Beneath the Surface: Discover the World of Diving
Three Ways to Explore the Depths
We offer a range of opportunities for enthusiasts of every level. If you're a novice or want to stick close to the surface, join one of our snorkeling trips, which depart twice a week. To discover what lies underwater near the shoreline, embark on a beach diving excursion. Or, if you want to venture out into deeper waters, sign up for one of our dive charters.
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CALL TODAY
251-968-DIVE (3483)
Snorkeling: Boat Tours and Local Beach Sites
Swing by the shop for dive-quality gear. Masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, and dive flags are available to buy or rent.
Enjoy a morning tour of the Alabama Gulf Coast aboard a professional dive vessel, accompanied by our seasoned team, or explore the easily accessible local lagoon pass and rock jetties on your own. On our 1.5-hour guided adventures to either the Rock Jetties of Perdido Pass or the Turtle Grass Beds behind Robinson Island, you'll have the opportunity to explore the local artificial reef systems and observe a wide array of marine life. Our local waters boast more than 200 species of tropical and game fish – a concentration of life rarely accessible in other areas.
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Come by the shop for local knowledge from our PADI professional divers and all the gear you need for a spectacular day of underwater exploration.
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Trips depart Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 and 11 a.m. Ages 8+
Trip pricing: $50 per person + Rental Gear and Taxes.
Daily snorkel gear rental: $25
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Beach Diving
Our beach diving services offer an exciting way to explore the Gulf of Mexico's beautiful coastal waters. There are a variety of interesting dives accessible from Alabama's shores by a short swim, and they're suitable for all levels of experience. The most popular sites are the Whiskey Wreck and the Perdido Pass Jetties (aka Alabama Point), as well as new artificial reef program sites placed just off the beach for divers to explore!
Expert guides will lead you on a journey to discover the diverse marine life that inhabits the Gulf Coast. We will provide all the gear you need, including tanks and weights. Just give us a call to schedule your guided trip. Pricing starts at $50 plus equipment rentals.
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The Whiskey Wreck
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The Whiskey Wreck is an ideal beach diving opportunity, located just 150 yards offshore, south of the small beach house west of the parking area. This 200-foot rum runner burned and sank in 1906. It sits in 15 to 25 feet of water and is always changing, based on the subtle natural movements of the sandbar. The wreck normally lies just beyond the sandbar, making it easily accessible for beach divers. The current depth is about 14', leaving 4'-6' of the wreck exposed. This is a good "mid-beach" site that is not as affected by the changing tides and currents of the inlets. Divers can also experience the thrill of night diving on the Whiskey, where you can discover new things that might go unnoticed during the day.
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Perdido Pass Jetties at Alabama Point
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The public beach area on the eastern side of Perdido Pass is a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling. This area can be reached by traveling 8.7 miles east of Alabama Hwy 59 and 2.5 miles east of Alabama Hwy 161/Orange Beach Blvd. The beach area covers about 70 acres and has boardwalks that allow visitors to cross sea oat-covered sand dunes to reach the beach.
The beach area provides two parking areas, restrooms, covered picnic areas and outdoor showers. Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the south and Perdido Pass on the west, Alabama Point is an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling when conditions are favorable. For non-divers, the Point is also a great spot for birdwatching, as it is the first station on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Visitors can expect to see herons, egrets, loons, pelicans, and seagulls, along with other shore and wading birds.
The east parking area offers restrooms and a rinse shower. The seawall and jetty on the west side of Perdido Pass are also popular spots for fishing and diving. To get the best conditions, we recommend diving the Pass on an incoming tide, an hour or more before the peak.
Dive Charters
NEAR SHORE DIVE TRIP
2-Tank Dive. Manmade Reefs & Wrecks. 60' to 80' Depths.
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Starting at $115
+ Rental Gear and Taxes
3 MILE – POSEIDON'S PLAYGROUND
1-Tank Dive. Max Depth 40'. Statues and concrete structures for divers.
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$90
+ Rental Gear and Taxes
OFF SHORE DIVE TRIP
2-Tank Dive. Wrecks and Artificial Reefs. 80' to 100' Depths.
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$135
+ Rental Gear and Taxes
ORISKANY AIRCRAFT CARRIER GROUP TRIP
2-Tank Dive. Full Day to World Famous Aircraft Carrier. 8 Pax Required.
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Starting at $220
+ Rental Gear & Taxes
LULU DIVE TRIP
Wreck dive. Trips run every few weeks and can be requested.
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$175
+ Rental Gear & Taxes
NEW VENTURE DIVE TRIP
The New Venture is Alabama's newest artificial reef. Trips run every few weeks and can be requested.
Starting at $200
+ Rental Gear & Taxes
2 Air Tanks: $20
2 Nitrox Tanks: $40
Rental Air PKG: BCD, reg, computer, wetsuit, weight belt, 2 tanks: $85
Rental EANX PKG: BCD, reg, computer, wetsuit, weight belt, 2 EANX tanks: $105
The "Down Under"
Meet the "DOWN UNDER" – a 46’ Newton Dive Special, handpicked as our preferred choice for daily diving excursions. While we also charter other boats, Down Under Dive Shop proudly serves as a booking agent for this custom dive vessel.
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Powered by twin 375 hp turbo diesel engines, it ensures fast runs and quick access to the best offshore dive spots. As a diver's paradise, this boat boasts every amenity you could wish for. You'll find two large dive ladders, ample gear stowage, upper deck seating for relaxation, refreshing freshwater showers, a convenient waterline platform, and not just one, but two camera tables for all the underwater photographers out there. The roomy dive deck provides space to gear up comfortably, while the 72 tank racks cater to all your diving needs.
The USS Oriskany
The USS Oriskany (CV/CVA 34) is a former US Navy aircraft carrier that was purposely sunk about 25 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. At an impressive 888 feet long, 148 feet wide and 129 feet tall, the size of the USS Oriskany is truly awe-inspiring and can only be fully appreciated when diving it.
The ship's eight decks range from the Flight Deck at 146ft to the 011 Tower Deck at 84ft, providing divers with ample exploration opportunities. Recreational divers can make multiple dives at depths shallower than 130ft and still discover new areas on each dive.
PADI-certified dive masters provide a detailed briefing of the dive site and use maps and diagrams to highlight key points of interest to ensure that divers get the most out of their USS Oriskany diving experience. For safety reasons, divers are required to return to the boat with a minimum of 500psi remaining in their tanks and are not permitted to conduct decompression dives.
The LuLu
The LuLu is a state-of-the-art artificial reef located in Alabama, featuring three deck levels for divers to explore. The top of the ship sits at a depth of 60 feet, the main deck level is at 95 feet, and the sand bottom is located at 112-115 feet. The LuLu offers multi-level diving opportunities and easy penetration into the ship's structure.
There are wide open spaces as well as nooks and crannies for marine life to call home. The ship's wheelhouse starts at 60 feet, making it easy to see everything in the vicinity. The area surrounding the LuLu is also home to several army tanks, barges, oil rigs, and limestone reef pyramids that are popular among spearfishermen.
Got questions? We can help.
Please pardon our response times during peak season. We're all hands on deck guiding dives and servicing equipment. We respond to emails within two business days, but you're always welcome to give us a call at 251-968-DIVE (3483).