Check out the websites listed. The Down Under Dive Shop is locally owned and makes daily trips in the fastest boat that heads for the dive site. You can call Down Under Dive Shop at 251-968-DIVE (3483). They are PADI 5 Star and a National Geographic Dive Center. Which my son-in-law (the lawyer) says makes for very safe diving. Also ask about other beach or wreck dives. One of the guys’ personal favorites is the Navy Tug Dive that they call "crossroads of the gulf". Lots of marine life! Come on down, the diving is great! So, make your reservations now at Picard Realty Rentals. Remember to ask about any specials we might be offering. Come and enjoy diving or fishing on the largest artificial reef in the world!
The USS Oriskany -- CNN calls it "The Great Carrier Reef” - The "Oriskany" is the largest artificial reef in the world. The "Oriskany” served her country proudly in the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. What is believed to be the first multi-jet aerial dogfight was fought between 4 Panther jets launched from the Oriskany to take on 7 MIGS. All the Panthers returned safely having taken out 2 MIGS and crippling 1 MIG. She was decommissioned in 1976 but the navy had one more mission for the "Oriskany. The navy decided to use her to build the world's largest artificial reef. The best marine demolition teams in the world were used to sink the unsinkable. The "Oriskany" was a top-secret ship so her designs had to be protected. All in all it took 8 months, a quarter ton of explosives and the world's largest non-military exercise to set the "Oriskany" upright to become a haven for fishermen and divers. For the charter boat fisherman the "Oriskany" offers game fish such as amberjack, tuna and Wahoo. Although divers from as far away as Australia, Japan and Russia have come to dive the "Mighty O", there is something exciting for every diver to experience. Click Here for more information about diving the Oriskany |