7 Best Destin Florida Snorkeling Experiences in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST DESTIN FLORIDA SNORKELING SPOTS?
You’ve come to the right place! We’ve spent months traveling Florida’s Gulf Coast and have come to find out that not much can top a day of snorkeling in the sparkling waters of Destin!
But where do you start? You may be looking to impress your kids with a chance to explore the world below the water’s surface, but don’t want to risk the headache of choosing a bust of a Destin snorkeling spot.
That’s where we come in! We’ve done all the work in organizing the top Destin Florida snorkeling adventures. Whether you want to explore on your own or jump aboard one of the best Destin snorkeling tours, we’ll fill you in on what to expect and all you need to know!
Destin Florida Snorkeling Spots
The crystal clear water and soft sand ocean floors make snorkeling in Destin, Florida a real treat. One of the best things to do in Destin with kids, we love that there are a variety of places to visit depending on your family’s snorkeling skill level and experience. As well as which type of marine life you would be more interested in spotting.
Barring any recent storms, you should likely have good visibility to spot stingrays, sea turtles, large schools of fish, and maybe even seahorses and crabs while snorkeling in Destin, FL.
1. Crab Island Snorkeling
One of the most perfect Florida snorkeling destinations for families with young swimmers is Crab Island! Not technically an island, the fairly shallow water around the sandbar ranges in depth from 1-4 feet, which is perfect for beginner snorkelers to have fun exploring and to get comfortable with the concept and practice of snorkeling.
You will need to take a Crab Island tour to get out to the area, but once there, it’s a great spot to spend the day soaking up the Florida rays. So pack your snorkel gear and plan for a fun day at Crab Island!
2. Destin Jetties Snorkeling
Destin Jetties is known for offering some of the very best snorkeling in Destin, Florida. Located near the East Pass entrance, while snorkeling Destin Jetties, you can expect to see a slew of different species of marine life.
Also considered one of the best Destin Florida scuba diving spots, high tide brings optimal conditions to see everything from tangs and pufferfish to barracudas and even octopuses!
This Destin, Fl snorkeling spot is rich with underwater things to see, but it’s important to note there are no restroom facilities here.
3. Norriego Point Snorkeling
Norriego Point offers new water to be explored, as it’s located on the end of Holiday Isle Peninsula, across from Destin Harbor. The calm waters are teeming with sea life.
This small peninsula is protected, meaning no boats or fishermen explore these waters, so it’s one of the most relaxed and laid-back places to snorkel. This is definitely a top-tier choice when looking for the best snorkeling spots for young or beginner snorkelers.
4. Henderson Beach State Park Snorkeling
Henderson Beach State Park is one of our favorite Gulf Coast beaches. There is no reef life here, so it isn’t the best spot for snorkeling in Destin if you’re looking to catch sight of tropical fish.
On the other hand, Henderson Beach State Park is a prime nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles, so it’s a wonderful spot to visit to catch a look at these magnificent creatures.
Aside from snorkeling, Henderson Beach State Park is a beach day paradise. It’s the perfect place to set up shop for the baby in your life, let older kids fly a beach kite or ride the waves on boogie boards, and settle into your shaded beach chair for a little R&R.
We spent about ten days camping here during our last trip to Destin and had an amazing time. This is one of our favorite beaches in Destin.
5. SWARA Reefs Snorkeling
Beginning in July 2015, the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) began installing artificial reefs made from steel, concrete, and Florida limestone, at different spots throughout the waters surrounding the Destin, Fort Walton, and the 30A beaches areas.
These man-made reefs were designed to offer shelter to sea life, and that’s exactly what they are doing! Nearly ten years later, many of these snorkel reefs are filled with diverse marine life.
Named after the shape of the reef’s outline features, Dolphin Reef, Turtle Reef, Seahorse Reef, and Grouper Reef are some of the most fun Destin, Florida snorkeling reefs to explore!
Destin Florida Snorkeling Tours
Snorkeling tours in Destin, Florida are a great way to explore the underwater world in a guided environment. Snorkeling in Destin, Florida, on tour in deeper and more open water, is a completely different experience than snorkeling from the shore.
A snorkeling excursion like the ones about to be described is best suited for strong swimmers and snorkelers with some experience, but that doesn’t mean anyone has to sit out.
The tours target a range of audiences, from more experienced snorkelers to beginners. All guarantee family fun for the whole family!
6. Flipper’s Adventures 2 Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 Tour Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes | Check Rates and Availability
Flippers Adventures 2 Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise is one of the very best Destin snorkel tours to consider if you’re looking for a true guided snorkeling adventure.
Before taking you out to some of the most plentiful areas to snorkel, this crew will instruct the whole group on the basics of snorkeling, including how to fit the mask properly and the logistics of the sport.
