Staff Answer
Jun 22, 2026 - 09:13 PM
If I had to choose just one, I would usually recommend the East Pass and the jetties, especially for someone visiting Destin for the first time. That area tends to have a lot more structure underwater, and where there is structure, you usually find more fish. The rocks around the jetties attract all kinds of marine life, so it is common to see schools of fish, crabs, and sometimes even the occasional octopus if you are lucky. The Gulf side can be beautiful too, especially when the water is calm and clear, but it is a little more dependent on the weather. If there has been wind or larger waves, the visibility can change pretty quickly. The East Pass often stays in better shape because the captains know how to position the boat based on the tide and current. One thing a lot of visitors do not realize is that the best snorkeling spot is not always the same from one day to the next. Conditions change constantly, which is why local captains are so valuable. They are out there every day and know where the clearest water and the most marine life are before you even leave the dock. That is one of the biggest advantages of booking a guided snorkeling trip instead of trying to pick a spot on your own. If the jetties are looking great, that is probably where they will take you. If another area has better visibility that morning, they will often adjust the plan. In the end, I would trust the local captain more than any map because the water around Destin is always changing.
