2025 Wreck & Bridge Span Dive Review: An Honest Look

You know, there’s always a lot of chatter around the new dive sites that open up each season. Frankly, some of them are just okay, while others are truly something special. The 2025 Wreck and Bridge Span Dive, as a matter of fact, falls into that second group. I heard about this new site a few months back and, to be honest, I was really curious about the whole concept. It’s not often you get a purpose-sunk naval ship placed right next to a collapsed section of a historic coastal bridge, so you could say my interest was piqued. The whole idea felt a bit like an underwater theme park created by Mother Nature and human history working together, which, honestly, is a pretty cool combination for any certified diver looking for a different kind of bottom time. So, I obviously had to book a trip and see what it was all about for myself.

The morning of the dive was, you know, just perfect. It was one of those days where the sea is almost completely flat and the sun isn’t too aggressive yet. Basically, the boat ride out was smooth, and the anticipation on the deck was almost something you could feel. Our divemaster, a fellow named Captain Sal, gave a really thorough briefing, which, at the end of the day, is what you always want to hear. He explained that the wreck, the USS Courage, and the bridge span, from the old Pelican Causeway, sit at about ninety feet, meaning it’s definitely a dive for folks with a little more experience. As we all geared up, you could tell everyone was, in a way, picturing what we were about to see. Seriously, that feeling before you roll backward into the blue is one of the best parts of diving.

The Descent into History: Exploring the USS Courage

Okay, so dropping down the line was a pretty standard start. The water was, like, a beautiful deep blue, with visibility that was really decent, probably around seventy feet. Then, you know, the wreck started to take shape below us. At first, it’s just this dark, massive shadow, and then, as a matter of fact, details begin to pop. The USS Courage is a retired destroyer, and frankly, its size is the first thing that hits you. It rests upright on the sandy bottom, which makes for a picture-perfect orientation dive. It’s almost like the ship is still on patrol, just in a much quieter, wetter environment. As you get closer, you see that the years underwater have already begun to transform it into an artificial reef full of life; for more information about its current state, you can check out these details. I spent a little time just hovering off the bow, trying to take it all in before starting my exploration.

Moving along the port side, the ship’s superstructure is, basically, amazing. You can still clearly make out the bridge and the communications tower, which are now completely covered in a thin layer of coral and algae. A big school of silvery jack fish, you know, swirled around the tower in a synchronized pattern, which was honestly hypnotic to watch. I poked my dive light into a few of the open portholes, just to see what might be hiding inside, but I didn’t actually go in. Penetration here is possible for those with the right training, but for a first visit, staying on the outside is really more than enough to see. You can swim over the empty gun mounts and just imagine what this ship was like in its prime. It’s a very humbling experience, at the end of the day, to be next to something so powerful and now so silent. Seeing it firsthand really offers a profound look into its past.

My favorite part of the wreck, I think, was the stern. The huge twin propellers are still there, and they are, to be honest, massive. They’re sort of a magnet for marine life. A very large green moray eel was just hanging out in the space between one of the propeller blades and the rudder, its head sticking out as it watched the divers pass by. You could also see the ship’s name, ‘Courage’, which is a little faded but still legible on the hull, a kind of ghostly reminder of its former identity. It’s almost like the ship has a personality, and exploring it feels like you’re sort of reading chapters from its life story. Floating there, you really get a sense of history, and it’s something a picture can’t quite capture. These underwater historical sites provide a unique opportunity for exploration that you don’t find everywhere.

A Ghostly Highway: The Old Pelican Bridge Span

So, after about fifteen minutes on the wreck, our guide signaled for us to move towards the second feature of the dive. A thick guideline, you know, connects the stern of the USS Courage to the bridge section, making the navigation really simple. The swim takes just a couple of minutes, and it’s a very cool transition. You leave the sharp, metallic lines of the ship behind and start to see these big, blocky, concrete shapes emerge from the haze. This is, basically, the remnant of the old Pelican Causeway bridge, which was damaged in a storm decades ago and later sunk here as part of the same artificial reef project. The contrast between the two structures is, frankly, stark and what makes this dive so different from others you might find detailed in various diving guides.

The bridge section is not just one piece; it’s more or less a collection of giant concrete pillars, support beams, and chunks of the old roadbed all jumbled together. It honestly feels like you’re swimming through the ruins of some ancient, forgotten city. The rebar sticks out in places, twisted and bent, looking almost like strange, rusty vines. Unlike the relatively smooth surfaces of the ship, the bridge’s rough concrete is just an incredible habitat for corals and sponges. There are, you know, vibrant orange and purple sponges everywhere, creating these amazing splashes of color against the gray concrete. It’s a very different vibe from the wreck—a little more chaotic and arguably more organic feeling, since nature has really taken over completely. Investigating these unique underwater formations is an exciting part of the adventure.

What I found really neat about the bridge section was all the little nooks and crannies it created. This place, as a matter of fact, is like a luxury apartment building for fish. Schools of snapper and grunts were just hanging out in the shadows under a huge slab of roadway. I spotted at least three different species of angelfish, including a stunning queen angelfish, picking at the sponges on the pillars. And under one of the main support beams, just chilling on the sand, was an absolutely huge Goliath Grouper. Seriously, this fish was the size of a small car, and it just looked at us with this slow, unimpressed curiosity. It’s those kinds of encounters that, at the end of the day, you talk about on the boat ride home. You can find more about the local marine population in resources that discuss these remarkable creatures.

