Snorkeling is, without a doubt, a main attraction in Destin. The crystal clear emerald water, temperate to warm water temperatures, and abundant marine life create some exciting adventures! The emerald water gives exceptional visibility and allows the snorkeler to see thousands of fish, different species of crabs, and the occasional sea turtle, manatee, bottlenose dolphin, and stingray while snorkeling. For anyone who has dreamed of exploring the crystal clear emerald green waters and interacting with marine life, snorkeling is the perfect activity.

Visitors who are interested in snorkeling while visiting Destin can
rent a boat and snorkel gear including a mask, snorkel, fins, and dive flag, and head out to Destin's most popular snorkel destination, located at the mouth of the Destin pass on the east side of the rock jetties, or a guide can be hired for a personalized snorkel tour of artificial shipwrecks and reefs all along the Emerald Coast.

The Destin jetties were constructed in 1969 by the US Corps of Engineers to protect Destin's East Pass Channel from erosion from the drifting sands of the Gulf of Mexico, and have since become one of Destin's most recognizable landmarks. They are constructed of large boulders lying on top of one another, with large crevices between them, and underwater are covered in soft green algae. The underwater structures act as a reef system and provide an excellent habitat for tropical fish and many other sea creatures, making the jetties an ideal location for snorkeling.

The quality of snorkeling around the Destin jetties is largely dependent upon the tides and the time of year, with greatest visibility at high water slack tide, particularly in the summer months. Check with your charter guide or Destin boat rental company to find the best time for your snorkeling trip.

With so many underwater sights to explore, snorkeling is one of the most enjoyable and memorable activities for any vacationer.