Dive Into Adventure: The Best Places to Snorkel on the Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is famous for its crystal-clear waters, making it a prime destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant marine life of the Destin jetties, taking a guided snorkel trip, or diving deeper with SNUBA or full scuba, there’s no shortage of underwater adventures along the coast. From Destin and Miramar Beach to Santa Rosa Beach and 30A, the Emerald Coast offers some of the best snorkeling spots in Florida. Let’s dive into the top snorkeling experiences and opportunities for your next beach vacation.

1. Destin Jetties: The Best Walk-Up Snorkeling Spot

If you have your own snorkel gear, the Destin jetties are one of the top spots to explore marine life without needing a boat or guided tour. Located near East Pass, the jetties form a natural barrier that attracts a variety of fish and sea creatures. The waters are calm, making it an excellent spot for beginners and families.

• Where to Access: You can park at the Olsen Beach Access to walk to the jetties. Click here to find Olsen Beach Access on Google Maps.
• What You’ll See: Expect to spot colorful fish, crabs, and possibly even sea turtles as you snorkel along the rocks.
• Cost: Free if you bring your own gear.
• Tip: Visit during high tide for the clearest water conditions.

2. Destin Snorkel Tours: Explore the Gulf with Ease

For those who want a more guided experience, Destin Snorkel offers popular snorkel tours, which are ideal for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers. Their two-stop tours allow you to snorkel in shallow waters and explore deeper areas for a full range of marine life sightings. Tours also include time for shelling and dolphin watching.

• Where: Destin Harbor, Destin, FL
• More Info: Visit Destin Snorkel
• Cost: Tours start around $40 per person and last about 3 hours.
• Tip: Make sure to bring sunscreen, a towel, and water for the trip.

3. Snorkeling at Grayton Beach State Park (Santa Rosa Beach)

Grayton Beach State Park offers a fantastic snorkeling opportunity for those staying near Santa Rosa Beach and 30A. Known for its pristine waters and quiet surroundings, Grayton Beach is less crowded than some of the other beaches, making it a peaceful spot to snorkel. The coastal dune lakes in the park are also worth exploring for their unique ecosystems.

• Where: Grayton Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• What You’ll See: Fish, seagrass beds, and other marine life along the shoreline.
• More Info: Visit Grayton Beach State Park
• Cost: Park entry is $5 per vehicle, and snorkeling is free if you bring your own gear.

4. SNUBA: The Best of Both Worlds

If you want to experience the depths of the ocean without getting a scuba certification, SNUBA is a great option. SNUBA combines snorkeling and scuba, allowing you to breathe underwater through a regulator while your air supply floats on a raft above. This allows you to dive deeper than traditional snorkeling and get closer to the marine life without the need for bulky scuba gear.

• Where: Destin, FL
• More Info: Visit Destin Snorkel’s SNUBA page
• Cost: Prices start at $85 per person for a SNUBA tour, which lasts about 2 hours.
• Tip: SNUBA is perfect for families, as no certification is required, and kids as young as 8 can participate.

5. Full Scuba Diving: Dive Deeper into the Emerald Coast

For certified divers or those looking to get certified, the Emerald Coast offers world-class scuba diving opportunities. From exploring sunken ships to coral reefs, diving in Destin and nearby areas provides an up-close view of the vibrant marine life below the surface.

• Dive Sites: Destin offers several wreck dives, including the Miss Louise Tugboat and the Destin Liberty Ship.
• Certification: If you’re new to diving, you can get scuba certified through companies like ScubaTech of Northwest Florida.
• More Info: Visit ScubaTech of Northwest Florida
• Cost: Certification courses typically range from $400–$500, and dive trips start around $90 per person for certified divers.
• Tip: Plan a two-tank dive trip for the best chance to explore multiple sites in one outing.

Where to Stay: Legacy Beach Homes

After a day of snorkeling or diving, you’ll want a comfortable and spacious place to relax and unwind. At Legacy Beach Homes, we offer the Emerald Coast’s largest collection of newly-built, large vacation rentals, perfect for families and groups. Whether you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, or Santa Rosa Beach, our homes are designed with large groups in mind, featuring properties that sleep 20+ guests and side-by-side homes that can accommodate 50+ guests.

Our homes provide easy beach access, private pools, and complimentary paddleboards and golf carts, ensuring your group has everything needed for a memorable vacation. Plus, our 5-star hosting and no third-party fees make your stay stress-free from start to finish.

 

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