Below the Surface: Freediving Wrecks and Oil Rigs off Orange Beach
All ages • Up to 6 Passengers • Great for small groups!
The boat rocks like a heartbeat as you clip your weight belt into place. Salt stings the corner of your mouth, not unpleasant but immediate; the Gulf smells oily and clean at once, a metallic tang that promises life below. Off Orange Beach, the sea isn’t an empty blue — it’s a three-dimensional museum of wrecks, artificial reefs and nearshore oil rigs, each structure colonized by sponges, amberjacks and schools of snapper. This is where the practiced patience of freediving meets the quick, precise action of spearfishing. This is Offshore Spearfishing.
Trail Wisdom
Buddy System Is Mandatory
Always dive with your assigned buddy and review surface signals with the crew before entering the water.
Flag and Float
Use a dive float and flag so the boat and other watercraft can see your position while you’re submerged.
Conserve Your Breath
Rest, breathe deeply before dives, and avoid rushed descents to extend bottom time and reduce risk.
Know Regulations
Check state bag limits and size rules for snapper, grouper, amberjack and any seasonal closures.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Perdido Pass sandbars for morning calm and sighting dolphins
- •Smaller artificial reef clusters closer to shore that concentrate snapper schools
Wildlife
Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Bottlenose Dolphin
Conservation Note
Follow local bag limits, avoid spearing protected species,and remove all tackle or debris; many local groups support reef monitoring and cleanups.
Wrecks and artificial reefs off Alabama reflect decades of coastal industry and intentional reef-building to support fisheries.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Calmer seas for beginners, Emerging bait schools
Challenges: Cooler water temps, Unpredictable spring storms
Spring brings transition conditions — mornings can be calm, but wind and fronts will pick up; suit accordingly.
summer
Best for: Warmer water and longer days, Peak schooling of snapper and jacks
Challenges: Stronger midday storms, Higher boat traffic
Summer is the most accessible season for freediving; expect warm water but plan early starts to avoid afternoon chop.
fall
Best for: Clearer water after summer plankton blooms, Good predator activity
Challenges: Occasional cold fronts, Hurricane season linger
Fall often offers the clearest visibility and excellent feeding behavior, but monitor tropical weather.
winter
Best for: Quiet marinas and fewer crowds, Opportunities for larger game on rare warm days
Challenges: Cool water requiring thicker suits, Shorter daylight hours
Winter dives are for well-equipped divers; surface intervals feel colder and days are shorter.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Low-Volume MaskEssential
Reduces equalization effort and improves visibility at depth.
Long Blade Freediving FinsEssential
Provide efficient propulsion for deeper, quieter dives.
Dive Float with FlagEssential
Marks your position to the boat and protects you from other vessels.
Wetsuit (2–5 mm depending on season)Essential
Keeps you warm during surface intervals and protects from scrapes on structure.
Common Questions
Do I need prior freediving experience?
Basic comfort with breath-hold diving is recommended; charters accept beginners but will brief safety and pair you with experienced buddies.
Is a fishing license required?
Yes — check the Alabama saltwater fishing license requirements and any federal regulations for species you target.
Can I keep what I catch?
You may, within state and federal bag and size limits; the captain will advise on legal take and handling.
How cold does the water get?
Winter water temperatures can drop enough to require a 4–5 mm wetsuit; summer water is comfortably warm for thin suits.
How many dives can I expect on a four-hour charter?
Expect multiple short dives: several 30–90 second freedives per site with surface intervals, totaling a handful of productive drops.
Are oil rigs legal to fish around?
Yes for the most part, but some zones are restricted; your captain will navigate approved areas and brief any site-specific rules.
What to Pack
Mask and snorkel (low-volume mask to reduce equalization effort), long-blade freediving fins (more efficient kicks), dive float with flag (safety and visibility), light wetsuit (temperature protection and abrasion resistance)
Did You Know
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages artificial reef programs and works with local groups to enhance offshore fish habitat.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Pensacola (PNS) for the shortest drive; book morning charters to avoid afternoon winds; bring a dry bag for electronics; check state fishing rules before you go
Local Flavor
After a day on the water, head to Orange Beach for Gulf seafood — eateries like The Gulf and the Flora-Bama offer fresh catch and a communal vibe; look for locally run fish houses and oyster bars to sample regional flavors.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Pensacola International Airport (PNS) ~45–60 minutes; Driving from Orange Beach marina: 0–30 minutes depending on launch point; Cell service: reliable nearshore but intermittent offshore; Permits: Alabama saltwater fishing license recommended—confirm seasonal closures and bag limits.
Sustainability Note
Respect bag limits and size restrictions, avoid shooting protected species, and pack out all trash; these practices help keep reef communities healthy and productive.