The Lulu being sunk off the shores of Orange Beach.
Slip beneath the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to discover a world unlike any other as you dive to one of the reefs on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. Explore a side that can only be seen under the waves and foam.
Recreational diving in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach got a boost in 2013 when The LuLu, a coastal freighter, was sunk off coast of Orange Beach as an artificial reef. The Lulu is the area’s first purpose-sunk, whole-ship artificial reef for recreational diving. Experienced and novice divers can explore this site just 17 nautical miles south of Perdido Pass in Orange Beach.
For experienced divers, the USS Oriskany, an Essex-class aircraft carrier, is on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico, about 24 miles south-southeast of Pensacola. Divers can easily access this ship to explore. It’s been named one of the Top 10 wreck dives in the world.
Like to beach dive? Near the public beach in Gulf Shores is the Whiskey Wreck, a popular location for beach diving. Night diving near this wreck reveals more than you see in the daytime. Other good places to beach dive include the Perdido Pass Jetties at Alabama Point. To dive the Pass, experts suggest going on an incoming tide, an hour or more before the peak. This beach diving spot is near public beach facilities that include parking, restrooms and a rinse shower.
Gulf Shores dive shops can supply you with equipment, training or a day under the waves. Discover a whole new state of “under the sea” in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on your next diving vacation.