My family and I had fun. The whole experience was wonderful, from the host to the snorkeling and of course the dolphins…It was worth it!!!
– Artisha (Read More Reviews)
This extra touch can make all the difference in putting aside any concerns parents or beginner snorkelers may have, allowing them to dive right into the adventure!
The tour includes a boat ride around Destin Harbor, where you may even spot some dolphins, as well as snorkeling time at two different locations. All snorkeling equipment is provided.
▶️ BOOK Flippers Adventures 2 Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise
7. Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching Experience in Destin
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates and Availability
Destin snorkel reviews for this Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching Experience in Destin are glowing. Families love the variety this snorkeling tour offers.
It not only includes an adventure snorkeling Destin FL, but also one of the most fun dolphin cruises. Who doesn’t love spending time cruising the Emerald Coast waters on a catamaran under the Florida sun? You’d be hard-pressed to find an unhappy soul onboard this tour!
Was a amazing experience! The dolphins where so active and snorkeling was super fun , I’m glad we chose this one amazing crew members as well.
– Mitchell (Read More Reviews)
Water is included with tour admission, but other drinks and snacks will be available to purchase if anyone in your family gets hungry.
▶️ BOOK Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching Experience in Destin
What to Pack for Destin, Florida Snorkeling
Swimsuit
You’ll need a durable and comfortable swimsuit or rashguard while exploring the best snorkeling spots in Destin, Florida!
Water Shoes
You may run into some rough terrain while snorkeling at Destin, Florida, so it’s always wise to wear foot protection. Opt for water shoes if you’re not planning to wear fins.
Snorkel Mask & Fins
Whether full face or goggles, durable snorkeling gear, including snorkel masks and fins, are essential when planning a Destin, Florida snorkeling trip.
Sunscreen
It’s so important to keep your skin protected anytime you are spending an extended period of time outdoors. Make sure you choose a water-resistant sunscreen and re-apply accordingly.
Towels
There’s nothing better than a cozy towel to wrap up in when it’s time to dry off after snorkeling.
▶️ SHOP Towels
Camera
Adults and kids alike will love capturing memories of their underwater adventures, so be sure to bring a waterproof camera along!
▶️ SHOP Camera
Cooler
Bringing a cooler along with cold drinks is sure to keep everyone happy throughout a day of snorkeling in Destin.
▶️ SHOP Coolers
Waterproof Bag
We love bringing a waterproof bag along during our snorkeling adventures. It’s always nice to know that your important valuables are secure and protected.
Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is so important when participating in longer outdoor activities like snorkeling; be sure to pack water bottles for the entire family.
FAQ: Destin, Florida Snorkeling
Yes! The crystal blue waters of Destin make it an excellent snorkeling destination!
Yes, Miramar Beach is home to one of Destin’s artificial reefs that attract a lot of different sea life. The reef at Miramar Beach is shaped like a dolphin!
Crab Island is a wonderful place to snorkel, especially for beginners. The grass flats are usually a good spot to spot some colorful fish.
The clear water at Fort Walton Beach makes it an excellent place for snorkeling near Destin Florida. It’s also thought of as one of the best Destin Florida diving areas as well.
Destin does not have any naturally occurring coral reefs. Instead, hundreds of artificial reef sites have been planted in Destin’s surrounding waters and attract a variety of sea life.
Yes, it is safe to swim in the ocean in Destin, given that you pay attention to the Beach Warning Flag Program. As long as you stay aware and proceed with caution, you can enjoy swimming in the ocean without safety concerns.
Destin has some of the clearest water in Florida, most of the time. Keep in mind that storms in the Gulf of Mexico can sometimes mix the sediment in the water around, resulting in less clarity.
Much of the water surrounding Destin is fairly shallow. Because of the limited depth, sunlight can easily reflect off of the white sea floor as well as the plankton on the water’s surface, resulting in the world-renowned Emerald Coast color gradient of clear emerald water to blue.
Spring to early fall is the best time to visit if you’re interested in snorkeling Destin Beach, Florida. High tide brings the clearest water and optimal snorkeling conditions. High tides are most prevalent during the summer.
Summer months are the worst time of year when it comes to seaweed issues in Destin. Water conditions like fluctuating temperatures and gulf currents can bring more seaweed ashore.
Conclusion: Destin Florida Snorkeling
Face the facts; the clear water of Destin is calling you! And now, you know just where to stop to enjoy the best Destin, Florida snorkeling experience. We’ve loved spending time in Destin and know that you will too!
Be sure to check out our other helpful articles on where to stay in Destin or nearby Fort Walton. As well as the best places to eat in Destin so you’re sure to keep your bellies full!
