Grayton Beach State Park and Turtle Reef
The Grayton Beach Artificial Reef is one of the newest attractions to come to South Walton. You can access it from Grayton Beach State Park. This underwater attraction can be explored on your own or with a guide (check out Grayton Scuba Company for guided tours). For experienced swimmers, it is close enough to swim or paddle to on a kayak or stand up paddle board. For divers, snorkelers, and anglers seeking to explore the waters off the coastline of 30A, this is a welcomed addition. If you visit the reef on your own, make safety a priority. Pay attention to weather conditions, the flag warning system, use a dive flag, and always be aware of your surroundings.
To access the reef, enter Grayton Beach State Park $3 per vehicle). Follow the boardwalk to the beach and look for the flag on the beach. The reef is due south (approx.. 350 ft. from the shoreline). Once out near the reef you will see several marked buoys. Each reef boasts a 10’’ diameter fiberglass piling sunk deep in the seabed and springing up to a maximum profile height of no more than 10 ft. at the deepest water depth. The placement of these reefs forms the shape of a sea turtle. The design is geared toward snorkelers and divers wanting to enjoy sea life close to shore.
After almost a year after deployment, the Grayton Beach Turtle Reef is already bursting with life. It is so exciting to see up close, the schools of fish who have made the Reef their new home. Keep your eye out for Trigger fish, Blue Tangs, sea urchins, turtles and other sea life.
If you’d like to book a scuba or snorkeling tour of the reef, contact Grayton Beach Scuba OR use Newman-Dailey's Be Free Bundle and recieve a 10% discount on stand up paddle board or kayak rentals with La Dolce Vita and visit the reef on your own. See you at the Reef!