On Friday, May 7, 2021 the waters of Destin-Fort Walton Beach welcomed another artificial reef, the Big Dawg. At 93-foot in length, it's the largest wreck to be deployed in the area in over 10 years, says Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager for Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

The process of deploying the Big Dawg began during the summer of 2020. The retired military vessel was donated by the U.S. Air Force. As a courtesy for donating the ship, the Air Force chose the name. Approximately 14 nautical miles southwest of Destin Pass and resting at 104 feet in the sand, the Big Dawg can be accessed as shallow as 69 feet.

The wreck site was made for divers, says Fogg. “Large openings allow for light to enter and make this a cool wreck to penetrate.” Within 30 minutes of deployment, Fogg reported divers spotted a large sea turtle already making itself at home by scratching its back on the rudder.

Captain Eric Larson, owner of Shark Quest Dive Shop and Charters was among the first to submerge on the wreck. Larson was contacted about bringing local divers out to watch the deployment and dive the wreck; he refers to these opportunities as “dump and jumps!”

“The divers were local divers interested in the artificial reef process. We really like bringing people out to these reefs,” said Larson.

Larson described 60 plus feet of visibility upon first entering the water and that you could almost see the entire ship. One single sea turtle, starfish and sand dollars could be seen during the dive but for Larson, it’s the opportunity to watch the wreck become part of the ecosystem that is truly amazing.

“We always see the wrecks after they have been down, in most cases, for many years. Being out there when the new reef is placed is something you always remember. Feeling like you're part of the process... These artificial reefs provide a necessary element to the biodiversity of our oceans, new habitats that will grow to support new populations of sea life.”

Destin-Fort Walton Beach is doing their part to attract divers with artificial reef deployments — including budgeting 1.6 million to the project. The area's tourist tax has helped to increase funding for projects like the Big Dawg deployment. Just last month, the county completed the last of eight snorkel reefs — all can be accessed from shore by snorkelers and divers.

Between now and October, several additional artificial reef habitats will be deployed in the form of secondary use concrete and pre-fab concrete that is molded into structures that attract marine life underwater. These types of artificial reefs benefit both divers and fishermen.

For a complete list of artificial reef sites in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, visit www.destinfwb.com.

Need to Know

When to go: Year-round. However, the best conditions are often experienced from April to October when the water is warmest.

Where to stay: The Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village will put you right in the middle of the action with easy access to the marina, shopping, and dining. Alternatively, The Henderson features a rooftop bar, fine dining, and rooms overlooking Henderson Beach State Park. Looking for an adults-only, splurge in the area? Their sister property, Henderson Park Inn is situated directly on the beach and includes daily breakfast and happy hour for all guests.

More info: Visit, www.destinfwb.com