First-timers diving
You don’t have to figure out diving on your own! Our trusted local dive shops are run by local experts who will help you find your perfect diving experience, equip you with all you need and guide you to the best spots. And with clear water and unique marine life, there’s no better place for first-time divers to start their underwater adventure!
How to book your first dive:
Step 1: Choose your experience (Discover Scuba or SNUBA)
Step 2: Pick from our trusted dive shops who love first-timers
Step 3: Bundle your dive + stay and save
Discover Scuba
Ready to dive in? You don’t need to be certified to get started! Our trusted dive shops and local experts have diving experiences great for beginners, with instructional classes that finish in a dive to reefs and wrecks. And with charters leaving from Destin Harbor and Two Georges Marina in Shalimar–both near accommodations, restaurants and other adventures– it’s easy to fit a dive into your vacation.
Female founded in 1986, Scuba Tech has decades of experience helping beginner divers. Check out their ½ day instruction class, then head to a shallow wreck (without needing a certification) to test out your new skills!
Scubatech
This veteran owned and operated shop offers everything from certifications to refresher courses, rentals, guided charters and more. Ask about Avelo diving–a new, lighter approach to diving!
Discovery Dive World
Who knew you could learn to dive at a Marine Adventure Park? We did! Check out the Gulfarium for a 1 hour intro to scuba class, then suit up and dive in.
Gulfarium
With a full-service dive shop, youth program and PADI 5-Star Career Development Center, Emerald Coast Scuba has everything you need to feel confident diving in the Gulf. You can even take a ½ day instruction class, then head out to a wreck to dive without a certification!
Emerald Coast Scuba
As a 5-star PADI Dive Center, Fort Walton Beach Scuba is recognized for amazing training, safety and service! Check out their most popular wreck diving and small-group charters.
Fort Walton Beach ScubaTry SNUBA
Looking to ease your way into diving? Try SNUBA! It’s a hybrid between snorkeling and SCUBA diving that allows you to spend more time beneath the surface without the equipment or training needed for SCUBA.
Check out Destin Snorkel—Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s only shop that offers SNUBA! Explore the calm, crystal-clear waters off the Jetties and explore up to 20 feet below the surface.
Destin SnorkelExplore other skill levels
Ask a Scout
Moms are THE trusted source for honest and detailed advice for families. That's why this online chat is staffed by local moms ready to answer questions and recommend the right diving adventure for you!