Where is the SS United States artificial reef located?

The SS United States artificial reef will be deployed in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of the Destin East Pass and 32 nautical miles southeast of the Pensacola Pass in Northwest Florida.

SS United States GPS Coordinates

Proposed Deployment Location:

• Latitude: 30° 07.244’N
• Longitude: 86° 46.932’W

The final as-built location may vary by less than 1 mile from these coordinates due to bottom survey results and deployment day conditions, but will remain within 32 nautical miles of Pensacola Pass.

Distance from Major Passes

• From Destin East Pass: Approximately 22 nautical miles southwest
• From Pensacola Pass: Approximately 32 nautical miles southeast

Deployment Timeline

The SS United States is scheduled to be deployed as an artificial reef in early 2026. The 990-foot vessel is currently in Mobile, Alabama, undergoing final remediation and inspection before deployment.

Reef Site Designation

The SS United States will be deployed in Okaloosa County’s Large Area Artificial Reef Site (LAARS C), specifically on the west side of the permitted area.

About the SS United States Artificial Reef

Once deployed, the SS United States will become the world’s largest artificial reef. The historic ocean liner holds the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner, a record it still maintains today.

The vessel measures 990 feet in length, making it significantly larger than the USS Oriskany (888 feet), currently the world’s second-largest artificial reef located off Pensacola.

Diving the SS United States

The reef site was selected to accommodate divers of various skill levels, with depths and clearance requirements suitable for both recreational and technical divers. Specific depth information will be released following the vessel’s deployment and final survey.