Popularly dubbed the "Great Carrier Reef", the USS Oriskany is the sole aircraft carrier accessible for most scuba divers and is definitely a must see for any scuba divers visiting the Florida panhandle.
Nearly all divers will suggest doing a little bit of research into the ship's history for both a more rewarding experience as well as to develop a dive plan.
Many divers have commented that the dive is more challenging than they originally thought.
Because of the currents circulating in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the enormous size of the reef, diving the Oriskany is a challenging and deep dive.
The best journey is between 120 and 130 feet over the flight deck.
Divers have the opportunity to see many types of fish indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico, including amberjack, snapper, grouper, sharks and even barracuda.
Dolphins are also seen fairly frequently.
In addition, the dive site is used as a training site for technical divers, and offers the ability to train with air, nitrox and trimix.
Although the Gulf Coast has been assaulted by a few hurricanes over the last few years, "The Mighty O" has fared very well.
Hurricane Gustav (2008) gave her a tiny starboard slope and sunk her into the sand about eight feet.
Tropical storm Ida (2009) created a 10 x 52 foot gap between the funnels and the Flight Deck.
This "gap" has created a safe and appealing swim-through for experienced and beginning divers alike.
There are many Pensacola based companies to choose from which coordinate dive trips to the USS Oriskany.
Most of the dive companies mandate that divers bring the following equipment to the dive: whistle, safety sausage, dive computer or tablet, gloves, watch, and pressure gauge.
Open water divers lacking deep water or advanced certification will be required to dive with a dive master/guide.
Advanced divers must have completed two logged dives below 80 feet in the last year to dive solo.
Be sure to take all your certifications with you.
Most divers are amazed at the sheer quantity of sea life wandering around the reef, as well as the thrilling challenge of reaching the flight deck and exploring the rooms of the ship.
If you're looking for a wonderful and unique dive opportunity that will challenge and stimulate divers of all skill levels, pack your wetsuit and enlist a good dive company to see the "Mighty O".
Nearly all divers will suggest doing a little bit of research into the ship's history for both a more rewarding experience as well as to develop a dive plan.
Many divers have commented that the dive is more challenging than they originally thought.
Because of the currents circulating in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the enormous size of the reef, diving the Oriskany is a challenging and deep dive.
The best journey is between 120 and 130 feet over the flight deck.
Divers have the opportunity to see many types of fish indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico, including amberjack, snapper, grouper, sharks and even barracuda.
Dolphins are also seen fairly frequently.
In addition, the dive site is used as a training site for technical divers, and offers the ability to train with air, nitrox and trimix.
Although the Gulf Coast has been assaulted by a few hurricanes over the last few years, "The Mighty O" has fared very well.
Hurricane Gustav (2008) gave her a tiny starboard slope and sunk her into the sand about eight feet.
Tropical storm Ida (2009) created a 10 x 52 foot gap between the funnels and the Flight Deck.
This "gap" has created a safe and appealing swim-through for experienced and beginning divers alike.
There are many Pensacola based companies to choose from which coordinate dive trips to the USS Oriskany.
Most of the dive companies mandate that divers bring the following equipment to the dive: whistle, safety sausage, dive computer or tablet, gloves, watch, and pressure gauge.
Open water divers lacking deep water or advanced certification will be required to dive with a dive master/guide.
Advanced divers must have completed two logged dives below 80 feet in the last year to dive solo.
Be sure to take all your certifications with you.
Most divers are amazed at the sheer quantity of sea life wandering around the reef, as well as the thrilling challenge of reaching the flight deck and exploring the rooms of the ship.
If you're looking for a wonderful and unique dive opportunity that will challenge and stimulate divers of all skill levels, pack your wetsuit and enlist a good dive company to see the "Mighty O".
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