LOCATIONS FOR SITES ARE GIVEN IN GPS COORDINATES IN DD:MM.MMM FORMAT
THREE BARGES N30:17.320 / W87:13.220
Remains of 3 coal barges sunk as an artificial reef approximately 5 miles south east of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 45-60’ . This large site is an area favorite for shell collecting and training new divers, and is home to an impressive array of marine life including resident sea turtles.
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BLACKWATER BRIDGE RUBBLE N30:11.800 / W87:14.170 The remains of the I-10 Blackwater river bridge sunk in 1997 as an artificial reef Approximately 8 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 70 –80’ . Lots of large structure with good vertical relief spread out over a large area. A divers favorite for fish watching due to the wide variety of tropical species that inhabit this reef. |
SOULE BARGE 30:10.885 / 87:14.568
Deployed in 1992 as an artificial reef approximately 10 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 70 - 80'. The barge lies inverted on the bottom and the site includes radio towers. Great site for Snapper, Grouper, Flounder, and Amberjack.
PETE TIDE II N30:08.762 / W87:14.017
180’ long oil rig supply vessel sunk in 1993 as an artificial reef approximately 12 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 65-105’. The classic “shipwreck”, she sits upright and intact, and is home to large schools of Amberjack, Snapper, and Grouper. Occasional Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, and Dolphin .
TUG DELIVERANCE N30:10.907 / W087:14.618
Sunk in 1989 as an artificial reef approximately 9 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 75-85'. The wreck is little more than the hull and is in poor shape, but holds a tremendous amount of marine life.
USS. MASSACHUSETS N30:17.450 / W087:18.690
Turn of the Century US Navy Battleship, brought to Pensacola in the 1920’s and scuttled in shallow water as an artillery target. Approximately 2 miles SSW of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 20 –45’. Named an underwater archaeological preserve in 1992. Rremains of the gun turrets can often be seen above the water.
An unpredictable and often difficult dive because of its close proximity to Pensacola Pass, the "Mass" is subject to strong currents and dives must be planned closely around the tides.
TUG SYLVIA N30:10.985 / W87:14.120
65’ long Tug sunk in 1990 as an artificial reef approximately 9 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 65-80’. Sitting upright, this wreck attracts a large array of marine life, including Amberjack, Snapper, Grouper, and Trigger Fish.
CSX RAILROAD BRIDGE RUBBLE N30:09.036 / W87:13.690
Concrete bridge rubble deployed as an artificial reef in 1987 approximately 10 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass in 90' of water. This site is in close proximity to several other artificial reefs, and often produces nice catches of Grouper, Snapper, Triggerfish, and Amberjack.
TEX EDWARDS BARGE N30:16.137 / W87:10.150
Intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in 65’ of water approximately 7 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass. Attracts large numbers of tropical reef species as well as Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and Amberjack.
TUG BORN AGAIN / PIPES N30:08.063 / 87:14.293
Sunk in 1991 as an artificial reef approximately 13 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 60-95'. The Born Again sits upright and in good condition, and attracts a wide array of marine life. Common species include Snappers, Groupers, Jewfish, Amberjack, Cobia, and Triggerfish. Occasional Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphin Mahi-Mahi). Pipes lie off of the stern of the wreck which often hold good numbers of lobster.
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BRASS WRECK N30:12.853 / W87:03.216 The Brass Wreck is an unidentified 19th century schooner which lies in 90-95’ of water approximately 15 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass. A favorite of local divers because of the variety of marine life it holds, especially tropical reef species. All that remains of the wreck are the iron ribs, ballast, and windlass. |
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TUG PHILIP 30:07.810 / 87:13.400
60' long tug boat deployed in 1990 as an artificial reef. The Philip sits intact and upright in 95' of water approximately 14 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack are all common to this wreck. Occasional Dolphin, Wahoo, and Tuna.
