While the main feature of our vacation spot is a beach on the Gulf of Mexico, we have always enjoyed Alligator Lake and it’s occasional breaking out into the Gulf. But, only in the last few years did I discover its uniqueness to not only in the U.S., but in the world as a coastal dune lake.
Alligator Lake is held back from entering the Gulf by a coastal dune.
According to the Walton County Florida website:
Walton County is home to 15 named coastal dune lakes along 26 miles of coastline. These lakes are a unique geographical feature and are only found in Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, Oregon, and here in Walton County.
The brackish waters serve as a stark contrast with the clear water of the Gulf. The occasional break through due to flooding or storm surge (and the occasional human interaction), usually only last for a day before the dune is rebuilt and holds the water back for weeks. This video captured the “outfall” from Alligator Lake in our visit in 2014.
This post is in response to the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge.
Rural Iowa Pastor 
Wow, the water is powerful! I was worried for the little girl getting so close to the edge!
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Yes, it was amazing. That is my great niece who was trying to rescue tiny fish who were left behind when the waters receded. She was under supervision by her mother and grandmother.
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I love your photo! Don’t have time to watch the video right now, unfortunately.
janet
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Thanks, Janet…video was just for those needing extra credit. 😉
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I love those colors in the photo.
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Thank you, Amy. The “Emerald Coast” of Florida has such a beautiful variation of colors, especially when you have a dune lake so close to breaking. Thanks for dropping by and the comment!
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