Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach Area Diving And Snorkeling

Diving offshore in the Pensacola area has improved greatly since the introduction of the Escambia County Artificial Reef Program in the 1970s. Florida and Alabama are currently the only states that allow private citizens to sink artificial reefs in designated areas. Seven of these permitted areas are offshore of Escambia. This aggressive artificial reef program has fostered a great expansion in marine life in the waters offshore of the Florida Panhandle.

Pensacola’s miles of pristine white sand beaches offer some spectacular dive opportunities for the snorkeler as well as diver. Shipwrecks, natural structures, and artificial reefs are easily accessible from area beaches, permitting virtually every diver to fully enjoy the beautiful diving that the Pensacola area offers. Typical depths range from 12 - 25 feet.

Pensacola has been an active port since the 1600’s, and has accumulated an impressive collection of historic shipwrecks, with more being discovered every year. Divable wrecks, including some wooden hulled vessels dating back to pre-revolutionary war era, can be found in as little as 15 feet of water, or you can visit wrecks as deep as 180′.

Pensacola also offers what is possibly the greatest collection of sunken aircraft to be found anywhere. Virtually every carrier aircraft flown by the Navy is represented, with some dating back to before WWII. Some of the more notable planes to be seen include: F-6 Hellcat, F-8-F Bearcat, F4U Corsair, TBF/M Avenger, A7 Corsair II, T-34 Mentor, and AD Skyraider. Depths range from 60 to 130 feet.