current flag conditions of destin and south walton county

Known as the 2nd most dangerous shark to humans may be aggressive and territorial. If spotted in the water please remain calm and do not splash or struggle in the water, turning and facing the shark while slowly swimming backwards away is recommended

Bull sharks look similar to tiger sharks but have no stripes and have a bull like nose. They are known to be more aggressive and are highly dangerous and should not be ignored! Exit the water asap, and notify others if spotted!

Black tips are generally less aggressive, and you may see them hunting fish near you. Always be aware, and it is suggested that you exit the water. 

There are many types of dangerous Jellyfish present such as the Cannonball, Mushroom, Moon, Sea Nettle, Pink Meanie and Man of War. Please watch for the Purple Flags or check this site for current flag conditions periodically, as conditions can change fast!

The Man-O-War jellyfish is one of the most dangerous around, made up of several specialized organisms known as zooids. they attach and work together to grow as large as 160 feet in deep waters. 

Look for a floating purple football shape, or lone colorful tentacles. Exit the waters and warn others if spotted.

Beware of walking in water too quickly, though shy and not know to be aggressive, stepping on a sting ray may cause it to defend itself! Under its tail is a jagged stinger with poisonous barbs that can cause great injury to the foot or leg. Do not swim to close to these majestic creatures. Shuffling your feet as you walk is recommended to scare off any nearby stingrays.

 Pufferfish are famous for their ability to inflate into a spiky ball when threatened. Found in warm and temperate waters, they use this unique defense to scare off predators. But their real danger lies in their toxin—tetrodotoxin—which is deadly and up to 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide. Despite the risk, some pufferfish are considered a delicacy in Japan (fugu), prepared only by specially trained chefs. 

 Lionfish are strikingly beautiful with flowing fins and bold stripes, but beneath their beauty lies a serious threat. Native to the Indo-Pacific, they’ve become an invasive species in the Atlantic and Caribbean, where they disrupt local ecosystems by preying on native fish and reproducing rapidly. Their venomous spines can cause painful stings, but they pose a much bigger danger to marine biodiversity than to humans. 

Scorpionfish are well-camouflaged predators found in tropical and temperate oceans. Their rough, spiny bodies blend perfectly with coral and rocky reefs, making them hard to spot. Armed with venomous spines along their back, a sting from a scorpionfish can cause intense pain, swelling, and even temporary paralysis. Despite their danger, they’re important ambush predators in the underwater food chain.