Flora Bama Scuba Diving Guide

By Book Vaca Fun

When most people think of the Flora-Bama coast, they picture sugar-white sand, the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge, and the Blue Angels roaring overhead. But just beneath the emerald surface of the Gulf of Mexico lies an entirely different world.

Thanks to the largest artificial reef program in the United States and the famous Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, the waters off Perdido Key and Orange Beach offer some of the most diverse and exciting scuba diving in the country.

The Crown Jewel: The USS Oriskany

The USS Oriskany is a decommissioned Essex-class aircraft carrier intentionally sunk in 2006 to create the largest artificial reef in the world. Sitting upright in 220 feet of water about 22 miles south of Pensacola Pass, the smokestack top is accessible at 84 feet for advanced divers.

"The island itself is larger than most wrecks, and divers can easily spend several dives exploring the upper structure." — MBT Divers

Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail Highlights

Shore Diving & Snorkeling

No boat? No problem. The Perdido Key Reef sits just 300 feet from shore in 12–15 feet of crystal-clear water. Sea turtles rest in the sand around the reef modules regularly. Over in Orange Beach, the Perdido Pass Jetties at Alabama Point offer excellent snorkeling on an incoming tide.

Local Dive Shops & Charters

• Down Under Dive Shop — PADI 5-Star Center, Orange Beach. Beach dives to offshore charters. downunderdiveshop.com
• MBT Divers — Pensacola. Local experts for Oriskany and Shipwreck Trail charters. mbtdivers.com
• High Pressure Dive Charters — Located at the Flora-Bama Marina. Custom charters up to 6 passengers.