RUSSIAN FREIGHTER/ "SAN PABLO" N30:11.329 / 87:13.088
On July 2, 1942, - At 0401hrs, U-161 fired a spread of two stern torpedoes at the San Pablo, which lay berthed at the fully illuminated pier in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica and was discharging cargo. The ship was hit amidships and near the bridge in #1 and #2 holds and quickly settled to the bottom with only her superstructure above the water because the watertight doors between all holds had been left open. One crew member died on watch below and 23 stevedores (residents of Puerto Limon) working in the holds were killed. All but three crew members of the vessel were ashore at the time of the attack. On 9 Jan 1943, the San Pablo was raised and after temporary repairs on 6 March, taken in tow by the tug Crusader to Tampa via Puerto Castilla and Key West, arriving on 28 March. It was first planned to repair the vessel, but she was declared a total loss and sunk as target 9 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass on 25 September, 1943.
Nobody is sure how she became to be known locally as the "Russian Freighter". A Spectacular dive site, the “Freighter” attracts a wide array of marine life, from tropicals to game fish. The wreck is spread over a large area with the highest relief is found around the boilers on the east side of the wreck. Depths range 75-85’
LOST TUG 30:12.072 / 86:57.974
Also known as the "Mad Dog" tug, the Lost Tug sits with a significant list to starboard in 90 feet of water, approximately 24 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 60-90'. A favorite site for spearfishermen and lobster hunters.
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LIBERTY SHIP JOSEPH L MEEK N30:16.348 / W87:09.550 The 400’ hull of the Liberty Ship was sunk as an artificial reef in 90’ of water , approximately 8 mile ESE of Pensacola pass. The muddy bottom makes this a favorite site for spear fishermen seeking Flounder, Snapper, and Amberjack. |
KINGRY BARGE N30:09.434 / W87:13.976
This 75' long barge was deployed as
an artificial reef in 1993 in 85' of water approximately 10 miles SSE of
Pensacola Pass. This wreck is enhanced by several open fuel storage tanks and is
in close proximity to other artificial reefs including the CSX Rubble and the
Army Tanks. Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack are all common.
Depths Range 75-85'
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GREEN’S HOLE N30:08.420 / W87:11.030 “Green’s Hole” is a large area of scattered limestone outcroppings, ledges and coral heads which lies approximately 12 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range from 95-115’. A great site for lobstering and fishing, also makes for a terrific night dive! |
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PARADISE HOLE N30:12.950 / W87:10.440
Paradise Hole is a large area of natural limestone outcroppings and coral heads which lies approximately 8 miles SE of Pensacola Pass. A long time favorite of fishermen and spear fishermen . Depths range 80-115’
NAVY BARGE N30:11.139 / W87:14.715
Sunk in 1993 as an artificial reef approximately 9 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depth 80’. Snapper, Trigger Fish, Grouper, Amberjack, and Flounder are all prevalent.
CHEVRON RIG N30:04.242 / W87:02.120
Unemployed oil rig deployed as an artificial reef in 1993 approximately 21 miles SE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range from 70-135’. The tremendous amount of marine life that inhabits and visits the rig makes this a spectacular dive and fishing site and a favorite for lobster hunters.
THE DUTCH BANKS N30:11.706 / W87:26.179
A large area of natural reef, coral heads, and limestone ledges approximately 9 miles SW of Pensacola Pass. One of the areas shallowest natural bottom areas. Depths range from 65-90'.
REEF MODULES
A variety of pre-fabricated artificial reef modules have been deployed in many different sites in the area. Most of these structures are made of concrete, PVC, and steel. Depths and fish species on these structures vary greatly, depending upon the deployment location. All of the sites generally hold Snapper, Grouper, and Triggerfish.
ARCOA MODULES
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N30:09.586 / W87:14.078 |
N30:09.586 / W87:14.078 |
PYRAMIDS
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N29:58.413 / W87:12.457 |
N29:58.413 / W87:12.457 |
N29:58.413 / W87:12.457 |
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N29:57.345 / W87:12.384 |
N29:57.486 / W87:12.408 |
N30:10.773 / W87:14.357 |
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N30:08.847 / W87:13.702 |
N30:08.489 / W87:13.451 |
N30:04.356 / W87:01.703 |
REEF BALL (GROUPS OF 5)
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N30:06.144 / W87:11.631 |
N30:06.107 / W87:11.615 |
N30:06.257 / W87:11.569 |
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N30:06.163 / W87:11.604 |
N30:05.311 / W87:09.677 |
N30:05.293 / W87:09.694 |
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N30:05.329 / W87:09.720 |
N30:06.386 / W87:10.019 |
N30:05.871 / W87:09.977 |
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N30:06.384 / W87:10.088 |
N30:05.906 / W87:10.043 |
N30:06.401 / W87:10.141 |
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N30:05.941 / W87:10.118 |
N30:07.135 / W87:10.357 |
N30:05.976 / W87:10.224 |
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N30:05.293 / W87:09.694 |
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FISH HAVEN SITE
N30:06.010 / W87:07.956
OOPS BARGE N30:13.133 / W87:13.813
The Oops Barge received its name when it sank approximately 8 miles SE of Pensacola Pass, about 2 miles short of its preplanned destination. Depths range 70' - 75’. The wreck holds an impressive amount of marine life, including tropicals.
