denise
12-26-2010, 03:31 PM
Suitable Florida Dives for New Divers
By Lou McCall and Denise Johnson
As you well know, Florida is known for its great weather, clear blue skies and inviting, warm, crystal clear waters, so its not surprising that there are some EXCELLENT dive sites here too.
Some of the most colorful and populated coral reefs are found in Florida, along with the worlds biggest deliberately sunk shipwreck, and the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the continent.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_may_29_tortugas/DSC00653.jpg
With so many sites to chose from, it can be difficult to decide which to dive first!! Here are some of the dive sites we recommend for newly certified Open Water divers:
Aquarium Dives
Epcot-DiveQuest
http://www.parkplanet.nl/site/images/artikelen/walt_disney_world_florida/wdw_epcot_divequest.jpg
Epcot DiveQuest is a very unique scuba diving experience right here in Orlando. This 25 feet deep, 5.7 million gallon Caribbean Coral Reef aquarium offers divers warm clear water, lack of currents, and is home to a range of sea creatures from sea turtles, angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays to sharks. Average water temp is ~77 degrees.
All diving equipment is provided. Cost $175 per diver. Advance reservations essential.
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Epcot DiveQuest (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?1600-Epcot-DiveQuest-Dive-Plan)
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay offers an unique opportunity to get up close and personal with their marine life.
Guests are invited to scuba dive within the Aquarium's largest tank, the Coral Reef Exhibit, in warm clear water to come up close with sharks, moray eels, barracuda and green sea turtles! this exhibit is a constant 76 degree temperature, a perfect dive offering warm clear water, no currents, and teaming with sharks!
The cost for Dive with the Sharks is $175 per person, which includes aquarium admission, all the gear you will need. Advanced reservations are essential!
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Dive with the Sharks, Florida Aquarium in Tampa (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?2522-Dive-with-the-Sharks-Aquarium-Dive-at-the-Florida-Aquarium-Tampa-Bay)
http://www.flaquarium.org/cm/articlefiles/55-FLAQ_DiveWithTheSharkslow.jpg
Local Springs
Alexander Springs
http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/gallery/files/3/alexandersprings_1.jpg
Located 50 miles north of Orlando, this crystal clear spring attracts scuba divers and snorkelers year round. The safe, calm, shallow waters make for an excellent novice dive or pool like conditions to try out new gear or refresh skills. The maximum depth is 28 feet, and the water has a year round temperature of 72 degrees. There is an abundance of fish, turtles and aquatic plants. Bottom composition is sand, which tends to get stuck on gear or hair! Admission is $6.50 per diver (as of Aug 2011).
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Alexander Springs (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?521-Alexander-Springs-Dive-Plan)
Shore Diving
Blue Heron Bridge
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_aug_19/DSC00111.jpg
Blue Heron dive site is a beautiful shore diving site along the pilings underneath the Blue Heron Bridge that is easily accessed from the Phil Foster Park. There is no charge for diving here, but divers must be aware of, and plan their dives according to the tides in the area. Max depth of 30 feet. Lots of marine life here. Temperature ranges from 87 degrees in summertime to 60's in the Wintertime.
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Plan for Blue Heron Bridge (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?1563-Blue-Heron-Bridge-Dive-Plan)
Fort Lauderdale Beach
http://www.scubadiver.cc/images/kevinspic.jpg
There is a one-mile stretch of beach in Lauderdale-by-the-sea that has been long considered some of the most spectacular beach diving on the east coast of Florida. The best diving is 100 yards north or south of Anglin's Fishing Pier.
There is no charge to dive here, just what it costs you in breathing gas, getting there, and parking!
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Fort Lauderdale Beach (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?2461-Lauderdale-By-The-Sea-Dive-Site-Plan)
Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach offers nice, easy access beach diving, lots of life on the coral reefs just offshore, and close, inexpensive adequate beach side parking.
There is no charge to dive here, just what it costs you in breathing gas, getting there, and parking!
