Destin/Watercolor

[KyBuck]

Hey folks. New to board. Brand new to diving. Just got OW cert card last week. I am going to be in Destin/Watercolor area during the second week of October. How is the diving there? Is the oil spill a factor? Most importantly, can anybody recommend a "new diver friendly" dive op? Thanks in advance.

Buck

 

[lrterry]

Here is a link to Panama City Dive boats and shops, I have been on Better Bottom Time, and know of many that have dove with Pat Green, both very good dive ops.

http://www.panamacityscubadiving.com/Dive_Shops.html




Pat has his own shop now. If you are going to dive the St. Andrew Jetties Divers Den is close and a good shop.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

ScubaTech also has a new OW diver friendly operation in Destin. The Destin Jetties are also a great beach dive.

 

[terrylowe]

The oil spill has not been a problem there. The media has really hurt dive operations along the gulf coast.
There can be some fairly strong current there. It is not a problem as long as you go ahead and use the anchor line to descend/ascend. Bottom is normally fairly calm.
Visibility there is predictably unpredictable, but usually fairly good.

 

[Hetland]

The oil spill has not been a problem in Destin. BP has really hurt dive operations along the gulf coast.

Fixed that for ya.

 

[GLENFWB]

Watercolor really is closer time wise (in my opinion) to Panama City, then it is Destin. Panama City also offers you more options as far as diving. As some have stated, the Panama City jetties are a great OW dive. BUT talk to some of the folks at the local dive shops for advice on best times, etc.

If you want to come toward Destin let us know and we can steer you in the right direction. I agree with Bugman that Scuba Tech runs a good operation, and can take you on some OW friendly dives.

Hey folks. New to board. Brand new to diving. Just got OW cert card last week. I am going to be in Destin/Watercolor area during the second week of October. How is the diving there? Is the oil spill a factor? Most importantly, can anybody recommend a "new diver friendly" dive op? Thanks in advance.

Buck

 

[terrylowe]

Fixed that for ya.

No...I had it pretty much right. No doubt BP caused a ton of problems, but the insane media coverage is what killed tourism which feeds many of the dive operators. A person who has not seen it would think that the beaches are black along the coast. Even the ops was asking if the oil was a problem...

 

[Hetland]

No...I had it pretty much right. No doubt BP caused a ton of problems, but the insane media coverage is what killed tourism which feeds many of the dive operators. A person who has not seen it would think that the beaches are black along the coast. Even the ops was asking if the oil was a problem...

Post Deleted

 

[terrylowe]

Post deleted

 

[Hetland]

Not sure I deserved that

You didn't, that's why I deleted my post (apparently while you were typing the response).

I know better than to get into arguments over such things on ScubaBoard, but sometimes my nature gets the best of me. When we meet on MediaBoard, or EnviromentBoard, or HydrocarbonBoard, I'll continue the argument.

In the meantime, I'm happy to put my boxing gloves away and talk about diving with you and other fine folks that enjoy the sport.

-ap