To see a typical reef in the Gulf, visit the Pete Tide II, a 180-foot supply ship that is intact and offers several levels to dive at. It will be a good year if we can stay away from the hurricanes. It's better than last year when a cold patch of water settled in the area, keeping away fish life and keeping scuba divers above water for the most part. There's plenty of warm water and sites to visit this year. Two more artificial reefs will be created in July when two old Navy ships are sunk.
Diving can be for everyone.
But safety is paramount in a sport in which you're swimming with the fishes. Several places in the area offer certification. Once that's taken care of, these same places and others offer diving trips, complete with gear. Or you can buy your own gear and head out. Or you can buy your own gear and take a dive charter.