Okaloosa Island · Florida
A swim out from Beach Access 4
There's an artificial reef just offshore from Okaloosa Island, near the beach access in the Fort Walton Beach side of the island. Like the other shore reefs, it's close enough to reach by swimming, paddleboard or a short kayak paddle on a calm Gulf day. It attracts a steady crowd of small snapper, angelfish, sergeant majors and the occasional sea turtle, which makes it a popular spot for family snorkeling.
Okaloosa Island is part of the Fort Walton Beach shoreline, and the reef here is one of the beach reachable sites in the county's wider network of more than 275 artificial reef structures.
🤿 Before you go
- Bring a mask, snorkel and fins, and a float vest or board if you want it.
- Fly a dive flag while you're in the water.
- Pick a calm day and check today's flags first.
- Respect the reef. Take only pictures and leave only bubbles.
See the Okaloosa Island page for access, parking and more.