66 beachLIFE EXPERIENCES UNDERWATER ART MUSEUM
EXPERIENCING THE EMERALD COAST in a whole new way
Snorkel and Scuba in South Walton …
Visitors to South Walton generally come to soak up the sun on a pristine Emerald Coast beach . But just offshore — a few feet beneath the surface — lies an extraordinary world offering a very different kind of experience .
The South Walton Reef Association ( SWARA ) has established more than a dozen artificial reef sites for diving and snorkeling along 30A . These habitats are constructed from steel , limestone , and concrete to provide marine ecosystems for some of South Walton ’ s most fascinating “ locals .”
Exploring an undersea world
The reefs are peppered along the shores of Walton County from Inlet Beach to Miramar Beach . One of the most popular is a turtle-shaped reef off of Grayton Beach State Park — an ideal but littleknown venue for those seeking an underwater adventure . Snorkeling or scuba diving the artificial reef structures offer views of corals , plants , and various sea life .
Walt Hartley of Dive 30A grew up in Walton County and fell in love with the Gulf of Mexico at a young age . He ’ s an avid diver , spearfisherman ,
BY SARAH MURPHY ROBERTSON
and underwater videographer who shares his passion for the water through snorkeling and diving tours . His shop is in the heart of Grayton Beach . His motto : “ Explore beyond the shore .”
In early 2017 , Hartley began running familyfriendly guided snorkel tours . Two years later , his company was permitted to launch directly from Grayton Beach as South Walton ’ s first full-service dive operator . Their guides can answer all your questions about snorkeling , scuba diving , and the reefs themselves . The entire process is turnkey : Dive 30A provides masks , snorkels , fins , and vests in a range of sizes , as well as incidentals such as sunscreen and drinking water .