Scuba Diving in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Fort Walton Beach scuba diving offers incredible opportunities to access artificial reefs, shipwrecks, and vibrant marine life. The crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide experienced divers and beginners with an unparalleled environment to experience this breathtaking underwater world.

Keep reading to discover the top dive sites near Fort Walton Beach, local dive shops, and what to expect during your diving adventure. Located along the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, our area provides some of the best diving in the southern United States. 

Top Dive Sites in Fort Walton Beach

After scrolling through some of the area's top dive sites, be sure to check out the video at the bottom of this blog post which highlights a few local favorites.

Miss Louise Wreck 

  • Depth: ~60 feet 
  • Type: Artificial Reef (sunken tugboat) 
  • Highlights: This 95-foot tugboat was intentionally sunk to create a thriving artificial reef. Expect to see grouper, snapper, barracuda, spadefish, and sea turtles. 

Destin Bridge Rubble

  • Depth: ~50-60 feet 
  • Type: Artificial Reef 
  • Highlights: Made up of remnants from the old Destin Bridge, this site attracts goliath grouper, flounder, and amberjack, making it a favorite for underwater photographers. 

Air Force Barge Wreck 

  • Depth: ~80 feet 
  • Type: Artificial Reef (sunken barge) 
  • Highlights: This retired military barge now serves as a habitat for angelfish, eels, and small reef sharks. 

The Liberty Ship – USS Massachusetts 

  • Depth: ~25-30 feet 
  • Type: Historic Shipwreck 
  • Highlights: One of the oldest artificial reefs in Florida, this World War I-era battleship is a hotspot for marine life and history buffs. 
  • Located in nearby Pensacola, but popular for Fort Walton Beach divers 

The Navy Trash Pile

  • Depth: ~80 feet 
  • Type: Artificial Reef 
  • Highlights: A scattered collection of sunken Navy equipment, this site is home to octopuses, tropical fish, and coral formations. 

Limestone Ledges

  • Depth: ~40-90 feet 
  • Type: Natural Reef 
  • Highlights: These hard-bottom reef formations provide excellent visibility and are a great place to spot lobsters, moray eels, and colorful reef fish. 

Morrison Springs & Vortex Springs 

  • Depths: ~90-115 feet
  • Temperature: Constant 68 F 
  • Highlights: These natural freshwater springs are popular sites for Fort Walton Beach divers, offering some of the best diving in the southeast. 

What to Expect

  • Warm Gulf waters with visibility ranging from 40 to 80 feet. 
  • Depths vary from 20 to 100+ feet, catering to all skill levels. 
  • Artificial Reef Systems – Includes concrete structures, barges, and sunken military vehicles designed to promote marine growth and attract snapper, sea turtles, and sharks. 
  • Local dive shops and charters offer guided dives, certifications, and gear rentals. 

Local Dive Shops 

Scuba diving in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, begins with finding a quality dive shop to handle your instruction, certification, equipment, and tour needs. Book your scuba classes and tours in advance to lock in your preferred dive dates. 

Stay at Seaspray Condominiums in Fort Walton Beach 

Book your stay at Seaspray Condominiums and be close to all the diving action. Our conveniently located vacation rentals offer guests the chance to stay in our charming coastal town, close to restaurants and attractions. Please choose from our selection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos and find the one that is ideal for your travel needs. We even offer pet-friendly accommodations for those vacationing with their fur baby.

Book your vacation rental and your Fort Walton Beach scuba diving excursion today! 

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