San Pablo
In August of 1944, amid rampant rumors of foreign spies and espionage, San Pablo exploded off Pensacola’s coast, hence her local name “Russian Freighter.” Recently declassified documents reveal that San Pablo was actually destroyed in a top-secret U.S. military operation testing an experimental weapon system.

WHERE TO DIVE:
MBT Divers
PADI Courses: PADI Open Water to Divemaster

Services: Boats operate on a charter basis; six to 16 divers per boat; dives guided by Instructor or Divemaster; nitrox, trimix and rebreathers

Amenities: Largest full-service dive shop in the area; offers charter referral service; shop features artifacts including fossils, Colonial-era Spanish silver coins and antique dive equipment

David Benz

Pensacola, Florida
The "Mighty O" is the largest artificial reef in the world. Built shortly after World War II, the Oriskany served primarily in the Pacific, earning two battle stars for service in the Korean War and 10 battle stars for service in the Vietnam War. USS Oriskany was sunk in 2006, 22 miles south of Pensacola in more than 200 feet of water. The top of the ship is at 80 feet, and the flight deck is at 145 feet. There’s plenty of ship to explore above 100 feet, making this a unique dive for a variety of skill levels.

David Benz

Twin Tugs
The Twin Tugs or FAMI Tugs are a lesson in the power of the sea. Sunk as artificial reefs, the tugs once rested bow to bow joined by a 30-foot tether. A storm picked one boat up and placed it directly on top of the other, allowing divers to enjoy two shipwrecks at once.

David Benz

Panama City Beach, Florida: Black Bart
Spadefish take refuge in Panama City's _Black Bart. T_his offshore oilfield supply vessel was sunk in 1993. You can keep it shallow by swimming through the wheelhouse at 40 feet or traverse the deck at 66 feet, and explore the open cargo holds at 80 feet.

WHERE TO DIVE:
Dive Locker
PADI Courses: PADI Five Star IDC (PADI Open Water to Instructor)

Services: Guided dives by Instructor or Divemaster; nitrox, trimix and rebreathers; two boats, Fintastic and Narcosis, with a max of 17 passengers per boat

Amenities: Divers get juice and snacks on board, as well as a 20 percent student discount if certified through the shop

Jennifer O'Neil

Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail
The wrecks on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail hold both big and small surprises.

WHERE TO DIVE:
Emerald Coast Scuba

PADI Courses: PADI Five Star IDC (PADI Open Water to Instructor)

Services: Guided dives by Instructor or Divemaster with a max of four divers per guide; nitrox; two boats, Aquanaut and The Down Under with a max of 18 or 20 passengers per boat, respectively.

Amenities: PADI course director and owner Anna Schmitz has been teaching since 1984; offers the largest infant, child and adult swimming-lesson program on the Gulf Coast.

Gulf Shores, Alabama: The LuLu
The LuLu is swarmed by schools of fish and swimming through them is amazing. The top of the wreck is about 60 feet from the surface, making it accessible for beginners, but we spend a good deal of the first dive exploring the bow and cargo deck in the 80- to 90-foot range.

WHERE TO DIVE:
Down Under Dive Shop

David Benz