Dive the world's largest artificial reef off Pensacola's shores, USS Oriskany

The Pensacola Bay Area is known for its rich cultural, historical and natural offerings.  Pristine beaches boasting bright white sand and clean, clear emerald waters create the perfect seaside getaway with year-round festivals, national parks and genuine Southern hospitality adding to the area's appeal. Now, America's first European settlement has another page to add to the history books as it becomes home to the world's largest artificial reef, the USS Oriskany. This retired aircraft carrier was laid to rest 22.5 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass on May 17, 2006. At 888 feet in length and weighing 32,000 tons, this is the largest ship intentionally sunk as an artificial reef and will benefit marine life, sport fishing and recreational diving off the coast of the Florida panhandle.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer visitors and locals one more world-class attraction in an area already boasting 450 years of history at premier historical sites, one of the largest aviation museums in the world, national parks and stunning white-sand beaches," said Ed Schroeder, vice-president of tourism development for the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, a division of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. "This just completes the package as the ultimate destination for outdoor recreation and an ideal Florida vacation."

Already, divers from across the globe have come to the region to dive the retired naval aircraft carrier that served the Navy for 25 years in operations in Korea, Vietnam and the Mediterranean. Early divers have reported the reef is already attracting sea life and expectations are that divers will soon have the chance to swim with Goliath grouper, ocean sunfish, eagle rays and other marine life. The top of her "crown," or her island, glistens through the sparkling gulf waters at about 67 ft. and is so massive that it would take several dives just to see all of it. On a day with good "viz," the top of the island may be seen from the surface. Her seemingly endless flowing flight deck rests calmly at 137 ft., which is considered a technical dive. With visibility commonly 60–100 ft.+ and water temps ranging from the middle 80s in summer to upper 60s in winter, the Oriskany is a great dive any time of year.

"If a diver follows the most basic rules of recreational SCUBA–don't go below 130 ft., stay close to your buddy, return to the surface with 500psi still in your tank–the Oriskany will be a safe dive for all experience levels of certified divers," said Captain Ron Beermunder, Pensacola Dive Company.

It is recommended that all divers ask guides several safety-related questions before choosing a dive company to ensure safety, such as first-aid procedures, experience and certifications.

For more information about the Pensacola Bay Area or the Oriskany, call the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 874-1234 or (850) 434-1234 or go online to www.VisitPensacola.com.