Dive The SS United States
Destin’s Newest Artificial Reef
A Legendary Ship Transformed Into an Epic Dive Site
The iconic SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner ever built, is set to become the newest artificial reef off the coast of Pensacola and Destin, Florida. Located only 32 miles from the Pensacola Pass, this massive, history-filled vessel is currently in Mobile, Alabama, undergoing environmental preparations before its highly anticipated sinking in late 2024 or early 2025. Once submerged, it will offer divers a world-class diving experience teeming with marine life.
Niuhi Dive Charters is your premier dive charter for exploring this historic underwater attraction, with exclusive dive trips planned as soon as the site is open to the public.
Diving the SS United States
Diving the SS United States will be an unparalleled experience for divers of all skill levels. With the main deck resting in just 55-60 feet of water, this massive artificial reef will be easily accessible to open-water certified divers, offering an incredible chance to explore a historic ocean liner without needing advanced certifications.
For those seeking more depth, the lower sections of the wreck will extend well beyond recreational limits, providing advanced and technical divers with the opportunity to navigate deeper passageways, towering structures, and vast open spaces teeming with marine life.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an unforgettable wreck dive or an experienced diver ready to go deep, the SS United States in Pensacola and Destin promises to be a bucket-list dive site like no other.
SS United States Quick Facts
Depth to Deck
55-60 feet planned depth
Depth to Sand
175-180 feet planned depth
Distance from Pensacola
~ 32 nautical miles from Pensaola Pass
Certification Needed
Open Water Diver
When can you Dive the SS United States?
- Now: The SS United States is being prepared for underwater deployment. She is undergoing hazardous material removal in Mobile, AL. Other preparations include the removal of huge smoke stacks to allow her deck to be approximately 55-60 feet in depth and still alow enough required clearance for shipping.
- Late 2024 – Early 2025: The ship will be sunk in its new location off the coast of Pensacola and Destin as the largest artificial reef in the world, close to the USS Oriskany – another life list dive in Pensacola.
- The next day: As soon as the bubbles settle and the all clear is given, Niuhi Dive Charters will be running daily trips to the SS United States. Sign up for our email updates to be among the first divers to explore this monumental artificial reef!
SS United State Dimensions
SS United States Legnth
990 ft.
Beam (Width)
101.5 ft.
Height
175 feet
The SS United States is an enormous ocean liner with impressive dimensions. This makes it the largest ship to ever be intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. Its sheer size will provide an incredible multi-level diving experience, with various depths to explore, from the towering superstructure to the lower decks.
SS United States Size Comparison
Here’s how the SS United States compares in size to the Titanic and the USS Oriskany (currently the world’s largest intentionally sunk artificial reef off the coast of Pensacola, FL):
| Ship | Length | Beam (Width) | Height (Keel to Top) | Displacement (Weight) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS United States | 990 ft (301.8m) | 101.5 ft (30.94m) | 175 ft (53m) | 53,330 tons |
| Titanic | 882 ft (268.8m) | 92.5 ft (28.2m) | 175 ft (53m) | 52,310 tons |
| USS Oriskany | 888 ft (270.7m) | 148 ft (45m) | 152 ft (46.3m) | 30,800 tons |
Comparison Breakdown:
- The SS United States is longer than both the Titanic and the USS Oriskany, making it the largest artificial reef projects ever.
- It has a similar height to the Titanic, meaning it will create an impressive multi-level dive site with massive vertical structures.
- It is narrower than the USS Oriskany, which is expected as it was a sleek ocean liner rather than an aircraft carrier.
- The USS Oriskany is wider, but the SS United States is heavier than the Oriskany, making it an incredibly significant sinking project.
When sunk, the SS United States will rival the Oriskany as one of the most impressive artificial reefs in the world, making it an absolute must-dive site for all diving enthusiasts!