Destin-Fort Walton Beach Artificial Reefs
Okaloosa County’s artificial reef program creates excellent sites for fishing, diving and snorkeling activities that are easily accessible to locals and visitors. Our area’s artificial reefs consist of anything from concrete piles to specifically designed modules and even large shipwrecks!
With Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL being home to the nation’s largest charter fishing fleet, it’s no wonder that we have one of the most active artificial reef programs in the nation. Every year more artificial reefs are deployed off our coast so be sure to keep an eye out as we update our maps regularly.
3D Reef Models
Our Coastal Resource team is working in collaboration with Reef Smart Guides to create 3D Reef Models of many of our artificial reefs. This artificial reef, the COURAGEOUS, was scuttled in Okaloosa County waters during an Air Force training exercise on April 28, 2022.
This model is protected by copyright. For permission to use it, contact [email protected]
Map of artificial reef sites
Select a pin and explore artificial reefs sites in Destin-Fort Walton Beach! Each pin will display the exact coordinates of the reef site as well as helpful information and instructions for each reef.
Florida Panhandle Dive Trail
Interested in learning more about the Florida Panhandle Dive Trail? Visit their website here.

FEATURED STORY
Destin-Fort Walton Coastal Team Deploys Nearly 40 Artificial Reefs
Destin-Fort Walton Coastal Team Deploys Nearly 40 Artificial Reefs Okaloosa County’s Coastal Resource Team is gearing up to deploy 38 prefabricated artificial reef modules off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, an exciting initiative that highlights the community’s dedication to marine conservation. The project, made possible through funding provided by…
Read moreTrip Ideas
While beachgoers can lay out on the sand, shoppers can stroll down the HarborWalk Village and savor plates of Gulf-to-Table seafood. What will you do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach?

Destin-Fort Walton Coastal Team Deploys Nearly 40 Artificial Reefs
Destin-Fort Walton Coastal Team Deploys Nearly 40 Artificial Reefs Okaloosa County’s Coastal Resource Team is gearing up to deploy 38 prefabricated artificial reef modules off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, an exciting initiative that highlights the community’s dedication to marine conservation. The project, made possible through funding provided by…
Read more
Adapting water activities for kids of multiple ages
Adapting water activities for kids of multiple ages This post was written by Sara McCarty, founder of Run Wild My Child, in partnership with Destin-Fort Walton Beach. If you have more than one kid, you know that it’s often hard to find activities that keep multiple kids of…
Read more
How to tell Manta Rays and Stingrays apart
Out of all the wildlife you may spot in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, one of the most distinctive is a ray gliding through the water like a flat alien spaceship.
Read more
June 12, 2023
Women Veterans Day Event and Wreath Laying
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners is continuing its tradition of celebrating…
DISCOVER EVENTS