Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a top vacation destination for those seeking a sunny beach getaway. With miles of pristine beaches and relaxing waters, it’s no wonder why so many travelers flock to this Gulf Coast paradise each year. While there are plenty of traditional beach activities to enjoy, such as sunbathing and swimming, there are also a variety of unique experiences to be had. Two of the most thrilling and immersive Gulf Shores activities are snorkeling and freediving.
If you’re planning a trip to Gulf Shores and staying at one of the many Fort Morgan vacation rentals, here are some places where you can go to add snorkeling and freediving to your list of things to do in Gulf Shores.
Down Under Dive Shop
One of the best companies for scuba diving in Gulf Shores is Down Under Dive Shop. They offer something for everyone, from classes to scuba and snorkeling adventures.
Scuba Classes
The Down Under Dive Shop in Gulf Shores offers a range of scuba diving courses for all levels of expertise. From the Open Water Diver Course to advanced courses like Altitude Diver, Ice Diver, and Wreck Diver, their experienced and certified instructors can help you hone your skills.
They also offer CPR, First Aid, and Coral Reef Conservation courses and specialty courses in underwater photography, navigation, and more. The Open Water Scuba Instructor Course is also available to become instructors.
No matter your diving goals, the Down Under Dive Shop has a course to help you achieve them. With experienced instructors and a commitment to safety, you can trust that you’re in good hands as you explore the underwater world.
Scuba Adventures
To dive at some cool and unique locations, here are some of the best Gulf Shores diving locations.
The Lulu
Scuba Adventures at The LuLu is an exciting and unique diving experience for those looking to explore the underwater world in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The LuLu is the newest artificial reef in the area, and it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for scuba divers of all skill levels.
The LuLu is a sunken freighter with three deck levels for divers to explore. The ship’s top is at a depth of 60 feet, the main deck level is 95 feet, and the sand bottom is 112-115 feet. Despite its depth, the LuLu is within recreational limits, making it accessible to many divers.
According to Scuba Adventures owner Bruce Meyers, the LuLu offers divers a wide range of diving experiences, including multi-level possibilities, easy penetration, and plenty of wide-open spaces. Divers can explore the nooks and crannies of the ship and discover the creatures that call it home.
The USS Oriskany
The USS Oriskany is another popular dive site in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and it offers an unforgettable experience for advanced scuba divers. The Oriskany is a retired aircraft carrier that was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, and it now rests at a depth of around 212 feet.
To reach the Oriskany, divers can board the “DOWN UNDER,” a 46′ Newton Dive Special offering every amenity a diver needs. The boat is powered by twin 375 hp turbo diesel engines, making it fast and efficient. It has two large dive ladders, plenty of gear stowage, upper deck seating, fresh water showers, a waterline platform, two camera tables, a roomy dive deck, and 72 tank racks.
Beach Diving
Several popular areas offer beach driving opportunities, including The Whiskey Wreck, Perdido Pass Jetties at Alabama Point, Orange Beach Snorkeling Reefs, and Little Lagoon Pass Park. Driving on the beach allows you to access areas that may be difficult to reach on foot and offers a fun and adventurous way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. However, it’s important to follow all posted regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit to Fort Morgan by checking out our vacation rental options. From beachfront properties to pet-friendly rentals, we have something for everyone to enjoy a memorable stay.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Gulf Shores is a great option for those looking for a fun and adventurous way to explore the underwater world. The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts an impressive artificial reef system that provides a habitat for various marine life, making it an ideal location for snorkeling.
With professional dive staff, you can rest assured that you’ll receive top-notch training and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The staff will provide a full briefing on proper snorkeling techniques, safety concerns, and information on the local aquatic life.
Red Flag Surf & Dive
Red Flag Surf & Dive is a premier surf and dive shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They offer many services and products for surfers and divers alike. In addition to selling surfboards, wetsuits, and other surfing gear, they also offer surfboard rentals and surf lessons for those who want to ride the waves.
Red Flag Surf & Dive is known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about surfing and diving. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer or diver, they have everything you need to have a great time on the water in Gulf Shores.
Basic Freediver Course
For those looking to try freediving for the first time, the PADI Basic Freediver course is a great place to start. This course is a subset of the full PADI Freediver course designed to help students develop basic freediving skills.
Students will learn fundamental freediving principles during the PADI Basic Freediver course, including safety procedures and proper breathing techniques. The course also includes practice sessions in a pool or confined water site where students focus on building their breath-holding abilities.
To enroll in the PADI Basic Freediver course, students must be 12 years old or older and have adequate swimming skills. Prior experience with snorkeling, skin diving, or freediving is not required, and students should be physically healthy.
Freediver Course
The PADI Freediver course is the perfect option for those looking to take their freediving skills to the next level. This course is designed to help students explore the underwater world on their own terms, using only their own breath to dive deeper and stay longer.
Freediving is a unique and exhilarating experience that requires discipline, control, and inner power. With the PADI Freediver course, students will learn the fundamental principles of freediving, including safety procedures, equalization techniques, and breathing exercises. They will also have the opportunity to practice their skills in the pool and open water under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Advanced Freediver Course
For those looking to take their freediving skills to the next level, the PADI Advanced Freediver course is an excellent choice. This course is designed to help students expand their knowledge of advanced freediving techniques and equipment while refining their water skills.
The PADI Advanced Freediver course has three phases. First, students study advanced freediving techniques and equipment independently using the PADI Freediver TouchTM or with the instructor. In the second phase, students learn stretching and relaxation techniques and refine their static and dynamic apnea in confined water sessions. In the third phase, students practice deeper free immersion, constant weight freedivers in open water, and additional rescue techniques.
Where to Stay
Fort Morgan Property Management has vacation homes that offer a unique and relaxing experience for those visiting Gulf Shores. With various rental options available, from cozy beachfront rentals to spacious luxury homes, there’s something for everyone. And with easy access to nearby attractions and activities, like snorkeling and freediving with Down Under Dive Shop or Red Flag Surf & Dive, our Fort Morgan vacation homes are the perfect home base for your Gulf Shores vacation.