5 Beautiful Destinations for Snorkeling in Destin

What are recommended destinations for snorkeling in Destin?

Destin has become a major tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and warm waters. In addition to being a top beach destination, Destin also offers plenty of fun activities such as fishing, boating, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, and much more.

Key Takeaways

• Destin offers plenty of fun activities including snorkeling.
• Norriego Point offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in Northwest Florida with several dive sites within easy reach of the public access area.
• East Pass and Destin Jetties is another spot perfect for diving and snorkeling with clear water and visibility, and different species of fish and other creatures.
• Dune Lakes, the 15 named coastal lakes starting from the western end, is also a great place for snorkeling as they are all freshwater despite being very near to the gulf saltwater.
• Henderson State Park is one of the best places to view loggerhead sea turtles nesting during the spring and fall months and visitors can also enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking, bird watching, and wildlife observation.

5 Beautiful Destinations for Snorkeling in Destin

Norriego Point

Norriego Point is located just south of Fort Pickens, off Highway 98 on the west side of Eglin Air Force Base. This area offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in Northwest Florida. There are several dive sites within easy reach of the public access area. These include the following:

• North Pass – A large coral reef with many varieties of hard corals and soft corals. There are numerous shipwrecks along the bottom.
• South Pass – An underwater cave system with many small caves and caverns. Many different species of tropical fish live in the caves.
• Shark Reef – A shallow reef with many small reefs and drop-offs. Small schools of barracuda, jacks, grunts, and groupers can often be seen.
• Blue Hole – A deep blue hole with a sandy bottom. Large numbers of nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles can sometimes be found around the edges of the hole.
• Sandbar – A sand beach with a few scattered palm trees. Sea fans grow on the shoreline.
• Grouper Bay – A protected bay with a sandy bottom and a variety of marine life.

East Pass and Destin Jetties

The Destin Jetties are located at the entrance of East Pass, where you can find the famous snorkeling in Destin spot. This area is known for its clear water and visibility, making it perfect for diving and snorkeling. There are several different species of fish here, including tangs, redfish and sergeant majors. Other creatures include hermit crabs, octopuses, barracuda and even pufferfish.

Dune Lakes

The 15 named coastal lakes starting form the western end are Fuller lake, Morris lake, Campbell lake, Stallworth lake, Allen lake, Oyster lake, Draper lake, Big red fish lake, Little red fish lake, Alligator lake, Western lake, Eastern lake, Deer lake, Camp creek lake, and Lake Powell (largest of all).

All 15 lakes are so different in the sense that they’re all utterly freshwater despite being very near to the gulf salt water.

Henderson State Park

This beautiful state park offers visitors a chance to enjoy some of Florida’s most pristine beaches. Henderson State Park is located just north of Panama City Beach and is one of the best places to view loggerhead sea turtles nesting during spring and fall months.

The park features miles of unspoiled white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and lush green vegetation. Visitors can take advantage of the many recreational activities offered at the park including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking, bird watching, and wildlife observation.

The park is open daily from 8 am to sunset. There is no admission fee, however, there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. Pets must remain on leashes at all times.

Crab Island

The beautiful white sand beaches of Destin draw thousands of tourists every year. However, there is another side to the beach that many people don’t know about. Located just off the coast of Fort Walton Beach, Crab Island is home to some of the best diving sites in Florida. With over 50 wrecks scattered across the island, the underwater world here is unlike anything else in the state.

In fact, the waters around Crab Island are so rich with marine life that the area is often referred to as “the Emerald City.” There are hundreds of species of fish, including blue crabs, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and even manatees. In addition, divers can see old ships, sunken planes, and even a World War II submarine.

There are several ways to reach Crab Island. You can take a ferry from Ft. Walton Beach, rent a kayak, or book a charter boat. Whatever method you choose, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreens, a camera, and maybe even a picnic lunch because once you arrive, you won’t want to leave!

Conclusion

Snorkeling is a fun activity that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, it’s free! Snorkelers have been known to swim hundreds of miles underwater without even realizing it. And if you’re lucky enough to see dolphins, turtles, sharks, or any other sea creatures along the way, well, that’s icing on the cake.