On Thursday, May 7, the Board of County Commissioners approved the construction and installation of the Casino Beach Snorkeling Reef.
The full amount of $59,500 for reef construction and installation is funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. No Escambia County monies or cash-matching funds are required by the FWC grant agreement for the project.
The Natural Resources Management Department will deploy 17 reef modules approximately 8.7 nautical miles east of Pensacola Pass, and the reef installation will be completed by August.
“This new reef is a welcome addition for the community and we are excited about the opportunity to enjoy a new amenity in the Gulf of Mexico. The reef will be an attraction not only to marine life, but to families looking to enjoy our coastline,” said Robert Turpin, Escambia County Marine Resources Division Manager.
Escambia county beaches are the perfect place to snorkel. As the water warms, visitors can expect to see a variety of sea life, including turtles and a large variety of native fish. Gulf Coast water temperatures range from the mid-80s in summer to the mid-60s in winter, providing a wonderful snorkeling climate year round. Snorkeling is a great activity for all swimmers and all budgets—it requires very little equipment and is a fun, inexpensive activity that can easily be enjoyed by the whole family. A glimpse of the underwater world awaits you!
View a map of the current snorkeling reefs on Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.
Read more about Escambia County artificial reefs here.

Sea turtle at a snorkeling reef off Pensacola Beach, Park East