Alabama Artificial Reef Zone

Alabama Artificial Reef Zone encompasses one of the most extensive and productive artificial reef programs in the United States featuring over two hundred permi...

Alabama Gulf Coast cuisine features outstanding fresh seafood from local fishing fleets. Gulf shrimp, oysters, and blue crab are prepared in Southern style. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have waterfront restaurants serving fresh catches. Royal red shrimp from deep Gulf waters are a regional specialty found nowhere else. The region also features excellent seafood festivals throughout the year celebrating local catches and cooking traditions. Fresh bluefin tuna from deep Gulf waters appears on upscale menus alongside classic Southern desserts.

The Wharf Hotel

Turquoise Place

Island Winds East

Beach Colony Resort

Alabama's Gulf Coast offers surprisingly diverse diving with extensive artificial reefs, the USS Alabama battleship area wrecks, and productive natural reef systems. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores serve as gateways to over 1,200 permitted artificial reef sites including the USS Oriskany companion vessels, concrete structures, and sunken ships. The artificial reef program is one of the most active in the United States creating extraordinary fish density. Natural reefs at 20 to 40 meters support red snapper, amberjack, and grouper. The continental shelf edge provides advanced diving with pelagic encounters including manta rays and whale sharks seasonally. Perdido Key and Dauphin Island offer additional access points with shallow reefs and jetty diving.

Alabama – Gulf Coast

Optimal conditions with excellent visibility.

Reduced visibility or challenging conditions.

Fly into the nearest regional airport and arrange ground transport. Local dive operators provide boat access to offshore sites.

Where to Stay in Alabama – Gulf Coast

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Featured Hotels & Resorts

The Wharf Hotel

Turquoise Place

Island Winds East

Beach Colony Resort