Snorkeling

Looking for a family outing that’s great for all ages? Grab a snorkel mask! Explore on your own at one of our artificial reefs (built to preserve and protect marine life) or go on a guided group snorkeling trip. Either way, get ready for a fun family outing where the crystal-clear water makes it easy to see dolphins, redfish, crabs, sea horses and maybe even a sea turtle!

Two of our favorite artificial reefs can be found at Henderson Beach State Park and John Beasley Park. Henderson Beach State Park offers a quiet shoreline and a reef teeming with marine life. The park is open year-round from 8 am to sundown. Bring some cash! Entry is $6 per car.

The artificial reef at John Beasley Park is located close to shore, east of the pavilion. The park is free to enter and has a big beach pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms.

If you’re snorkeling with younger kids or beginner swimmers, the tide pools at Norriego Point and the Destin Jetties offer shallow, calm waters. Search for hermit crabs along the rocks and watch the charter boats return back to the harbor in the afternoon. 

Tip from our locals: Norriego Point is located on Holiday Isle, which is at the end of a dead end on Gulf Shore Drive (off Highway 98). If you’ve driven past the Chevron Destin going east on 98, you’ve gone too far!