Scuba Diving Sites
Explore Wreck and Reef Dive Sites in Pensacola, Florida
Joe Patti Barge
The Joe Patti Memorial Reef is probably the second most popular dive site in Pensacola, right after the USS Oriskany, and more accessable to divers of all levels. This 175 foot long barge was sunk in 2013 and donated by the Patti Family. It is named after a fishing...
Portofino Reef
Portifino Reef is a shore diving site with a depth of 12 feet. The Portifino Reef consists of about a dozen "Christmas Tree" reef modules sitting in about 12ft of water. It's not tide-dependant, but current, surf, and surge can be significant at this location. You...
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is a shore dive site The remains of a fishing pier sit to the East of the current pier, and offer habitat for all manner of sea creatures. Be sure to observe dive-flag laws, and stay well-clear of the working fishing pier. This dive is not...
Ft. Pickens Jetty
Ft. Pickens Jetty is a shore diving site with a depth of 10 - 50 feet. The Ft. Pickens Jetties are one of the most popular shore diving sites in the Florida Panhandle. The rock jetty at Ft. Pickens appears small from the surface, but it anchors a deceptive large dive...
Timber Holes
Timber Holes is a reef diving site with a depth of 120 - 130 feet. The Timber Holes are similar to other natural limestone reefs in the area. It gets its name from the numerous holes stamped into the face of the limestone. It is believed that these holes were caused...
Paradise Hole
Paradise Hole is another natural limestone reef with sections and heads spread over a wide area. Depths range from 80ft to 110ft, and there's usually one to three feet of relief.Paradise HoleMax Depth: 80-11o Top of Wreck: Distance from Pass:Additional Pensacola Dive...
Greens Hole
Greens Hole is a natural limestone reef resembling a tabletop sitting a few feet above the sandy bottom with scattered ledges, overhangs, and coral heads. Depths range from 95ft to 115ft.Green's HoleMax Depth: 95-115 Distance from Pass:Additional Pensacola Dive Sites
YDT-15
Originally designated YF-336 in 1942, this vessel was assigned to the New York and Potomac River Naval Commands before reassignment to the Naval District of Washington, at which point her name was changed to Suitland. In 1965 Suitland was assigned to the 5th Naval...
YDT-14
Originally built in 1942, the YDT-14 is one of two U.S. Navy dive tenders sank as artificial reefs in the year 2000. YDT-14 is mostly intact. In order to make the wreck safer for recreational divers, decking has been removed fore and aft of the bridge. The YDT-14 sits...
USS Oriskany
The USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) also known as “The Great Carrier Reef” is a 904ft long US Navy aircraft carrier. The Oriskany saw significant combat service in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars. She was intentionally sank as an artificial reef on May 17, 2006. This wreck...
Tug Born Again
Purposefully sunk as an artificial reef on January 24, 1991, the 65-foot Tugboat Born Again is partially intact with twenty-one 19ft sections of metal pipe extending from her decking. She currently rests in 95ft of water with her upper sections settled at about 65ft....
Three Coal Barges
In 1974, three steel coal barges broke free from their transport vessel on their way to reefing at another location. In order to prevent the barges from becoming a navigation hazard, explosives experts from the U.S. Navy sank them at their present location which is...
Best Scuba Diving Sites
Our pristine Gulf waters are home to dozens of amazing underwater wrecks that are absolute “must-dive” sites for scuba divers. Pensacola’s marine resources have done a fantastic job, dropping literally hundreds of artificial reefs in our waters to create places to scuba dive and fish where only large sand desert existed before. These reefs are home to all kinds of marine species, ranging from small colorful fish to snappers, mackerels, groupers, sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins. Ready to get spearfishing or lionfish hunting? There’s no better place than right here in Pensacola with Captain Andy and his crew. Whether you’re at the recreational diving or technical diving level, spearfishing, or wreck diving, we have the perfect dive sites for your next big adventure. Come aboard the Niuhi and explore unforgettable wrecks, natural reefs, artificial reefs, and even the famous aircraft carrier, the USS Oriskany.
A fascinating set of retired ships have been scuttled to create artificial reefs in the Pensacola area, creating a haven for history buffs, adventure seekers, and animal lovers ready for an up-close experience with marine life. Five of the twelve wreck diving sites that make up the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail are just a short boat ride from Pensacola Pass!