
1. Chevron Oil Rig--Located about 20 miles SE of Pensacola Pass, two large sections of an oil rig sit on a soft sandy bottom in 134 feet of water with great visibility. The site swarms with species such as amberjack, barracuda, tropicals and even an occasional whale shark.
2. Dredge Avocet-–The 250-foot clamshell dredge was reefed in 1991. Although the upper structure of the wreck has been torn off and scattered by hurricanes, it is stilla great dive. Large pelagic fish species including wahoo, mahi mahi and tuna are often found. Depths 90-130 feet.
3. Tug Heron & LCM Landing Craft-– Sunk in 1990, the two wrecks sit side-by-side, 80 feet apart. Located just 13 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass, depths rangefrom 75-95 feet. Grouper, red snapper, amberjack, triggerfish and Goliath grouper are common residents.
4. M/S Antares-–This 400-foot freighter is located 21 miles SE of Pensacola Pass in 130 feet of water. Populated with moray eels, red snapper, grouper, cobia and amberjack, it's a favorite spear fishing spot. The massive freighter broke apart and was scattered by Hurricane Opal in 1995, however, it"s still a great dive. Depths 90-135 feet.
5.Pete Tide II-–This 180-foot oil field supply boat is found 12 miles south of Pensacola Pass. The wreck is easy wreck to penetrate, even for properly trained beginning wreck divers. Marine attractions include sea turtles, triggerfish, grouper, schools of red snapper and amberjack, and even the occasional mahi mahi, wahoo and blackfin tuna. Depths 65-105 feet.
6. Russian Freighter/San Pablo-–The San Pablo is located nine miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. The freighter is a spectacular dive site teaming with a wide array of marine life from tropicals to game fish. The wreck is spread over a large area with depths ranging from 75-85 feet.
7. Sylvia-–Located nine miles SSE of Pensacola Pass with depths ranging from 65-85 feet. Sitting upright, this wreck attracts a variety of marine life such as amberjack, red snapper, grouper and triggerfish.
8. Three Coal Barges-–A favorite spot for training new divers, the remains of three coal barges are located five miles SE of Pensacola Pass. The wreck is great for shell collecting and spotting an impressive array of marine life. Depths 45-60 feet.
9. Timber Holes-–Natural limestone ledges were formed around timber standing in prehistoric forests. Located approximately 25 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass, this is a favorite spot for lobstering, spear fishing and shell collecting. Depths range 100-125 feet.
10. Tex Edwards Barge-–Sunk as an artificial reef in 65 feet of water just seven miles ESE of Pensacola Pass. The deck barge attracts large numbers of tropical reef species such as blue angelfish. In addition, red snapper, grouper, triggerfish and amberjack are often found here.
11. US Navy Diving Ships-–Navy Dive Support ships YDT-14 and YDT-15 were reefed 300 feet apart in 2000. Located 17 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass, these wrecks quickly became home to a vast assortment of marine life. Depths range 65-90 feet.
12. USS Massachusetts-–Sunk more than 50 years ago near Pensacola Pass and dedicated as an underwater archaeological preserve in 1993. Resting in just 25 feet of water, the wreck attracts bountiful marine life including Goliath grouper. Surface currents can sometimes pose difficulties and rough conditions can affect visibility-must be carefully planned.
13. USS Oriskany-–Reefed in May 2006, the retired 911-foot aircraft carrier is the world’s largest artificial reef. She sits upright in 212 feet of clear Gulf water 24 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. The wreck, dubbed by CNN "the great carrier reef," has gained a reputation as one of the world’s great dives. Accessible by divers at every skill level, her island is at 78 feet and the seemingly endless flight deck sits at 137 feet to 145 feet. The primary flight control is at 95 feet, the nav bridge is at 120 feet and the flag bridge is at 130 feet. Technical divers can access the flight deck at 145 feet and the hangar bay at 175 feet.
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