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SS UNITED STATES: History Meets Adventure

Launched in 1952, the SS UNITED STATES shattered transatlantic speed records and became a symbol of American prestige, engineering and innovation.

She is scheduled to begin her second life as the largest artificial reef in the world! She will be purposely sunk 20-21 miles directly south of Destin off Florida’s Emerald Coast. She’s expected to be one of the most significant artificial reefs ever placed. Her funnels have been removed and her decks will sit right at 55-60' - well within recreational dive range for certified scuba divers.

Note: Depth, coordinates, and access rules will be published by the permitting authority. We’ll update this page as milestones are confirmed.

Why Dive with Discovery Dive World?

• Closer Launch = More Bottom Time: We stage from the Niceville/Val-P side to reduce tourist traffic.
• Small Groups, Pro Crew: Veteran Charter Captains, Dive Masters, and Dive Instructors.
• See More with DPVs: Our underwater scooters allow you to see more of her structure with less effort and increased bottom time (DPV cert required).
• Full-Service Shop: Rentals, Air, Nitrox, gear and concierge logistics.
• Flexible Weather Rescheduling: We work with Gulf conditions and your schedule.
• Avelo (Coming Soon): The Emerald Coast’s first Avelo Dive Center - By the end of November 2025!

Charters, DPV Tours & Training

The SS United States is longer than the Titanic! See more of her with our exclusive small-group trips tailored to conditions and diver experience. DPV Certification required - complete the day before. Nitrox (and Advanced Open Water Dive) Certifications recommended to maximize the experience!

DPV Scooter Tours

Add a DPV to explore more hull and superstructure in one day.

• Prerequisites: Open Water minimum; recent Gulf experience recommended.
• DPV Familiarization/Cert: Offered the day before (required if you’re not already certified).

Ask how Avelo’s lighter, integrated system can make your dive day more comfortable. Avelo is the most revolutionary change in scuba diving in the last 40+ years. Avelo is a game chnager! 40% lighter than traditional scuba! Perfect for smaller, lighter divers or those divers with back or knee problems. Feels like freediving!

Book a Charter Reserve a DPV Tour Ask About Avelo

Cheaper, Closer, Easier Stays

Skip tourist traffic and premium pricing. Stay in Niceville/Val-P — 3 minutes from our shop and launch points. Save money and enhance your experience while staying at new, more affordable hotels; easy parking; quick food; zero beach-gridlock.

Your SS UNITED STATES Dive Days

1. Day 1 - Check in at DDW: Gear fit, rentals. Complete Nitrox or DPV training, and briefing based on guest training levels. Arrive earlier for Advanced Open Water Certification!
2. Day 2 - Dive Day! Launch from our dock 3 minutes away.
3. Site Brief: Structure overview, current, navigation tips.
4. Guided Tour:  what fits your team. Complete 2 Tank dives
5. DPV Option: Cover more reef with less effort (cert required).
6. Debrief & Log: Rinse, photos, next-trip planning.

Conservation & Best Practices

Maintain buoyancy, avoid contact, and mind your fin kicks. We brief eco-best practices on every charter so this reef flourishes for decades.

FAQs

Is the SS UNITED STATES already sunk?
Not yet. Approvals are in progress. Deployment timing, location, and depth will be announced by the authorities. We’ll update as milestones finalize.

What certification do I need?
Open Water minimum; recent Gulf experience and Nitrox recommended. DPV tours require prior DPV cert or our familiarization/cert the day before.

Will DPVs make the dive harder?
Properly briefed, DPVs reduce effort and extend range. We keep group sizes small.

Can you help with gear and logistics?
Yes—rentals, air, Nitrox, concierge planning, and a nearby hotel list.

What about weather?
If Gulf conditions shift, we’ll reschedule to the next best window.