Diving Deeper

The Emerald Coast is known for what meets the eye—sugar-white sand, emerald-green water, and horizon-wide sunsets. But slip beneath the surface, and another world reveals itself entirely.

From submerged sculptures to historic shipwrecks and jetty ecosystems teeming with life, the Gulf offers a surprising array of underwater experiences for both seasoned divers and curious first timers. Whether gliding above artificial reefs or venturing deeper for the first time, these local sites promise something unexpected—and unforgettable.

Underwater Museum of Art

Just a mile offshore from Grayton Beach State Park lies one of the region’s most imaginative attractions: the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). This evolving installation features dozens of sculptures crafted from metal, stone, and concrete, each designed not only as a work of art but also as a living reef.

“It is the nation’s first permanent underwater museum of art, a collaborative program created and managed by the Cultural Arts Alliance and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association,” says Melissa Wheeler, vice president of the Cultural Arts Alliance. “It continues to captivate imaginations while preserving marine life for generations to come.”

Since its debut, the UMA has earned international recognition, including being named one of TIME magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” and featured in National Geographic’s “Best Trips.”

More than an art installation, the site serves as a sanctuary for marine life, offering structure where none previously existed. Divers and snorkelers can encounter fish and coral growth weaving through the sculptures—an ever-changing underwater gallery shaped by both artists and nature.

Photos Courtesy of Destin-Fort Walton Beach

SS United States

History is taking on new life beneath the Gulf’s surface. The SS United States, a 1,000-foot ocean liner launched in 1951, is being transformed into what will become the world’s largest artificial reef.

Often referred to as “America’s Flagship,” the vessel still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing and once carried passengers including Walt Disney, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and four U.S. presidents.

Rather than being dismantled for scrap, the ship is being repurposed through a collaboration between Destin–Fort Walton Beach Coastal Resources and the SS United States Conservancy. Once deployed, it will rest in approximately 180 feet of water, with upper sections accessible at shallower depths.

For divers, the experience will be both historic and ecological—a chance to explore a legendary vessel while witnessing how it evolves into a thriving marine habitat.

Destin Jetties

Closer to shore, the Destin East Pass and Jetties offer one of the most accessible—and lively—snorkeling experiences along the coast. Located near HarborWalk Village, this man-made structure creates a dynamic marine environment where sea life gathers in abundance.

Waters range from 30 to 60 feet deep, and the area is known for sightings of sea turtles, crabs, octopuses, and schools of fish, with the occasional dolphin passing through.

Conditions are generally calm, but timing matters. Visiting during an incoming tide often yields better visibility and a greater concentration of marine life. The jetties are accessible by boat or from shore, making them a favorite for families and beginners alike.

SNUBA Tours

For those not quite ready to commit to full scuba certification, SNUBA (Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus) offers an ideal middle ground.

Available through local outfitters such as Destin Snorkel, this hybrid experience allows participants to dive up to 20 feet while breathing through an air hose connected to a surface-level oxygen tank. The system eliminates the need for heavy gear or formal certification while still providing the sensation of deeper exploration.

Participants can remain underwater for extended periods, allowing for closer observation of marine life than traditional snorkeling. Guided tours typically last two to three hours and are designed to be both immersive and accessible, with a minimum age of 8.

A World Worth Exploring

Beneath the Emerald Coast’s shimmering surface lies a parallel landscape—one shaped by art, history, and the quiet rhythms of marine life.

From sculptures that double as reefs to historic vessels reborn as ecosystems, these underwater destinations reflect a growing commitment to conservation and creativity. They also invite visitors to experience the Gulf in a more meaningful way.

So next time you head to the beach, consider looking beyond the horizon. Wade in, dive down, and discover a side of the Emerald Coast that few fully see—but none forget.

DIVE INTO THE Black Pearl 

Trade crowded beaches for buried treasure aboard the Black Pearl, the legendary pirate ship from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Now resting beneath the Gulf waters off Panama City Beach, the 97-foot vessel has become one of the Emerald Coast’s most buzzworthy underwater adventures.

Sunk roughly six nautical miles southwest of St. Andrews Pass, the former movie prop now doubles as an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Divers exploring the site may spot red snapper, amberjack, and pirate-inspired details like cannons, treasure chests, and a Jolly Roger crafted by students.

Translation? You don’t need to be Captain Jack Sparrow to chase underwater adventure.