Scuba Diving Sites
Explore Wreck and Reef Dive Sites in Pensacola, Florida
Tenneco Rig
Located roughly 26 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass the Tenneco Rig Site consist of two 500 ton structures donated to Escambia County by the Tenneco Oil Company. The Tenneco Rig is a retired oil rig jacket deployed in 1982 as a part of the “Rigs to Reefs” program and this...
Russian Freighter (aka S.S. San Pablo)
There was a lot of mystery behind the sinking of the San Pablo in August 1944 which led to the local name of The Russian Freighter. The San Pablo actually spent her life as a fruit transport ship running from Central America to the United States. The "Russian...
Pete Tide II
The Pete Tide II is a 180′ former oil field supply boat that was sunk as an artificial reef in 1993. This fully intact wreck is one of the most popular sites in the area and always has a plethora of marine life surrounding it. The pilot house at the top of the...
PC Barge
Sank in 1995, The PC Barge is now a deck suspended 6ft from the bottom upon a hollowed-out frame in 81ft of water. Galvanized radio tower sections rest in the sand on each side of the barge. It make for a good dive with easy underwater navigation. Lots of marine life...
Oops Barge
The wreck got its name when it sunk about two miles from its original location all on her own on October 2, 1995. It was originally slated as an artificial reef. The 65ft steel barge now rests in 75ft of water with about 5ft of relief. What's left of this barge still...
Navy Barge
A steel barge intentionally sunk in 1993 as an artificial reef, the Navy Barge now rests in 82ft of water.Navy BargeMax Depth: 82 ft Top of Wreck: Legnth: Width: Distance from Pass:Additional Pensacola Dive Sites
Liberty Ship Joseph L. Meek
The 480ft long S.S. Joseph L. Meek was a WWII Liberty Ship built for the Maritime Commission by the Oregon War Industries Ship Building Company in 1942 and reefed in 1976. She was one of. the "ugly duckling" ships rapidly constructed in civilian shipyards during...
Brass Wreck
The Brass Wreck is a 250ft long vessel believed to be a 19th Century wooden schooner. It got its name from the thousands of brass pins sticking out of its iron ribs. The wreck has never been positively identified, and it's unknown how it found its way to the bottom in...
Avocet
The Avocet is a 247ft long, 40ft wide, 2,640-ton clamshell dredge built in 1943. The Avocet was intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef site #20 in May of 1991. The Avocet has a breach spanning it's beam, and separating the hull into two sections about seven...
Antares
Located approximately 21 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass, This is a great dive with structure at 90 to 130 feet deep. The M/S Antares is a 387ft freighter intentionally sank on September 27, 1995. At the time of sinking, the Antares was the largest artificial reef in...
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!