The coastal town of Gulf Shores, AL, is an ideal beach vacation destination for many families, offering miles of white sand, tasty restaurants, and a variety of attractions any age can enjoy. One of the most popular of these activities is scuba diving. Whether you’re a novice diver or an experienced navigator, here are the top destinations to visit on your trip. 

Going on a Beach Vacation to Gulf Shores? Visit These Diving Spots

1. The Lulu

To attract marine life for the benefit of the ecosystem and ocean lovers, the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation intentionally sunk a retired freight ship 17 miles off the coast of Orange Beach in 2013. It’s Alabama’s newest artificial reef and ship dive site, and years later, it’s flourishing with life. You’ll be able to explore the entire exterior of the 271-foot long ship, and you’ll see marine life like red snapper, octopus, jellyfish, and royal gramma. Depending on where you depart, the ride out to the dive site is under 2 hours, and it’s shallow enough that it’s accessible to novice divers, making it ideal for a family beach vacation.

2. The Whiskey Wreck

Another popular dive spot is the Whiskey Wreck. Submerged in roughly 25 feet of water, it’s located near an offshore sandbar not far from the coastline. The wrecked ship was an old rum transportation boat from the Prohibition era, so not much is left of the ship besides parts of the hull. However, it’s crowded with marine life, and it’s ideal for both scuba divers and snorkelers to explore. While visibility can be limited due to murky water conditions, it’s a popular night dive site.

3. Poseidon’s Playground

Poseidon’s Playground delivers a truly unique and ethereal experience that beginner and experienced divers alike will enjoy. Another project undertaken by the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation, it features man-made statues designed to attract divers and marine life. Today, the site consists of a table reef with decorative marine life illustrations on it; statues of Apollo, Poseidon, and Venus; a steel abstract sculpture; a rocket; and a pyramid. Located near the Perdido Pass just 3 miles offshore, it’s easily accessible from most beach rental properties, and its depth of 38 feet makes it suitable for even the most inexperienced diver.

The perfect beach vacation starts with an ideal place to stay, so let the team at Sunset Properties make your search easy. Located in Fort Morgan, AL, this locally owned and operated company will connect you with gorgeous beach rental properties on the Gulf Coast that fit your price and location preferences. They’ve been in business since 2001, boasting competitive rates and a team that goes the extra mile for each client. They’ll give recommendations for the best local attractions, whether you’re interested in scuba diving or want to find the best seafood in town. Check out some of their rentals in Gulf Shores online, or call (251) 543-1370 to ask about current promotions and rates.