Pensacola area in June ... dives besides Oriskany

[EAN]

I do want to dive the Big O, but I need to get some deep saltwater dives under my belt first. I thought about getting in some nice non deco deep wreck dives. Are there any "must see" wrecks in the area?

 

[wjefferis]

One of my favorite dives in the area is the navy dive tenders the YDT-14 and YDT-15 which were sunk 300 feet apart. They both sit upright and are just fabulous. The YDT-15 sits about ten feet deeper than the 14. I believe to the sand on the YDT-14 is 95 fsw, with the top of the wheelhouse at 65 fsw. I enjoy this dive better in some respects than the "O" because I always see so many cool things and I get more bottom time to do it in. Here are a few pics of the YDT's:

Another site that I really like is the Avocet. It is a bit deeper with the top of the structure at 90 fsw. This site brings in lots of larger pelagic fish.
You can usually talk captains into doing a Avocet/YDT-14 trip since they are located fairly close to each other. In the past I have used Gary's Gulf Divers (great boat) try giving him a call and set up this dive:

Gary's
Gulf Dive Charters
Orange Beach, Al.
www.garysgulfdivers.com
#251/747-6563​

I may have to join you .

 

[wjefferis]

You can also check out this link to MBT Diver's website that has some more local dive info: Local Dive Sites

 

[EAN]

One of my favorite dives in the area is the navy dive tenders the YDT-14 and YDT-15 which were sunk 300 feet apart. They both sit upright and are just fabulous. The YDT-15 sits about ten feet deeper than the 14. I believe to the sand on the YDT-14 is 95 fsw, with the top of the wheelhouse at 65 fsw. I enjoy this dive better in some respects than the "O" because I always see so many cool things and I get more bottom time to do it in. Here are a few pics of the YDT's:

Another site that I really like is the Avocet. It is a bit deeper with the top of the structure at 90 fsw. This site brings in lots of larger pelagic fish.
You can usually talk captains into doing a Avocet/YDT-14 trip since they are located fairly close to each other. In the past I have used Gary's Gulf Divers (great boat) try giving him a call and set up this dive:

Gary's
Gulf Dive Charters
Orange Beach, Al.
www.garysgulfdivers.com
#251/747-6563​

I may have to join you .

Nice pics. Looks like a great dive. I will have to check that out. I may be the only diver going, so I may end up needing a dive partner or join a small group.

 

[wjefferis]

In June the dive season is in full swing. You won't have a problem filling a boat to make the trip a go. The only thing that could throw a monkey wrech in your plans would be the weather.

 

[EAN]

I've just started using a 450D, but no underwater shots. What type of camera setup are you using to get those great shots?

 

[wjefferis]

I am just using a Sealife DC500 camera with Sealife SL960D strobes.

 

[Dr Dive]

We have over 100 sites to choose from. YDTs are great, as you've seen. Pete Tide, Brass Wreck, Russian Freighter, Bridge Rubble (several sites) if you like seeing lots of fish, the list goes on and on. Give us a call or drop us a note and let us help you get set up with what you need. There are several shops and a number of good operators who can take care of what you need. Look forward to hearing from you.

Capt. Jim
Dr Dive
www.drdive.com
drdive@drdive.com

 

[Hetland]

I've just started using a 450D, but no underwater shots. What type of camera setup are you using to get those great shots?

Be prepared to drop 5-10 grand on the kit if you want to take that 450D underwater I sold mine and spent the money on a G11 and housing

I like the YDT's, Pete Tide, Tug Heron.

I also like Gary's as a charter.


Pete Tide
[vimeo]5146652[/vimeo]

 

[Rescue Diver68]

What is a good vicinity to look for accomodations in Pensacola if diving with MBT?