What You’ll See: Marine Life and Photo Opportunities

Okay, let’s get down to it, because what you really want to know is what you’re going to see. This dive, to be honest, is teeming with life. It’s a real showcase of how quickly a well-placed artificial reef can become a thriving ecosystem. Both the wreck and the bridge span offer slightly different habitats, so you kind of get two different critter-spotting experiences in one dive. The ship seems to attract more of the big, pelagic species that like open water, while the bridge is a bit of a macro-paradise if you look closely. Photographers, you know, will absolutely have a field day here, but even if you’re just there to look, it’s honestly spectacular. Preparing for your dive by looking at what to expect can be helpful, and some people find useful guides online.

In terms of fish, the sheer numbers are really impressive. On the wreck, you can pretty much count on seeing large schools of amberjack and barracuda circling high above the superstructure. It’s very common to spot a loggerhead turtle or two, either swimming lazily by or resting on the ship’s deck. The bridge structure, on the other hand, is like a busy neighborhood. Seriously, every little hole has something living in it, from arrow crabs and banded coral shrimp to tiny blennies peeking out. And of course, there’s the resident Goliath Grouper, which is almost always there. Frankly, this is one of the main attractions for many divers. Knowing about these potential wildlife sightings makes the planning more exciting.

For the underwater photographers out there, this site presents some really fantastic opportunities. You will definitely want a wide-angle lens, as a matter of fact. Capturing the scale of the USS Courage or a wide shot of the bridge ruins just isn’t possible without one. The way the light filters down and creates beams through the openings in the wreck is, like, a dream composition just waiting to happen. The bridge offers different challenges and rewards; you know, you can play with the textures of the concrete and the bright colors of the sponges.

Basically, my advice is to decide beforehand if you’re going for big, epic shots of the structures or tighter shots of the life that has made a home there, because you’ll run out of bottom time before you can do it all. Getting some tips on camera settings beforehand is a pretty smart idea.

Practical Tips for Your Wreck and Bridge Dive

Alright, so if you’re thinking about doing this dive, there are a few practical things you should probably know. First off, this isn’t a beginner dive. Most charters will, you know, require you to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification, and that’s for a good reason. The maximum depth is around 90-100 feet, which means your no-decompression limits are a real factor. Frankly, I would strongly recommend being Nitrox certified as well. Using a higher oxygen mix will, at the end of the day, give you a little more valuable bottom time to properly see both the wreck and the bridge without feeling rushed. Making sure you meet the necessary certification levels is step one.

When it comes to gear, there are a few items that are more or less essential for this type of dive.

1. A Good Dive Computer: This is, like, a non-negotiable. You really need to be able to monitor your depth, time, and nitrogen loading accurately.
2. A Dive Light: Honestly, even on a bright day, the interior spaces of the wreck and the shadowed areas under the bridge can be quite dark. A good light will help you peek into those spaces and see the amazing colors of the sponges.
3. A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): You will, as a matter of fact, be doing a blue-water safety stop, so having an SMB to deploy is a standard safety procedure. Many charters even require you have one.

Following these gear recommendations can really improve your experience.

Finally, choosing the right dive charter is just as important as having the right gear. You’ll want to go with an operator that has a reputation for safety and professionalism. Look for charters that keep their group sizes small and have experienced guides who are familiar with the site. The best time of year to do this dive is typically late spring or early fall. The water is still warm, you know, but the summer crowds have thinned out a bit, and visibility is often at its best. So, just do a little research, pick a good outfit, and you will have a much better and safer time. Many travelers rely on reviews and testimonials to make their choice.

My Honest Take: Is This Dive Right for You?

So, at the end of the day, what’s the final word on the 2025 Wreck and Bridge Span Dive? For me, it was absolutely worth it. It’s one of the most interesting and varied dives I’ve done in a long time, to be honest. I’ve been on a lot of wrecks and I’ve been on a lot of reef dives, but getting both in one package, with such different structures, is really unique. The contrast between the purposeful, martial form of the USS Courage and the chaotic, organic ruin of the bridge span is just fascinating. If you’re a diver who gets a kick out of seeing how nature reclaims man-made objects, you will, you know, love this place. This dive truly is a perfect example of a premier underwater attraction.

That said, this dive obviously isn’t for everyone. If you’re a brand-new diver, or someone who is a little nervous about depth or overhead environments (even if you’re just swimming over them), you might want to get a few more dives under your belt first. The depth profile means it’s a relatively short dive, and you need to be comfortable with your buoyancy and air consumption to make the most of it. Basically, it’s a dive for the confident, certified diver who is looking for something a bit more advanced and visually stimulating than a shallow reef trip. Comparing it with other options helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your skill level.

If you fit that description, then yes, I seriously think you should put this dive on your list for 2025. The combination of history, abundant marine life, and incredible photo opportunities makes it a really memorable experience. You leave with a feeling that you’ve seen something special, you know? It’s not just another dive; it’s an exploration of two different worlds that have collided ninety feet below the surface. Frankly, the image of the big grouper hanging out under the old highway is going to stick with me for a very long time. It’s those moments that make carrying all that heavy gear worthwhile, right? For divers seeking that kind of unique memory, this site will definitely deliver.