Ready to check out the best sites in Destin for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 3 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Destin to suit your needs.
Recently( this February) I did a shore dive at the Destin Jetties in Destin, Florida. I went there because the boat dives were all canceled due to bad weather. Of course that meant there was bad weather at the jetties too but I was so determined to dive in the ocean that weekend. I spent about 12 mins fighting the currents in 6 foot water and went about 9 yards. It was freezing cold and I had about 5 ft of visibility. It was a terrible dive but the locals I talked to said that on good days it can be incredible. I plan to try it again this summer. You are at the mercy of the tides for peek diving conditions. Obviously when I dove that mercy was not available.
There are jetties on both the east and west side of the pass - the east side is where people do most of their diving. To reach them, you'll want to get to Gulf Shore Drive and follow it past where it makes an "S" turn. At this point, be on watch for a gravel lane for public parking on the right side of the road. There will also be a single showerhead and a few signs that can be easy to miss marking the trail that leads out to the beach and the East Pass Jetties.
#2 - East Jetty
USA, Florida, Destin
beginner
(0)
Destin, Florida, East Pass' east jetty is pretty much the only beach dive in the Destin area other than the Destin Marler bridge. Visibility can occasionally get above 30 feet but the average is more like 10 - 20 feet.
This dive MUST be done during a slack tide period. This cannot be stressed enough! Check tides for Destin East Pass prior to attempting dive and plan your dive accordingly. A slack high tide will offer the best visibility as compared to a slack low tide after the bay has flushed through. Tidal flow through the pass can easily exceed 4 knots.
Access to the East Jetty can be by boat or by short walk to the beach by way of Holiday Isle.
#3 - Tug Boat Janet
USA, Florida, Destin
intermediate
(0)
Tug Boat Janet is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Florida, Destin which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.