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FORT WALTON BEACH SCUBA | MARY ESTHER, FLORIDA
Dive the SS UNITED STATES
Plan for a legendary new Emerald Coast wreck diving destination. Get charter information, prepare with PADI training, and arrange equipment rentals, air, and Nitrox.
SS United States Deployment and Dive Access
The SS United States reef project is moving through deployment and site assessment. Deployment completion does not mean immediate recreational dive access. Official access guidance, weather, and charter schedules will determine when trips can begin. Official SS United States project updates.
Historic Ship. Extraordinary New Dive Site.
Launched in 1952, the SS United States set a record for transatlantic passenger-liner speed and became a symbol of American engineering. At approximately 990 feet long, she is being transformed into the world's largest artificial reef off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast.
The planned site is roughly 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Her enormous profile should make this an unforgettable destination for qualified wreck divers once the reef is assessed and opened for diving.
Why Prepare With Fort Walton Beach Scuba?
- Local dive expertise: Support for visiting and local divers planning Destin and Fort Walton Beach Gulf trips.
- PADI 5 Star Dive Center: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, specialties, and continuing education.
- Charter planning: Learn about available local trips and inquire about future SS United States opportunities.
- Equipment and gases: Scuba rentals, cylinders, air fills, Nitrox fills, and equipment service.
- DPV and Avelo guidance: Ask about training, suitability, and availability; usage is subject to specific charter policies.
Plan Your Wreck Diving Adventure
Dive Charters
Explore current Gulf wreck and reef charters. SS United States availability will be announced separately once authorized and scheduled.
Browse Current ChartersAdvanced Open Water
Develop dive planning, navigation, deep-dive awareness, and buoyancy skills before exploring large offshore wrecks.
Advanced Open Water CourseNitrox & Specialty Training
Explore Enriched Air Nitrox and continuing dive education to prepare for depth-appropriate profiles.
Explore All CoursesScuba Rentals
Travel light with BCDs, regulators, computers, cylinders, and other rental gear. Arrange fitting and pickup in advance.
See Rental Gear & PricesDPV Tours, Air, Nitrox & Equipment Service
At nearly 1,000 feet long, the SS United States will be a remarkable structure to explore. Ask whether DPV training and equipment are appropriate for your experience and the charter's permitted activities. FWB Scuba can also help with fills, rentals, and dive gear preparation.
SS United States Diving FAQ
Can I book an SS United States dive now?
Contact FWB Scuba to express interest. The current charter catalog lists existing trips; an SSUS dive is not confirmed until the site is open and an actual charter date is offered.
Which scuba certifications are recommended?
Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air Nitrox can be helpful for suitable offshore wreck dives. Specific requirements will depend on final site conditions, planned depths, experience, and the charter operator.
Will DPVs or Avelo systems be allowed?
Ask us about training and equipment options. Use on an SSUS charter will depend on the trip operator, your qualifications, and conditions.
Can I rent scuba equipment for the trip?
Yes, rental gear is available by reservation for certified divers and eligible students. Reserve early, especially for sized equipment.
What happens if offshore weather is poor?
Safety decisions and rescheduling policies are determined by the charter operator for each trip.
Get Ready to Dive the Legend
Let us know your certification level, recent dive experience, possible visit dates, and whether you need training, equipment, or Nitrox.
Email FWB Scuba Call 850-716-0867
Fort Walton Beach Scuba
130 W Miracle Strip Pkwy, Unit C
Mary Esther, FL 32569
fortwaltonbeachscuba@gmail.com
