The "Emerald Coast" of the Florida panhandle offers some of the best snorkeling available north of the Keys. Active travelers looking to enjoy the crystal clear waters and explore underwater ecosystems will find marine life teeming around impressive rock reefs. Base yourself in the town of Destin, which is at the forefront of Florida’s panhandle snorkeling.
Snorkeling Areas
The northwest coast of Florida has plenty of snorkeling areas to choose from including Gulf Islands National Seashore of Pensacola, Okaloosa Island, St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Topsail Hill State Reserve, Destin’s Fort Walton Beach and St. Joseph’s Bay. All of these snorkeling areas are along the Gulf of Mexico and are most commonly visited from the town of Destin, a convenient location to base yourself for the best snorkeling.
Marine Life
Florida’s panhandle marine life includes a diversity of species. You can expect to see octopi, starfish and sea horses while stingrays glide above the rock reefs and white sand. Crabs are common as are a variety of tropical fish. Snorkelers may also see dolphins and the occasional loggerhead sea turtle.
Sea Conditions
The panhandle’s Emerald Coast waters are relatively mild year-round with the exception of the winter months of late November through February, when temperatures dip to just slightly above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer the temperature can reach the low 80s, making it possible to remain in the water without getting cold for about as long as you would like. Water visibility on the panhandle coast remains high year-round, ranging from 20 to 80 feet, depending on weather conditions.
Features
In addition to the natural rock reefs along the Emerald Coast, there are also man-made structures, like M-60 tanks and the 300-foot-long Liberty Ship, that have been sunk off the coast in order to create artificial reefs for snorkelers to explore. These structures quickly became another aspect of the ecosystem as a variety of marine plants, algae, fish populations and other marine life turn them into home.
Considerations
Most of the tour companies that visit snorkeling sights along the panhandle operate out of Destin. The boat tour itineraries include areas accessible from panhandle beaches or along the Destin jetties, a popular novice location. The beach locations are often right off-shore, so if you have your own gear you can visit many of these sights without the need of a tour or a boat. Tours are recommended, however, if you would feel more comfortable in the company of experts or if you want to go to the more remote deep-water spots.
Member Comments