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 an intermediate boat dive site in Florida, United States with depths of 0–9.1 m (0–30 ft). Typically most favorable Jul–Aug · from 2 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Sheepshead, Atlantic spadefish, and Southern stingray. Recent reports put the water around 30°C (87°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 14h ago

0.6 mwaves — under 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: Sun

Fri10:00–19:00

Sat7:00–19:00

Sun7:00–19:00

Mon7:00–19:00

Tue7:00–19:00

Wed7:00–19:00

Thu7:00–19:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:07 · Sunrise 6:31 · Sunset 18:59

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.0 km from site · graded 14h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

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.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Sheepshead, Atlantic spadefish, Flounder

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

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan90% 0.9 m
Feb96% 0.7 m
Mar87% 0.9 m
Apr85% 0.9 m
May97% 0.8 m
Jun95% 0.7 m
Jul100% 0.5 m
Aug100% 0.5 m
Sep95% 0.7 m
Oct97% 0.8 m
Nov88% 0.9 m
Dec97% 0.8 m

July and August havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 1 year of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

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

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

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

MBT Divers11.2 km
Air fillsRentals
+1-850-455-7702 mbtdivers.com
Report a fix
Scuba Shack15.4 km
Report a fix
Bay Breeze Dive Center15.5 km
baybreezescuba.com
Report a fix

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

Data updated June 2026

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.

How deep is USS Massachusetts?

USS Massachusetts ranges from 0 to 9.1 metres deep (0–30 feet) — a shallow dive. It is a saltwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is USS Massachusetts a shore dive or a boat dive?

USS Massachusetts is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. The site is recorded as tide-dependent (slack tide only), so check local tide tables when planning your entry. The entry area is recorded as exposed to surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive USS Massachusetts?

USS Massachusetts is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 0 to 9.1 metres (0–30 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive USS Massachusetts?

Slack high tide on calm summer days; visibility is best with light winds and an incoming Gulf tide. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at USS Massachusetts?

Divers at USS Massachusetts in United States commonly report sightings of Sheepshead, Atlantic spadefish, Southern stingray, Flounder, and Great barracuda. Sheepshead, Atlantic spadefish, and Flounder are recorded as common sightings, while Southern stingray and Great barracuda are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at USS Massachusetts?

Reviews

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