sure to check out Panhandle Getaways for the perfect place to stay. So, grab your snorkel and book your stay with us today.