THREE DECK TUG N30:06.116 / W87:23.589
The "Triple Decker" is known locally by many names including the "50/50 tug", and the "Lipscomb tug". She sits intact on the bottom in 90' of water. Large Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack are all common. Depths range 65-90'.
PC BARGE N30:10.920 / W87:14.030
Deployed in 1990 as an artificial reef approximately 9 miles SSE from Pensacola Pass. Radio Towers were added to this site in 1991. Depth – 80’ Tropicals and Game fish are plentiful.
CATHERINE N30:18.680 / W87:15.920
The Norwegian Bark “Catherine” ran aground and sank off Santa Rosa Island in the early 1900’s. Her remains lie in 15-18’ of water, approxiamtely 300 yards off the beach near Fort Pickens. A fantastic dive site, but not recommended as a shore dive due to tidal surge , rapidly changing conditions and heavy boat traffic.
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HERON / LCM N30:08.185 / W87:13.665 The Tug “Heron” and an LCM Landing Craft were deployed as artificial reefs in 1990. The two wrecks sit upright and side by side, 80’ apart approximately 13 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths 75-95’. Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, Triggerfish, and Jewfish are common residents. Occasional Tuna, Dolphin, Cobia, and Wahoo. |
Before being separated by Hurricane OPAL in 1995, the tug originally and unintentionally rested upside down on top of the LCM.
AVOCET N29:58.401 / W87:12.623
The 250’ long dredge “Avocet” was sunk as an artificial reef in 1991 approximately 21 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. The upper structure of the wreck has been torn off and scattered by hurricanes. Depths range 90-130’. The Avocet's close proximity to the “Edge” often brings in large pelagic fish species such as Wahoo, Dolphin, and Tuna.
THE EDGE
The "Edge" is more an area than a site, and is identified where the bottom drops away sharply toward the DeSoto Canyon. Running from Southwest to Northeast, the bottom along the edge is marked with large limestone and coral formations often creating significant vertical relief. Depths generally range from 150' - 300'. Considered by many as the "gateway" to deep water big game fishing, the area can often be located by the multitude of boats anchored or trolling along the contour. The coordinates provided are rough area boundaries.
N29:53.500 / W87:14.200 - N29:56.500 / W87:07.500
THE NIPPLE N29:51.000 / W87:06.000
Like the Edge, the Nipple is an area that is defined by the bottom contours of the DeSoto Canyon, in this case where the 100 fathom curve reaches it's closest point to land and forms an "arrow" pointing NE. Approximately 31 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass, the area is well known as a favorite big game fishing site, with Blue and White Marlin, Wahoo, Dolphin, and Tuna all common.
Depths - 600'+
ANTERES N30:00.630 / W87:07.749
The 400' long Anteres was sunk in 1995 as an artificial reef 21 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 90-135’. Broken and resting on her port side, the Anteres is home to large schools of Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack as well as Tropicals. Occasional Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, and Cobia.
NAVY BOATS N30:05.309 / W87:09.634
Navy Dive Support ship YDT-14 and her sister ship YDT-15 were sunk as artificial reefs in April of 2000, They both sit upright , 300’ apart approximately 17 mile SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 65-90’. These wrecks quickly became home to an impressive array of marine life, and local favorites for divers.
