Destin, FL Dive Charters/Shops

[Chilkie]

Anyone have any opinions on the dive shops/charters down there? I'll be in the area over the next few days and would like to book a two tank dive.
Thanks in advance gang!

[mike_s]

You basically have the choice of two shops in Destin.

Scuba Tech and Emerald Coast Scuba.


If you want more choices, you have to go to Fort Walton or Panama City.


Scuba Tech has an old oil crew boat, called the Sea Cobra in the 45ft range. they also have a large pontoon snorkel boat they use for jetty trips. They have both banked 32% and can do partial pressure fills. They have a decent selection of gear in their shop if you need something but expect MSRP pricing.

Emerald Coast is the other shop in town. I've been in their shop twice and both times got bad attitude/ego from them, so I left and took my money elsewhere. some folks like them, but I wasn't impressed. Their boat is a converted sport fishing boat.


Both operations are known for being wimpy in seas over 2 ft, often canceling.

both operations are also known for going to the same 3-4 dive sites, over and over and over again.


You've got some other operators over in PCB, FWB and P'cola that do other sites if you get tired of hitting the same sites over and over again.


The Destin Jetties are a great dive that is a shore dive. A little bit of a walk in the sand, but still a good dive for free.

[ReefHound]

I've been out with Emerald Coast. The boat people were warm and friendly and likeable. The shop people were aloof if not snotty. Like night and day.

I haven't been out with Scuba Tech but the shop people are warm and friendly.

[Chilkie]

Thanks for the replies folks. If I dive with either of those two shops I'll post and let you know how it goes.

[mrmccoy]

check out THE SCUBA SHOP - destin dive fort walton beach dive ft walton dive scuba i'm doing my last check out dive with them this weekend. they dive off Miss Teak which is an old crew boat too. I think it holds 10 divers plus the crew.

[DarinMartell]

Had a great experience with Emerald Coast, they took me out for my first salt water dives.

[reefgirl64]

We've actually had great experiences w/Emerald Coast. They do take u to pretty much the same dives, though, but hey isn't it better than work?!