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IntermediateBoat entry

USS Massachusetts

Florida, United States
Open Water suggestedVery strong tidal currents rip through the wreckage except at slack tide; sharp steel and partially exposed structure in the surf/surge zone; boat traffic at the mouth of Pensacola Pass; protected archaeological preserve0–9 m depthBoat entryRash guard or 2mm shorty typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

USS Massachusetts at a glance

USS Massachusetts is a intermediate boat dive site in Florida, United States with depths of 0–9.1 m (0–30 ft). The best time to dive is typically Slack high tide on calm summer days; visibility is best with light winds and an incoming Gulf tide.. Divers commonly see Atlantic spadefish, Sheepshead, and Gray snapper. Recent reports put the water around 29°C (85°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 2h ago
0.4 mwaves — under half a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Very strong tidal currents rip through the wreckage except at slack tide; sharp steel and partially exposed structure in the surf/surge zone; boat traffic at the mouth of Pensacola Pass; protected archaeological preserve

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Tue
Sun7:00–20:00
Mon7:00–20:00
Tue7:00–20:00
Wed7:00–20:00
Thu7:00–20:00
Fri7:00–20:00
Sat7:00–20:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:38 · Sunrise 6:04 · Sunset 19:47

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.0 km from site · graded 2h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Loading tide predictions

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Known for: Atlantic spadefish, Sheepshead, Gray snapper
Best time: Slack high tide on calm summer days; visibility is best with light winds and an incoming Gulf tide.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

No seasonal history for this site yet — historical marine data is still being aggregated.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

  • Atlantic spadefishCommonly seen
  • SheepsheadCommonly seen
  • Gray snapperCommonly seen
  • FlounderCommonly seen
  • Southern stingrayOccasionally seen
  • Great barracudaOccasionally seen
  • Sea turtleOccasionally seen
  • Gulf toadfishCommonly seen
  • Red drumOccasionally seen

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Site details

USS Massachusetts (BB-2), launched in 1893 and considered the oldest American battleship still in existence, was used as an artillery target off Pensacola in 1920-21 and settled in about 26 feet of water at the mouth of Pensacola Pass. The 350-foot hulk is now a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve and listed site, with her turrets visible above the surface at low tide. The shallow, sunlit wreckage swarms with marine life, but ripping tidal currents make slack-tide timing mandatory.

boatwreck

Very strong tidal currents rip through the wreckage except at slack tide; sharp steel and partially exposed structure in the surf/surge zone; boat traffic at the mouth of Pensacola Pass; protected archaeological preserve — no artifact removal.

Reviews

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