Emerald Coast Scuba

Dive into the aqua-marine waters of the Gulf with Emerald Coast Scuba, an award-winning PADI 5-Star Career Development Center in Destin, Florida. Whether you're a beginning snorkeler, a brand-new diver or a seasoned pro, the local diving here ranks among the best the southern U.S. has to offer. Three dive boats run most of the year to nearby natural limestone reefs in about 85 feet of water, plus shipwrecks and man-made reefs at 60 to 70 feet, all teeming with diverse undersea life.

Courses and local diving

With 17 PADI instructors on staff, every divemaster is also an instructor. Pro classes led by Course Directors Anna and Dylan run from open water all the way to instructor level, with the PADI Open Water Diver Course offered over four consecutive days or weekends only, from USD 770. Snorkelers and new divers can enjoy day trips to the jetties, just a 10-minute boat ride away.

Explore signature spots such as the Destin Jetties, Grayton Beach State Park and the Underwater Museum of the Arts. On-site facilities include a training pool, classroom, retail shop and free Wi-Fi, making it a welcoming base for every level of diver.