dive spots from houston to destin

[Knight1989]

Next week I'm going to be driving the wife and kid to houston for a vacation. Since I will be driving back to Destin by myself, I thought I might through my gear and a couple of tanks in the van and do some diving on the way back. So what are some of the good divespots along the gulf coast from Destin/Pensecola to Houston. I dont want to do any boat dives, just something quick, maybe stop for a few hours at a spot and then press back on with the drive.

 

[mike_s]

Once you reach Alabama, you can shore dive at the Whiskey Wreck in Gulf Shores and the Perido Pass in Orange Beach. The Whiskey Wreck is pretty covered in sand though from reoports I've seen on here. The Perdio Pass might be having dredging done also... so it's hit or miss. For both of these sites, I suggest sending a PM to SupRBugMan, the local resident shore diving expert for that area on Scubaboard. He can give you the "low down".

As you reach into Florida you can shore dive at Pensacola at Ft Pickens, however the road is out due to last years hurricane season. But something to keep in mind for the future.

Since you're from Eglin, I'd think you'd know about East Pass in Destin and shore diving there. They are dredging in that area also though. Crystal Beach Pier pilings is a somewhat decent shallow water location, but last time I was in the water there (May 2005) you didn't need scuba gear as it was very shallow compared to other years. (Due to sand off the beach I guess).

Hope that helps. I'll let someone else hit the other states (Louisana, Mississippi, and Texas)

 

[Knight1989]

Thanks Mike, I know a couple of us from work have talked about doing the wiskey wreck someday. I'm really hoping for something farther west from destin area, something thats not so local that I might not get a chance to dive otherwise. But I know while the families away IO'm going to want to do a lot of diving around here to help keep me busy.

 

[RumBum]

If you are interested in lake diving you can go to Twin Lakes south of Houston. That's about the only one I know of.

 

[mike_s]

Thanks Mike, I know a couple of us from work have talked about doing the wiskey wreck someday. .

Check with SupRBugman before you drive over just for the Whiskey Wreck. According to his most recent reports, it's mostly covered with sand after last seasons hurricanes and didn't seem worthwhile.