Best Advanced Dive Sites
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Home to the largest artificial reef program in the United States, the area has plenty of unique underwater locations that offer once-in-a-lifetime scuba diving and wreck diving experiences. If you’ve been diving for some time, you’ll encounter challenges and unique underwater structures at these great offshore dive sites in Orange Beach designed for experienced divers. These spots are typically accessed via local dive charters operating out of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making planning essential.
Be sure to have your certification card on hand when you head out to these sites on a charter. While some like the LuLu have shallow sections, the deeper wrecks are strictly for Advanced divers due to insurance and safety standards.
Advanced Scuba Diving Sites on Alabama's Beaches
The LuLu
The LuLu
Depth: 60' - 115'
Min. Certification: Open Water (Top) / Advanced (Bottom)
A large coastal freighter that was sunk intact in 2013 to form an artificial dive reef, The LuLu offers three separate levels of exploration that are increasingly challenging as you approach the seafloor. While novices will be limited to the top level of the ship, more experienced divers will enjoy exploring the shadowed lower cargo holds that provide prime habitat for a variety of marine life, including Bull Sharks and Red Snapper.
Down Under Dive Shop runs morning charters to the site from their comfortable Down Under dive boat.
The Fairfield New Venture
The Fairfield New Venture
Depth: 60' - 120'
Minimum Certification: Advanced Open Water
About 20 miles south of Orange Beach sits the New Venture, the latest ‘big dive’ spot on the Alabama Coast. A 250-foot-long former marine surveying vessel, the ship was sunk to a depth of 120’ in 2018 as an addition to the Alabama Artificial Reef Zones. It boasts more decks and levels than a typical ship of its size, providing plenty of compartments and overhangs for divers to explore.
Advanced Open Water divers will enjoy exploring the bottom levels of New Venture, where challenging pass-through holes have been cut to allow you to see the shy marine life that stays hidden in the dark interior of the ship. This Orange Beach dive site is best suited for divers comfortable with deeper profiles and overhead environments.
For more information on New Venture charters, visit Down Under Dive Shop.
USS Oriskany
USS Oriskany
Depth: 80' - 212'
Min. Certification: Advanced Open Water
This sunken U.S. aircraft carrier presents a unique experience that will challenge even advanced divers seeking deep-water diving. The 888-foot ship was sunk in 200 feet of water in 2006, making it the largest artificial reef system in the world and a true bucket-list dive site in the Gulf. With more than 100 feet of depth between the bottom and the flight deck, the USS Oriskany offers plenty of space for extended bottom times.
The ship is home to so many pelagic and reef-dwelling populations; it is no wonder they call it “The Great Carrier Reef.” From colorful soft corals full of small groups of tropical fish to breathtaking swimmers like the large Amberjack, you’ll find no shortage of curious marine life to view and photograph.
The Down Under Dive Shop offers chartered dives to the USS Oriskany. Because of the challenging depths and swift currents at the site, all divers must be Advanced Open Water certified, supply dive computers, and have 20 logged dives.
Wallace Reef
Wallace Reef
Depth: 90' - 100'
Min. Certification: Advanced Open Water
Located off the coast in Orange Beach, Wallace Reef is home to a WWII Liberty Ship, the William S. Wallace. This historic ship was broken apart by Hurricane Frederic in 1979, scattering the reef system across the Gulf floor at depths of 90-100 feet. The broken hull sections create wide, accessible swim-throughs for experienced divers to explore.
This reef attracts an abundance of marine life, including large schools of spadefish and red snapper that swarm the wreckage. The significant growth of coral that has amassed at the dive site over decades creates a beautiful underwater garden that’s worth checking out.
When to Dive: Seasons, Conditions & Visibility
Diving is available year-round in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach; however, each season offers its own perks and requires different gear. Check out diving conditions on Alabama’s Beaches to determine the best time to plan a trip.
Summer (June–August)
Summer (June–August)
Summer is the most popular time for scuba diving on Alabama’s Beaches. Water temperatures in the Gulf average around 80°F, meaning only swimsuits or 3mm shorties are needed. Plankton blooms during this time can occasionally reduce underwater visibility.
Fall (September–October)
Fall (September–October)
Fall is a great time for diving in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The crowds thin and water temperatures remain comfortable, averaging in the 70s-80s. It’s also easier to book a dive tour with a local charter during this time, and many locals prefer to scuba dive in the fall.
Winter (January–March)
Winter (January–March)
Water temperatures in the winter reach the low 60s, so a 5mm/7mm wetsuit is needed to dive. However, this season offers the clearest visibility and calm waters, making it an ideal time for scuba diving in the Gulf.
Advance Your Scuba Certification on Alabama’s Beaches
Whether you’re new to diving or looking to advance your certifications, Alabama’s Beaches is an excellent place to upgrade your underwater skills. Down Under Dive Shop is the Alabama Gulf Coast’s premiere scuba diving shop, offering classes, dive trips, and gear. The experts here teach hands-on “Discover Scuba” classes for beginners to try diving in a pool. The shop also provides full certification courses that can be completed during a beach vacation, so you can end your beach trip scuba-ready.
Alabama's Beaches
These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.
