Staff Answer
Jun 22, 2026 - 09:17 PM
In a lot of the popular snorkeling spots around Destin, the answer is yes, at least in some areas. Many of the places that snorkeling tours visit have water that is anywhere from about 3-10 feet deep, so whether you can touch the bottom depends on your height and exactly where you are in the water. Around the jetties, for example, the depth can change pretty quickly. You might be standing in waist deep water one minute, then swim a short distance and find yourself over water that is well above your head. That is one of the reasons I always tell people not to expect to stand the entire time. The good news is that you really do not need to. Most tours provide flotation belts or life jackets if you want one, and a lot of people end up floating comfortably while they look down at the fish below. In fact, that is often the easiest way to snorkel because you are not kicking up sand or worrying about staying on your feet. If you are traveling with younger kids or someone who is not a confident swimmer, let the crew know before you get in the water. They can usually point you toward the shallower areas and make sure everyone has the right flotation equipment. From my experience, the guests who have the most fun are the ones who stop worrying about whether they can touch the bottom and simply relax on the surface. Once you get comfortable floating, you have a much better view of everything happening beneath you, and it makes the whole experience feel a lot more natural.
