Differences in diving - Florida vs. Caribbean

[backprop]

I've been diving in the Caribbean quite a bit, but never in Florida, I'm kind of embarrassed to say. I have a week or so of vacation coming up in September and was thinking about heading down to the Boynton area to dive. No specific types of dive (e.g. shark dive), just a few dives a day from a boat.

I've heard that Florida diving is great, but expectations as far as logistics might be a bit different than what I'm used to. So I just wanted to bounce the question off everyone to get an idea of what to expect. For reference, I've dived in the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Bonaire, and a couple other islands - mostly boat dives.

Some things in particular:
- Other than the ever present chance of a hurricane this time of year, any other considerations making it more or less desirable - vis, temps, currents?
- I've found a few ops on recommendations from friends - do you generally show up at a marina the day of (assuming waivers and so forth are handled ahead of time)? Or do you meet beforehand at the shop before heading to the boat? Or does it differ from op to op?
- For nitrox, are analyzers readily available on the boat? Or do we check tanks beforehand at the shop?
- If I'm traveling solo, does the crew pair you up, or should I expect to find someone or hire a guide?
- Any other logistical issues with loading up equipment, bringing food..anything that I haven't thought of.

I'd appreciate any other insight. I've got a little over 100 dives and consider myself an OK and conscientious diver, but not particularly advanced. I've been in multiple current conditions but always at least decent (40'+) vis. and I only like warm water. So basically I'm just looking to be prepared. Thanks!

 

[tursiops]

The answer to all your questions is, "It depends on the operator."
One difference you'll find is the topography....Florida has a lot of patch reefs, rather than barrier or finging. So navigation can be more difficult, or at least different.

 

[scubadada]

There are many places to dive in SE FL, you mentioned Boynton Beach. In my opinion, the Boynton Beach reef is the best in SE FL. The reef is lush, the number, size, and diversity of reef fish is secondary to none. The wreck of the Castor is the prime location for Goliath Grouper aggregation. Prime aggregation is during your visit in Sept.

There are 5 operators in Boynton Harbor Marina. My favorite is Underwater Explorers, a six pack. I also dive with Loggerhead and Starfish. I have no experience with Splashdown or Dolphin Sun. Kevin Metz and UE is King of the Castor. As you can see from the reservation calendar, much of Sept is booked. I will be diving Sept 10-21.

Water should be warm, waivers on site, nitrox analysis on site, you can join a group on the wreck or drifting. PM me with other questions.

Good diving, Craig

 

[sheeper]

consider a stop in Jupiter, Florida. Jupiter diving is known for big sealife. turtles, sharks and goliath grouper are almost guaranteed.
most Jupiter operators are full service and will accommodate nearly any need/concern you have.

i work with Stuart Scuba (www.stuartscuba.com) and would be more than happy to show you what we have to offer!

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Following thread.

 

[noj3333]

following as well...

 

[tarponchik]

From my experience, boat rides in Florida are on average longer than in the Caribbean, so there can be some difference in the level of motion sickness effects, so to speak.

 

[boulderjohn]

One of the reasons it is tough to make a comparison is that the sites in the Caribbean can be very different from one another. A few Caribbean sites have towering coral formations, which you will not find in Florida, but others do not. I recently had someone join e for his first dive ever in South Florida (near Pompano Beach), and he had just finished a week in St. Croix. He said the Florida dives had many times more fish than he saw in St. Croix. In fact, he said that the lack of fish was the most distinguishing feature of that Caribbean site. In contrast, go to the Caribbean island of Saba and you will sea a wealth of fish, far more than I have ever seen anywhere in Florida.

As for your other questions, as others have said, it varies by the operation. In general, you will find a nitrox analyzer wherever it is you pick up the tank (in a building or on the boat), and you will be required to use it and log the results. Most operators will want you to dive with a buddy, and will even require it. If you don't have one, the DM will help you find one. Waivers are usually signed just before you get on the boat, and that is often (but not always) when you pay. (There is always a chance of a dive being canceled.) You will rarely get food on the boat. Some will have light snacks and beverages. All will provide water. One operator in the Keys who took customers on full day dive trips had them bring their lunches, and he would raid them for his own lunch while they were diving, but I don't think he goes go out on the boats any more, so you don't have to worry about that.

There has not been a hurricane in Florida in years.

 

[boulderjohn]

Following thread.

following as well...

FYI, you do not have to respond to a thread to follow it. Just use the appropriate tool at the top of the thread.

 

[uncfnp]

Hi backprop and that is a great question. As tursiops said, the answers will vary based on dive op and location. Some generalizations...

The ocean may be a bit choppier then you are use too. And its drift dives. Somewhat simiar to Cozumel except you are not required to dive with a guide and you will need your own SMB.

Don't expect concierge service. On most boats you will carry and setup your own gear. And they expect you to be able to take care of yourself. They will help if asked but they definitely don't babysit. The boats I've done do not arrange buddies. You can buddy up on the boat or have the option to just following the guide. Many boats do drop a guide that carries the dive flag for the group but not all.

A call or for some online reservations are made then the day of the dive you meet for paperwork, some at shop, others at the boat. Typically, if you rent tanks they will be waiting for you on the boat with an analyzer available. Weights are also suppled on board the boat.

Many dive ops supply sodas, water and snacks/fruit and a cooler for any drinks you bring aboard.