An artificial reef tour can also be booked through 360 Blue . If you ’ re looking for a true one-of-a-kind experience , this excursion is ideal for those eight years and older . A tour of the reefs provides a glimpse of any number of saltwater fish , as well as stingrays , barracuda , and sea turtles .
These marine-life-shaped reefs can be reached by kayak or paddleboard and are ideal for snorkeling .
underwater museum of art
Another extraordinary experience found only along 30A is the Underwater Museum of Art ( UMA ). Form meets function here , as art pieces also serve as protective marine habitats . UMA ’ s sculptures welcome many local visitors , including schools of baitfish and large gamefish . UMA was
Explore beyond the shore !
established via a partnership of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County ( CAA ), the South Walton Artificial Reef Association ( SWARA ), and Visit South Walton .
Entering its fourth year of sculpture deployments , UMA selects a variety of works from local , regional , and global artisans .
Inaugural UMA artist and 30-year certified scuba diver Vince Tatum says the museum is a diver ’ s dream . He has seen his piece , the SWARA Skull , attract species rarely spotted along the Gulf Coast . “ Incredibly , last time I dove UMA , I spotted two French angelfish . I have only ever seen those while diving in the Caymans ,” he shared .
You must be an open-water certified scuba diver to visit UMA .
Anna Schmitz and her brother , Tom , are owners of Emerald Coast Scuba and have been in
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