Do I need special certification to join?

Yes — Deep and Nitrox certifications are required for this specialty 130-foot charter; bring your certification cards.

Is dive insurance mandatory?

Yes — dive insurance is required for all divers and will be checked at boarding.

Can I rent gear if I don’t own equipment?

Yes — Deep South Scuba offers rentals; call 601-957-3483 in advance to reserve the gear you need.

What time and where do we meet?

Meet at H2O Below Dive Charters - 10121 Sinton Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507 at 7:45 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. departure.

What food or drink is provided?

Down Under provides bottled water and grilled hot dogs; bring extra snacks and any specialty food you prefer.

What happens if weather cancels the trip?

The operator will prioritize safety and offer rescheduling when possible; confirm on the morning of the charter.

130-Foot-Gulf-Dives-Nitrox-Charter-Orange-Beach

Orange Beach, Alabama sits on the central Gulf Coast where warm water, barrier islands and offshore reefs shape the dive landscape. On August 30, 2026 Deep South Scuba is running a specialty charter from H2O Below Dive Charters - 10121 Sinton Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507 that targets deep ledges down to 130 feet for certified divers. Meet at 7:45 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. departure; the charter returns the same day but you should plan to stay in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores the night before to avoid an early drive. This trip is built for divers who hold Deep and Nitrox certifications, and dive insurance is required for every participant. Skippers run efficient routes to limestone outcrops, hardbottom ledges and purpose-sunk reef structures where goliath grouper, amberjack, snapper and schooling pelagics congregate. Expect variable visibility—often 20 to 60 feet—thermoclines and quicker currents at depth; Nitrox fills help maximize bottom time while conservative profiles and surface support maintain safety. Down Under provides bottled water and grilled hot dogs; bring extra snacks, sunscreen, towel and your certification card. A typical boarding includes a pre-dive briefing, buddy checks, gear stow and two dives from a boat capped at 18 passengers to keep operations smooth. Required items include a full SCUBA system, dive computer and a surface marker buoy; dive lights and gloves are highly recommended for inspecting crevices and wreck features at depth. If you need equipment Deep South Scuba can rent gear—call 601-957-3483 to reserve items in advance. Plan on a six- to eight-hour window for the trip including transit; weather and sea state can alter schedules so confirm the morning of the charter. Photographers should use strong strobes and wide-angle lenses for reef scenes and macro setups for nudibranchs and small crustaceans in crevices. This charter is a standout because it opens access to deeper Gulf sites that concentrate larger species and provide varied underwater topography uncommon in shallow shore dives. Minimum age is 15; accommodations are not included and the operator recommends arriving the evening before; proof of certification and dive insurance are checked at boarding. For last-minute questions, rescheduling or rentals call Deep South Scuba at 601-957-3483 and communicate with the shop to keep your booking aligned with sea and weather conditions. Local captains often point out shallow wrecks and artificial reef blocks en route, and brief cultural notes cover the Gulf’s commercial fishing history and reef restoration efforts. The area’s limestone bedrock and sand channels make for sudden drop-offs that reward experienced deep divers with rich biodiversity. This is not a training dive—maintain conservative profiles, log limits and dive with a familiar buddy team. The trip’s small group format and experienced crew make deep Gulf diving approachable.