ARMY TANKS In 1994, a large number of M-48 and M-60 battle tanks were sunk as artificial reefs in various locations. Depths range 80-105’. |
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N30:09.877 / W87:13.930 N30:09.725 / W87:14.100
N30:09.704 / W87:14.169 N30:09.747 / W87:14.334
N30:09.589 / W87:14.108 N30:09.386 / W87:14.000
N30:09.390 / W87:14.249 N30:09.395 / W87:14.360
N30:09.138 / W87:14.079 N30:06.829 / W87:11.804
N30:06.729 / W87:11.782 N30:06.707 / W87:11.586
N30:06.637 / W87:11.576
TENNECO RIG N29:59.761 / W87:05.085
Retired oil rig deployed as an artificial reef in 1982, approximately 22 miles SSE of Pensacola Pass. Depths range 90’-175’. A favorite site for spear fishermen and lobster hunters, the Tenneco Rig attracts the full array of marine life including deep water pelagics and occasionally billfish. Also a favorite training site for technical dive courses.
TIMBER HOLES N30:11.083 / W86:51.578
The “Timber Holes” is a large area of natural limestone ledges which formed around timber standing in prehistoric forests. This site, 24 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass, is home to an incredible variety of marine life, and is a favorite destination for divers seeking lobster. Depths range 100 – 125’
A-7 CORSAIR II 29:58.995 / 87:11.784
The A-7 sits upside down on the bottom, approximately 17 miles South of Pensacola Pass in 110 feet of water. The plane is a favorite site for lobster hunters and spear fishermen.
TBF/M AVENGER 30:05.373 / 87:16.817
Badly damaged by recent hurricanes, the remains of this WWII torpedo bomber lie in 110 feet of water approximately 14 Miles South of Pensacola Pass.
F-6F HELLCAT 30:15.952 / 87:11.129
The broken remains of this Hellcat ( one of many that rest in local waters) lie approximately 7 miles ESE of Pensacola Pass in 70' of water.
PENSACOLA BEACH REEF
The site of the old Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is a very popular site for shore divers and snorkelers. Consisting of concrete rubble and pilings, the site attracts a wide variety of marine life, including tropicals and flounder. Nurse sharks, sea turtles, and large rays are also frequently seen here. An excellent site for training and night dives! The site is located directly in front of the public restroom building approximately 150 yards to the East of the current fishing pier. Depths range 12-24’.
WHISKEY WRECK
The remains of this 19th century ship lie just off the beach in nearby Gulf Shores Alabama. One of the areas more popular shore dives, the wreck is home to a wide range of marine life, and is a favorite location for shell collectors. Depths 15-20'. The wreck can be found approximately 100 yards off the beach, behind "Bahama Bob's" (across from the Ramada Inn in Gulf Shores).
FORT PICKENS JETTIES
The Jetties at Fort Pickens is one of the areas most popular bay side shore dives. The site is located inside the National Park, and is easily reached from the sea wall, just to the west of the fishing pier north of the Fort. The site has been improved with the addition of artificial reef materials including concrete rubble, various pieces of machinery, and vehicles, including a jeep. The site is subject to occasional strong currents, and dives should be planned around the tides.
VORTEX SPRING
One of the most popular fresh water springs in the country, Vortex springs is located approximately 1.5 hours East of Pensacola, a short drive north from exit 96 on interstate 10. Subject to large crowds. The maximum depth is 50' . Entrance Fees apply.
MORRISON SPRINGS
Located approximately 1.5 hours East of Pensacola, a short drive south from exit 96 on Interstate 10. The largest spring in the area, and a favorite for student training. Maximum Depth is 50'. Morrison Springs is now state owned and subject to closure due to state activities and weather. Currently no charge.
THE BIG LIST- You've been asking for years, well now they're here - New GPS Pages are online!
We have posted hundreds of numbers that were used to make the wall chart in the shop (and the one pictured above) - many good , some bad, many unknowns, - you're sure to find new hot spots here.
ALL OF THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN COLLECTED THROUGH VARIOUS SOURCES. NO GUARANTEE IS GIVEN OR IMPLIED AS TO THE ACCURACY OF ANY OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED. IF YOU FIND AN ERROR PLEASE LET US KNOW!
3920 Barrancas Ave
Pensacola, Florida 32507
(850) 455-7702
GPS Coordinates N30:23.393 / W87:16.220
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