The underwater live-stream camera at Okaloosa Island Pier went operational Friday, giving the public access to real-time footage of marine life off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast.
- The $25,000 Fathom Ocean camera system, approved by Okaloosa County Commissioners in July 2024, features 1080p, 360-degree pan-tilt-zoom capabilities housed in a self-cleaning underwater casing with an automated mechanical wiper to remove sediment and algae buildup from the viewing dome.
The project originated nearly five years ago with plans to install a camera at the Beasley Park snorkel reefs, but costs, lack of infrastructure and maintenance concerns led officials to select the pier as the installation site instead.
Mike Norberg, Natural Resources Manager for Okaloosa County, previously said the project would “provide a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to see the diversity of marine life around Destin-Fort Walton Beach from a different perspective.”
Eric Brown, Okaloosa Island Pier manager, said the system will provide ongoing access to view marine life, with the camera removed only during hurricane threats for safety purposes.
- “We are heading into peak hurricane season, in the event of a threat of a storm the camera will be removed,” Brown said.
The live video feed is available online and can be embedded into websites, allowing viewers to observe dolphins, sea turtles, fish and other marine species that inhabit waters around the pier.
“We are excited about this opportunity with the Okaloosa Island Pier,” said Norberg. “This will provide a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to see the diversity of marine life around Destin-Fort Walton Beach from a different perspective.”
The project received funding from the Tourist Development Department.
24 Responses
Very nice. Good to see all the fish. I think it’s worth the price.
you have to pay for that ?
yea if there was a light it would be cool to, but there is not
I think this is so awesome! My kids love it when I pull it up on our flat screen. Agreed, worth the price.
Love it! Having fun identifying the fish species. How close to the bottom is the camera?
Thank you for this, def worth the money i would say. Can’t wait to get back there next summer.
This camera is so cool! I could watch it for hours!
Love it love pulling it up in the morning and before bed bedtime
Where is the website for this? Wasn’t mentioned.
Go to YouTube. Look for Okaloosa island pier-underwater-camera-video. You’ll find it.
I want
I want to watch it live. Not a video
Okaloosa Island pier underwater camera in Florida.
I wish they could add a light to view at night.
Put this on my smart TV as background and am enjoying it all day long! Thank you!
LOVE THIS! I am absolutely fascinated by this, I can’t hardly take my eyes away!
This is both so relaxing and mesmerizing!!
This is very cool, I’m seeing many sharks swimming around the pier! And people swim that area 🫣
Great to see all the fishad other denizens of the sea!
Just sitting here watching the fish swim by waiting for a MERMAID to come into view. 🤪
I SAW A MERMAID ON THE LIVE CAMERA OMG!!!
When will the camera be available again?
Why is the camera not working anymore???
can’t wait for this wonderful camera to come back!! ❤️🐠🧜♀️