Destin-Fort Walton Beach created more than 300 artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico in order to make essential habitats for marine species of fish and invertebrates. The artificial reefs also provide fishing and scuba diving opportunities for visitors and residents looking to experience sea life up-close.

The artificial reefs consist of concrete piles specifically designed to replicate large shipwrecks and other modules. Travelers can even view these reefs through an interactive map. The continuing effort in creating these artificial reefs reflects the region’s five-year plan to make the area one of Florida’s best diving destinations. Part of this plan includes adding new large vessels to the reef area, installing the only active inshore reef program in the state of Choctawhatchee Bay and creating beachside, shore-accessible “snorkel reefs.”

© Courtesy of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Destin-Fort Walton Beach also encourages ecotourism and sustainable travel experiences as the region pushes for more change. Trails and parks like Henderson State Park allows visitors to enjoy the ecological beauty of the area through water-based activities like surfing, snorkeling and sailing. Visitors at this park can also book an experience via Little Adventures, new challenges that encourage guests to get outside and try something new. Some of these include kayaking, dolphin excursions and camping.

The many cultural centers, inland forests and coastal waterfronts aim at creating a learning experience for visitors. In having up-close experiences with the diverse local environments and animal inhabitants, visitors will leave with a better understanding of the region and the importance of its preservation.

© Courtesy of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

The region serves as the home to the sea turtle and, between April and November, sea turtle season sees many of these creatures facing dangers due to human exploitation and habitat destruction. At Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center in Gulfarium Adventure Marine Park, travelers learn how to protect the endangered sea turtles. The center hosts weekly events, including a tour of the center, to get an inside look at the current sea turtle patients, as well as a mock intake of an injured sea turtle.

Since November 2021, the Nushore Groyne Project initiative has worked to support the region’s beach resiliency. The project will wrap up in April 2022. By its end, the project will have made significant progress in renourishing the destination’s beaches and increasing coastal resiliency to storms and other erosive events.

Do you think more destinations across the world should integrate ecotourism into its tourism industry? Have you gone on any ecotourism trips? Why is ecotourism important to you? Have you visited the Destin-Fort Walton region lately to see its progress? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.