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Pompano Beach (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?2614-Pompano-Beach-Dive-Site-Plan)
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_june_5/DSC01054.jpg
Looe Key National Marine Management Area, Marathon in the Middle Keys
Looe Key is located 10 miles SW of the Bahia Honda Channel, and is probably one of the best places in Florida to see beautiful unspoiled coral reef. This area consists of more than 5 square miles of marine sanctuary, and there is abundant marine life in this area. Depth ranges from 5-40 feet, and access in by boat. No spearfishing allowed. Divers must use a diver down flag in this area. Water temperature varies from high 80's in the summertime to low 70's in the Wintertime.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/CourtneyandBrainCoral.jpg
Pepper Park, Fort Pierce
Pepper park is a great shore dive! There are three reef lines/ledges close to shore (100 yards), full of marine life, and the depth ranges from 15-30 feet. Visibility ranges drastically, best is 30 feet, usually 15 feet. The park provides free parking, tables, pavilions, clean showers and bathrooms, and there is no charge for diving. Divers must use a diver down flag.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_june_11/DSC01225.jpg
Inlet Park
Inlet park makes for an interesting shore dive, as there is a reef that comes within 75 yards of the beach. Divers can explore high profile ledges and all the marine creatures living on it, within 15-30 feet of water. The remains of a small fishing boat can be found 1/4 mile north of the inlet in 15 feet of water. Access to Inlet park is through Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and the small entry fee that divers pay covers use of parking, shower and bathroom facilities.
Wreck Dives
Benwood Shipwreck, Key Largo
The Benwood is considered to be one of the best shallow wreck dives in Key Largo. Depth range is 20-45 feet. There is a lot of life on this wreck, and she can be explored in a single dive. Accessible only by boat. Care must be taken, as there is a moderate current often present at this dive site.
Copenhagen, Pompano Beach
This popular wreck has been designated an historical shipwreck and is a part of the Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve. The hull has collapsed, and only the anchor and some of the structure remains, the rest has become part of the reef. She lies in 15 to 35 feet of water with her bow pointed to the south. Access is by boat.
Paddle Wheeler Wreck, Fort Pierce
The remains of the 19th Century, Civil War era, Paddle Wheeler Wreck, lie in 15-20 feet of water, less than 100 yards offshore. Alot of marine life have made their home in the remaining broken ribs and boiler house. This wreck is easily accessible from the beach, and can even be seen from the beach on calm days.
http://www.dayo.com/pictures/forum/advancedclass_1.jpg
Enjoy your dives, be safe, and have fun!
By Lou McCall and Denise Johnson
As you well know, Florida is known for its great weather, clear blue skies and inviting, warm, crystal clear waters, so its not surprising that there are some EXCELLENT dive sites here too.
Some of the most colorful and populated coral reefs are found in Florida, along with the worlds biggest deliberately sunk shipwreck, and the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the continent.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_may_29_tortugas/DSC00653.jpg
With so many sites to chose from, it can be difficult to decide which to dive first!! Here are some of the dive sites we recommend for newly certified Open Water divers:
Aquarium Dives
Epcot-DiveQuest
http://www.parkplanet.nl/site/images/artikelen/walt_disney_world_florida/wdw_epcot_divequest.jpg
Epcot DiveQuest is a very unique scuba diving experience right here in Orlando. This 25 feet deep, 5.7 million gallon Caribbean Coral Reef aquarium offers divers warm clear water, lack of currents, and is home to a range of sea creatures from sea turtles, angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays to sharks. Average water temp is ~77 degrees.
All diving equipment is provided. Cost $175 per diver. Advance reservations essential.
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Epcot DiveQuest (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?1600-Epcot-DiveQuest-Dive-Plan)
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay offers an unique opportunity to get up close and personal with their marine life.
Guests are invited to scuba dive within the Aquarium's largest tank, the Coral Reef Exhibit, in warm clear water to come up close with sharks, moray eels, barracuda and green sea turtles! this exhibit is a constant 76 degree temperature, a perfect dive offering warm clear water, no currents, and teaming with sharks!
The cost for Dive with the Sharks is $175 per person, which includes aquarium admission, all the gear you will need. Advanced reservations are essential!
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Dive with the Sharks, Florida Aquarium in Tampa (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?2522-Dive-with-the-Sharks-Aquarium-Dive-at-the-Florida-Aquarium-Tampa-Bay)
http://www.flaquarium.org/cm/articlefiles/55-FLAQ_DiveWithTheSharkslow.jpg
Local Springs
Alexander Springs
http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/gallery/files/3/alexandersprings_1.jpg
Located 50 miles north of Orlando, this crystal clear spring attracts scuba divers and snorkelers year round. The safe, calm, shallow waters make for an excellent novice dive or pool like conditions to try out new gear or refresh skills. The maximum depth is 28 feet, and the water has a year round temperature of 72 degrees. There is an abundance of fish, turtles and aquatic plants. Bottom composition is sand, which tends to get stuck on gear or hair! Admission is $6.50 per diver (as of Aug 2011).
