The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner in the world, took on her second life yesterday by becoming the world’s largest artificial reef. On 11th November, this stunning vessel was sunk off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Through remediation and renovation, this record-setting vessel will now become a new home for marine life in the area and become a premier diving location along Florida’s northwest coast, adding to the host of destinations in the region where marine adventurers can explore beyond the spectacular beaches.
The Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail includes over 20 sunken ships where visitors can go diving, in areas including Panama City Beach, Pensacola, and Destin, where the SS United States has started its new life. Visitors can use their Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail Passports to learn more about the wreck trail and its inhabitants and track their dives at each location.
Along Florida’s northwest coast, the Panhandle offers a distinctive blend of rich history, Southern charm, local cuisine and stunning white-sand beaches. Often considered one of the state’s hidden gems for travellers looking for a different side of Florida, the region offers visitors even more to explore beneath the surface with shipwreck diving. See below for a selection of the top shipwreck experiences to be found on the Panhandle Shipwreck Trail.
The current largest artificial reef in the world and top 25 U.S Dive Site according to Scuba Diving Magazine, the USS Oriskany, is the first naval warship and largest artificial reef ever to be intentionally sunk in U.S. coastal waters. Built shortly after World War II, the Oriskany is 911 feet in length and could hold up to 80 planes. The “Great Carrier Reef,” as it is known, is located 22 miles off the coast of Pensacola, a city known for its history, charm, wildlife, and bustling downtown, with its hub of restaurants, bars, breweries, and coffee shops. The city’s mix of beautiful beaches and rich culture ensures that visitors will never be bored during their stay and in between their dives.
USS Strength – Panama City Beach
Originally a World War II minesweeper, this iconic vessel is battle proven having seen action in the Pacific. Sunk in 1987, the ship now sits less than 80-feet below sea level, allowing divers to explore and catch a glimpse of the past. The ship is located off the coast of Panama City Beach.
An encapsulation of Florida's northwest coast, Panama City Beach is an eclectic destination famous for its 27 miles of white-sand beaches. Beyond its underwater attractions, the area is also known for its fresh seafood, Southern-style cuisine, Instagram-worthy sunsets and colourful architecture.
The Miss Louise – Destin-Fort Walton Beach
The Miss Louise is an 85-foot-long tugboat only 55-feet below sea level that sits half a mile off the coast of Destin. In between dives, visitors to Destin are encouraged to try the local cuisine. Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and home to the nation's largest charter and commercial fishing fleet, the area is perfect for lovers of fresh fish, with red snapper, tarpon, tuna, and grouper among local favourites.
For more information, including high-res images, please contact:
For more information please contact:
Barry Johnston: Barry@goshpr.co.uk
Itziar Urra: Itzi@goshpr.co.uk
Francesca Phillips: Francesca@goshpr.co.uk
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