Trips run every few weeks and can be requested.
Take a full-day boat dive off Gulf Shores to explore the New Venture, Alabama’s newest artificial wreck reef. Two deep dives, abundant fish life, and a relaxed on-deck cookout make this a memorable trip for advanced divers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 Hours
Fitness Level
Be in solid recreational-diver condition: able to carry gear, perform surface swims, and manage repetitive deep dives.
Wildlife
History
The wreck is part of Alabama's artificial-reef program, where decommissioned vessels are prepared and sunk to build marine habitat and recreational dive sites.
Conservation
Practice strict buoyancy and no-take rules: artificial reefs rely on divers to avoid disturbing growth and to leave artifacts in place.
The Dive Boat Down Under
Trips run every few weeks and can be requested.
The Dive Boat Down Under is a dive operator based in Orange Beach, Alabama, offering guided snorkeling and scuba trips on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
The operation runs a fully equipped 46' dive vessel, the Newton Dive Special, and also operates the DOWN UNDER boat for near-shore adventures. Expert guides lead guests to vibrant reefs, wrecks, and shallow training sites including Poseidon's Playground, Robinson Island turtle grass beds, and artificial reefs such as the 3-mile barge and Atlantis wreck.
Trips range from short snorkel excursions to full-day offshore wreck dives, including specialty trips to the Oriskany aircraft carrier group for advanced certified divers. Standard offerings include a Snorkel Trip, 3 Mile — Poseidon's Playground, Near Shore Dive Trip, Off Shore Dive Trip, New Venture Dive Trip, and the Oriskany Aircraft Carrier Group Trip. All trips provide dive gear and on-board amenities appropriate to each itinerary; select trips include water and a hot dog lunch.
Safety and comfort are emphasized through experienced guides, proper dive briefings, and vessel readiness for both novice and advanced divers. The Dive Boat Down Under focuses on accessible training sites for beginners as well as deeper wreck exploration for certified divers. Operating from Orange Beach provides easy access to Perdido Pass, nearby jetties, and multiple artificial reefs along the Alabama coast. The business is positioned to serve snorkelers, beginner trainees, and experienced wreck divers seeking guided, equipment-supported trips in the Gulf of Mexico. Booking details, schedules, and pricing are available by contacting the operator directly today.
Location
Orange Beach, AL
Launches near Perdido Pass
Vessel Size
46' Newton
Fully equipped dive platform
Trips Offered
6
Snorkel to offshore wrecks
Included
Gear & Lunch
Dive gear; select trips include lunch
Reserve a spot on a 46' dive vessel or the DOWN UNDER boat for reef snorkeling, training dives, or offshore wreck exploration — contact the operator for schedules and gear info.
Certifications and logs
Bring proof of Advanced Open Water certification and a logbook showing at least 20 dives, including a recent deep boat dive.
Plan for a long day
Expect an 8-hour outing with early check-in; bring water, sea-sickness remedies, and layered clothing for changing conditions.
Redundant gear
Carry a backup air source and redundant depth/gas monitoring because dives approach and exceed sixty feet.
Surface signaling
Pack an SMB and whistle for surface safety during drift or low-visibility exits; signal devices are required on many charter boats.
Dive computer
Tracks depth and no-decompression limits for two deep dives and helps manage multi-dive profiles.
Redundant air source (pony bottle or octo)
Provides emergency breathing gas during deeper boat dives where assistance may be seconds away.
Surface marker buoy (SMB) and reel
Improves visibility to the boat during ascents and is required for many wreck drift profiles.
Dry bag and waterproof phone case
Keeps spare clothes, documents, and electronics safe from spray during transit and surface intervals.