Top Dive Sites in Pensacola, Florida
Explore the best scuba diving in Pensacola with these incredible wrecks and artificial reefs. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced technical diver, Pensacola diving offers a variety of experiences, from historic battleships to massive oil rigs teeming with marine life. Plan your next Florida scuba diving adventure today!
USS Massachusetts
- Charter Type: Specialty
- Depth: 15 – 25ft
- Wreck Information: 350ft length, 75ft width
Reefing Date: 1921
The USS Massachusetts is one of the oldest battleships in the U.S., making it a must-see for Pensacola diving enthusiasts. Originally commissioned in 1896, it served in the Spanish-American War before being sunk as a gunnery practice target in 1921. Now a thriving artificial reef, this wreck is perfect for divers of all levels.
Joe Patti Barge
- Charter Type: Inshore
- Depth: 40 – 50ft
- Wreck Information: 175ft length, 40ft beam, 10ft draft
Reefing Date: 2013
An accessible and exciting Pensacola scuba diving site, the Joe Patti Barge is an artistic artificial reef featuring metalwork sculptures that celebrate Pensacola’s rich maritime heritage. With a maximum depth of 50ft, it’s an excellent spot for beginner divers looking for a fun and easy wreck dive.
Three Coal Barges*
- Charter Type: Inshore
- Depth: 50ft
- Wreck Information: Three 200ft barges
Reefing Date: 1974
A favorite among local divers, these three coal barges were intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. They now host abundant marine life and provide an easy dive site for all skill levels. The wrecks are part of the Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, making them a great introduction to scuba diving Pensacola.
Ocean Winds Wreck
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- Trip Type: Inshore
- Depth: 50 – 80ft
- Wreck Information: 82ft length tugboat
Reefing Date: 2016
The Ocean Winds tugboat was intentionally sunk to serve as an artificial reef off Pensacola’s coast. Once used to tow and sink many of the artificial reefs in Escambia County, it now rests alongside them, making it an excellent site for recreational divers to explore.
Liberty Ship
- Charter Type: Inshore
- Depth: 80ft
- Wreck Information: 480ft long liberty ship
Reefing Date: 1976
Originally built for WWII, this massive Liberty Ship was intentionally sunk in 1976. It now serves as an artificial reef and is a hotspot for Florida scuba diving with frequent shark sightings.
San Pablo AKA the Russian Freighter*
- Charter Type: Midshore
- Depth: 80ft
- Wreck Information: 315ft length, 44ft beam, 28ft draft
Reefing Date: 1943
Known as the Russian Freighter, the San Pablo wreck is one of Pensacola’s most mysterious dive sites. Sunk during a secret WWII training exercise, it is now a popular site for wreck diving Pensacola.
Pete Tide II*
- Charter Type: Midshore
- Depth: 55-100ft
- Wreck Information: 166.4ft length, 38ft beam
Reefing Date: 1993
The Pete Tide II is a well-preserved oil rig supply ship intentionally sunk for divers. Its intact pilothouse is a great place to spot spadefish and barracuda.
YDT 14* (USS Phoebus)
- Charter Type: Midshore
- Depth: 70 – 100ft
- Wreck Information: 132.5ft steel-hulled US Navy vessel
Reefing Date: 2000
The YDT-14, also known as the USS Phoebus, was originally built as a covered lighter for the U.S. Navy in 1942. It was later converted into a diving tender and used for training. In 2000, it was intentionally sunk off the coast of Pensacola to create an artificial reef. Sitting at a depth of 100ft, the YDT-14 is an excellent site for midshore divers looking to explore a well-preserved military vessel with an abundance of marine life.
USS Oriskany (The Mighty O)*
- Charter Type: Oriskany
- Depth: 85 – 220ft
- Wreck Information: 911ft aircraft carrier (Currently World’s Largest Artificial Reef)
Reefing Date: 2006
The USS Oriskany is the world’s largest artificial reef and the ultimate site for wreck diving in Florida. This legendary aircraft carrier sits upright, with its tower starting at 84ft. Advanced divers can explore the island superstructure, while technical divers can descend deeper into its massive flight deck at 145ft. If you’re looking to dive the Oriskany, Pensacola is the place to do it!
Avocet
- Trip Type: Offshore
- Depth: 90 – 125ft
- Wreck Information: 247ft length, 40ft beam, separated in two sections
Reefing Date: 1991
The Avocet, a large clamshell dredge, was intentionally sunk to form an artificial reef. The vessel has since split into two sections but still provides excellent diving opportunities. Its upper structure begins at 70ft, making it a great site for midshore divers looking for an exciting wreck with marine life.
Chevron Rig
- Trip Type: Offshore
- Depth: 75 – 135ft
- Wreck Information: Two large oil platform jackets, side-by-side
Reefing Date: 1993
The Chevron Rig is part of the “Rigs to Reef” program, which repurposed offshore oil and gas structures into marine habitats. Its towering steel framework attracts schools of fish, including amberjack and barracuda, offering a unique Pensacola scuba diving experience for advanced divers.
Tenneco Rig
- Trip Type: Offshore
- Depth: 70 – 175ft
- Wreck Information: Two 500-ton structures
Reefing Date: 1982
The Tenneco Rig is one of the deepest artificial reef structures off the Pensacola coast. Originally an oil platform, it was transported and sunk to create a habitat for marine life. This wreck is an excellent site for technical dive training and is best suited for experienced recreational and/or technical divers.
Plan Your Pensacola Diving Adventure
With so many incredible Pensacola dive sites, there’s no shortage of adventure beneath the waves. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a shallow wreck or an advanced diver seeking deep technical dives, scuba diving Pensacola offers something for everyone. Book a charter today and explore the best diving in Florida!