re: Diving in Louisiana

Decent? I did my check out dive years ago off of some rig at least 10 or so miles offshore. Couldn't see shite.

You really need to get East of the Mississippi river to the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast. Gulf Shores area is probably the closest. Even then, I don't enjoy diving that area, the visibility is still not great and there is just not much to see.

If you really want an excellent dive experience, you're closest place is Cozumel. Belize (go to Ambergris Caye) is also excellent and not much further. I've been to many other places, but I'll wait and see if you are just talking about staying in the USA.