For experienced divers who think they’ve seen it all, the alluring practice of wreck diving gives them something new to dive right into. This exciting sport combines the thrill of being underwater with the mystery and wonder of below-the-surface wreckage, allowing divers to gain a meaningful experience out of otherwise unreachable ruins.

Are you wondering about diving these wrecks yourself? It’s no easy feat, but in today’s blog, we’ll be looking at the intriguing details (and helpful tips) of this up-and-coming sport.

What wreck diving takes

The things that make wreck diving so exciting—low visibility, intricate passages and an air of mystery—are the same things that make it a challenge for divers. Fortunately, scuba organizations like Scuba Diving International are increasingly providing educational opportunities for interested divers, so that they can better learn essential skills for the sport—air control, guideline use, and more.

There are also different levels of wreck diving—while each requires care and practice, some are less strenuous than others. For example, some dives are meant for divers to move around the top of a wreck, without ever actually entering it—others allow for a bit more exploration into the wreck and its intricacies. 

The allure of an underwater world

With so many unique wrecks and underwater environments to explore, it’s hard to find a reason why a diver wouldn’t be excited to try it! Just like you can get lost in a museum, spending hours exploring its artifacts and intricate details, the same holds true for the treasures below the surface. There may not be placards or tour guides telling you what you’re seeing as you see it, but you still get to experience the awe at seeing something old, untouched, and seemingly impossible. Spots like the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail offer divers a chance to see more wreck sites than one—and they’re just as important to the culture of the area as the dry landmarks are.

A growing practice

The growing popularity of wreck diving is leading to a surprising trend—the intentional sinking of ships. But don’t worry—on-the-water pirate battles aren’t being held to sink these ships! Rather, old, retired or out-of-commission ships are being converted into diving sites to promote tourism, local culture, and a safer diving experience. Intentionally downing ships (like Florida’s USS Oriskany) allows organizers a chance to dispose of hazardous on-board materials and prepare a more accessible (but just as thrilling) diving space.

Have you ever gone wreck diving? Let us know below, and be sure to share your own best tips and stories, too!