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Alexander Springs (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?521-Alexander-Springs-Dive-Plan)
Shore Diving
Blue Heron Bridge
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_aug_19/DSC00111.jpg
Blue Heron dive site is a beautiful shore diving site along the pilings underneath the Blue Heron Bridge that is easily accessed from the Phil Foster Park. There is no charge for diving here, but divers must be aware of, and plan their dives according to the tides in the area. Max depth of 30 feet. Lots of marine life here. Temperature ranges from 87 degrees in summertime to 60's in the Wintertime.
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Plan for Blue Heron Bridge (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?1563-Blue-Heron-Bridge-Dive-Plan)
Fort Lauderdale Beach
http://www.scubadiver.cc/images/kevinspic.jpg
There is a one-mile stretch of beach in Lauderdale-by-the-sea that has been long considered some of the most spectacular beach diving on the east coast of Florida. The best diving is 100 yards north or south of Anglin's Fishing Pier.
There is no charge to dive here, just what it costs you in breathing gas, getting there, and parking!
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Fort Lauderdale Beach (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?2461-Lauderdale-By-The-Sea-Dive-Site-Plan)
Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach offers nice, easy access beach diving, lots of life on the coral reefs just offshore, and close, inexpensive adequate beach side parking.
There is no charge to dive here, just what it costs you in breathing gas, getting there, and parking!
Click here for Dayo Scuba's Dive Site Plan for Pompano Beach (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?2614-Pompano-Beach-Dive-Site-Plan)
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_june_5/DSC01054.jpg
Looe Key National Marine Management Area, Marathon in the Middle Keys
Looe Key is located 10 miles SW of the Bahia Honda Channel, and is probably one of the best places in Florida to see beautiful unspoiled coral reef. This area consists of more than 5 square miles of marine sanctuary, and there is abundant marine life in this area. Depth ranges from 5-40 feet, and access in by boat. No spearfishing allowed. Divers must use a diver down flag in this area. Water temperature varies from high 80's in the summertime to low 70's in the Wintertime.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/CourtneyandBrainCoral.jpg
Pepper Park, Fort Pierce
Pepper park is a great shore dive! There are three reef lines/ledges close to shore (100 yards), full of marine life, and the depth ranges from 15-30 feet. Visibility ranges drastically, best is 30 feet, usually 15 feet. The park provides free parking, tables, pavilions, clean showers and bathrooms, and there is no charge for diving. Divers must use a diver down flag.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_june_11/DSC01225.jpg
Inlet Park
Inlet park makes for an interesting shore dive, as there is a reef that comes within 75 yards of the beach. Divers can explore high profile ledges and all the marine creatures living on it, within 15-30 feet of water. The remains of a small fishing boat can be found 1/4 mile north of the inlet in 15 feet of water. Access to Inlet park is through Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and the small entry fee that divers pay covers use of parking, shower and bathroom facilities.
Wreck Dives
Benwood Shipwreck, Key Largo
The Benwood is considered to be one of the best shallow wreck dives in Key Largo. Depth range is 20-45 feet. There is a lot of life on this wreck, and she can be explored in a single dive. Accessible only by boat. Care must be taken, as there is a moderate current often present at this dive site.
Copenhagen, Pompano Beach
This popular wreck has been designated an historical shipwreck and is a part of the Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve. The hull has collapsed, and only the anchor and some of the structure remains, the rest has become part of the reef. She lies in 15 to 35 feet of water with her bow pointed to the south. Access is by boat.
Paddle Wheeler Wreck, Fort Pierce
The remains of the 19th Century, Civil War era, Paddle Wheeler Wreck, lie in 15-20 feet of water, less than 100 yards offshore. Alot of marine life have made their home in the remaining broken ribs and boiler house. This wreck is easily accessible from the beach, and can even be seen from the beach on calm days.
http://www.dayo.com/pictures/forum/advancedclass_1.jpg
Enjoy your dives, be safe, and have fun!