Explore Alabama’s New Venture Artificial Reef: A Premier Dive Adventure in Gulf Shores
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7 hours (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical health with strong swimming skills and prior diving experience, especially with wreck environments.
Overview
Discover Alabama’s newest artificial reef on the New Venture Dive Trip in Gulf Shores. Two exciting wreck dives and a hot dog cookout make for an unforgettable day of underwater exploration and coastal camaraderie.
New Venture Dive Trip
Trips run every few weeks and can be requested.
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Dive into adventure at Alabama's newest artificial reef, The New Venture! Designed for experienced divers, this thrilling experience includes two dives on a captivating wreck and a delicious hot dog cookout. With a full day of exploration from 8:30 to 3:30, it's an unforgettable underwater journey.
Rates
- Starting at $200
About:
- The New Venture is Alabama's newest artificial reef. This wreck is for Advanced Open Water divers with at least 20 logged dives, one of which must be from a boat to a depth of greater than 60 feet in the last year. We do two dives on the wreck and cook hot dogs! It's a long day: approximately 8:30-3:30, but totally worth it.
Adventure Tips
Check your certification level
Ensure you have the necessary advanced or wreck diving certification before booking this trip.
Bring a dive light
A dive light helps illuminate the wreck’s interior where natural light is limited.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and after diving to prevent dehydration in the coastal sun.
Listen to the briefing
Pay close attention to the pre-dive safety briefing for navigation and emergency procedures.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Southern stingray
- Goliath grouper
History
The New Venture wreck was intentionally sunk in 2019 to create Alabama’s newest artificial reef, enhancing marine habitats while offering a thrilling dive site.
Conservation
The reef supports local conservation efforts by promoting marine biodiversity and providing diver education on protecting underwater ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Gulf Shores
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Certified scuba gear
Full scuba setup is necessary to safely explore the wreck and surrounding reef.
summer specific
Dive light
Helps illuminate dark sections inside the wreck for better visibility.
Exposure suit (wetsuit)
Protects against cooler water temperatures and potential abrasions on the wreck.
summer specific
Surface marker buoy (SMB)
Important for signaling your position to the boat during ascent and surface intervals.