Destin is an outstanding dive location. The Destin Harbor provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and the abundant natural wildlife. Dive in Destin and you will see multiple game fish such as Amberjack, Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Grouper (Gag, Goliath, Scamp) as well as your reef aquarium fish such as Angels, Tangs, and juvenile drums.
We also get to see the big guys; it's a real treat to see a Sandbar Shark, Bulls, and the occasional Nurse and Tiger Sharks. There have been whale shark and manta ray sightings here, but those are rare. We also have a multitude of wrecks, many of which are highlighted as part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail.
We have the Miss Louise, the Mohawk Chief, the Chippahonock and others. We look forward to hosting you for many years and dives!
Destin is a year-round resort destination, though the most popular times are spring break and summer break. The diving is good all year, but the water temperatures are most favorable in the summer months rising to the low 80's in June through August or early September. The water temperatures can get as low as 62 degrees (F) in the winter months November through February. The visibility this past year has been the best we've ever seen with most days at 40 feet or greater. The best visibility is often in the October time frame.
The best way to get to Destin is via the mid-bay bridge that runs from Interstate 10 south to Highway 98. This is a toll, so be prepared for that, but is a beautiful drive. To avoid the tolls you can head south on Hwy 331 from the east (around Panama City) or south on Hwy 85 from the west (through Fort Walton Beach) then onto Hwy 98. To fly you can fly into Fort Walton Beach/Destin Airport (KVPS) or into Panama City Beach Airport (KECP) and then follow the directions as listed above to Destin. It's a 20 minute drive from the Fort Walton Beach Airport, and about 40 minutes from the Panama City Beach Airport. If you fortunate enough to charter you can fly directly into Destin Executive Airport (KDTS) just a half mile north of the beaches!
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Emerald Coast Scuba, Scubatech of NW Florida. Disclaimer