

Best for beginner divers, 5-18m, shore entry, moderate current.
East Jetty in Pensacola offers a combination of natural reef and artificial structure, providing a varied underwater environment for divers. The site reaches depths between 5 and 18 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Shore entry requires navigating through surf and shore break, and divers should be mindful of moderate currents and active boat traffic. A surface marker buoy is recommended for safety. Facilities including parking, showers, and toilets are available on-site. The site is suitable for beginners, though timing entries around slack tide is advised to manage the current. Visibility at the site typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres.
30.38123, -86.50733
Enter at or near slack tide to reduce the push from the moderate current, which can run strongly around the jetty structure. Parking, showers, and toilets are available on site, so there is no need to rush your kit-up or rinse down.
Park at O'Steen Public Beach Access, walk east along the shoreline for about a quarter mile to reach the jetty rocks.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-18m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
18-28°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Yes, the site is suitable for beginner divers, provided they are comfortable with shore entries and managing moderate currents.
The site ranges from 5 to 18 metres in depth, with an average depth of 10 metres.
East Jetty is a shore entry site. Divers should be prepared for surf and shore break during entry.
Divers must watch for boat traffic, jellyfish, sharp coral, strong currents, and surf conditions.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the shallow sections of the reef are accessible for snorkelling, provided conditions are calm.
Diving at East Jetty in Destin requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at East Jetty in Destin. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C.
The best months to visit East Jetty in Destin are May, June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at East Jetty in Destin. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at East Jetty in Destin typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.