Destin's Best Local Dive Spots
The Florida Panhandle offers some of the best diving in the world, with numerous sites providing excitement and fun for divers of all skill levels.
Discovery Dive World has regularly scheduled charters and can arrange customized charters based on your needs.
Call 850-678-5001 to plan your adventure today!
Here are some of our top picks:
Destin, FL:
Destin Florida Snorkeling Reefs | Destin Florida
Destin, Florida, boasts an impressive array of artificial reefs designed to enhance marine habitats and provide exceptional opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Since 2015, the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) has deployed over 700 structures across 16 locations, utilizing materials like concrete, steel, and limestone. These reefs are strategically placed near public beaches, typically 200 to 300 yards offshore, making them easily accessible for families and water enthusiasts. Popular snorkeling reefs include Dolphin Reef, Turtle Reef, Seahorse Reef, and Grouper Reef, with depths ranging from 12 to 25 feet. For more advanced divers, fishing and diving reefs such as Fish Haven #1 and #2, and the Underwater Museum of Art, offer deeper explorations up to 89 feet.
At Discovery Dive World, we offer guided trips, certifications, and gear rentals to help you explore these vibrant underwater ecosystems safely and enjoyably.
Underwater Museum of Art (Grayton Beach)
The first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the U.S. Located in the Gulf of America, off of Walton County, Florida, the museum lies at a depth of approximately 60-feet and at a distance of .7-miles from the shore of Grayton Beach State Park.
Here some additional links for diving in the local area:
Destin GPS Numbers State Waters - West 0 - 40 sm of the Destin CB Buoy
Okaloosa County Interactive Artificial Reef Coordinates Map
Local Springs, FL: Morrison Springs, Vortex Spring and Ponce De Leon Springs
Diving Florida’s freshwater springs—like Morrison Springs, Vortex Spring, and Ponce de Leon Springs—offers an incredible, calm-water alternative to offshore diving, with a chance to encounter wildlife you won’t see in the Gulf. These springs are home to a fascinating array of unique freshwater fauna including freshwater eels, turtles, gar, bass, bream, and schools of shimmering minnows—all thriving in crystal-clear water with visibility often over 70 feet. With consistent 68°F water year-round, there's no need to worry about waves, tides, or weather delays. No charter boat is needed—just walk in and dive. And if you don’t have a 5mm wetsuit to stay comfortable, we have rentals available. For an unforgettable dive with extraordinary visibility and rare underwater life, Florida’s springs are a hidden gem every diver should explore.
Morrison Springs features a 250-foot-wide pool with depths reaching 300 feet, providing opportunities for both novice and experienced divers.
Vortex Spring is renowned for its diving facilities and training platforms, making it ideal for skill development.
Ponce de Leon Springs offers a tranquil setting with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Whether you're seeking to enhance your diving skills or enjoy a peaceful underwater experience, Florida's springs provide a unique and accessible diving adventure.
Pensacola, FL:
Escambia County Artificial Reefs
State of Florida:
Florida Interactive Reef Coordinates Interactive Map provided by the FWC
The Best Springs In Florida – The Florida Guidebook
Discovery Dive World is very excited to welcome the SS UNITED STATES to our shores! She is currently undergoing cleaning in Mobile before she becomes the Largest Artificial Reef in the World!
