Advise on a charter in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami and current conditions.

[elan]

Can you, guys, recommend a good charter in the area of Ft. Lauderdale - Miami. We are going on a business trip for 5 days of which 2 will fall on the weekend and I really want to spend them diving.

A big plus would be if they do night dives as well. If they are "DIR" friendly that would be a good plus although absolutely not necessary

I'm interested in seeing some reefs and possibly wrecks. We have a lot of the latter but none of the former so reefs are better

What is the water temp like now? Would 4/5mm wetsuit with a hood be sufficient? I do not want to bring my dry suit

Is there any interesting shore dive available in the area ?

Thanks a lot in advance...

 

[Jupiter31]

OK - forget shore diving in Miami and the Keys, but good shore diving exists in Dania and Lauderdale by the Sea - others can chime in more about - look up Gold Coast Divers or PM Debby Diver - both excellent resources on Broward (FLL area) shore diving.

In Miami, your best bet is RJ Diving - superb Op; book DIRECTLY and save $5:

M J Beach
www.rjdiving.com
www.reefguard..org
305.861.6277

They have scheduled night dives most Wed's and leave from Miami Beach Marina.

Others can post about Ft Lauderdale diving - personally, I would highly recommend Boynton Beach and Jupiter - Look up Scuba Kevin in Boynton, and Jupiter Dive Center.

DIR folks are not permitted on most charters in S. FL - its the first step in "doing it right" keeping 'em off!! Sorry, just kidding - could not resist!

 

[diverlee]

Avid Diver (Oliver) or Miss Conduct (Conrad) are good. 6 pack boat

 

[elan]

OK - forget shore diving in Miami and the Keys, but good shore diving exists in Dania and Lauderdale by the Sea - others can chime in more about - look up Gold Coast Divers or PM Debby Diver - both excellent resources on Broward (FLL area) shore diving.

In Miami, your best bet is RJ Diving - superb Op; book DIRECTLY and save $5:

M J Beach
www.rjdiving.com
www.reefguard..org
305.861.6277

They have scheduled night dives most Wed's and leave from Miami Beach Marina.

Others can post about Ft Lauderdale diving - personally, I would highly recommend Boynton Beach and Jupiter - Look up Scuba Kevin in Boynton, and Jupiter Dive Center.

DIR folks are not permitted on most charters in S. FL - its the first step in "doing it right" keeping 'em off!! Sorry, just kidding - could not resist!

Haha, I will pretend to be non DIR by wearing a pink snorkel

Thanks a lot for the advice. I will give then a call

 

[elan]

Avid Diver (Oliver) or Miss Conduct (Conrad) are good. 6 pack boat

Thanks!

 

[Fishpie]

Have to second Conrad and Oliver.
Sea Dog (Pompano dive Center) at the Sands Marina are a younger and less crusty crew.
Jim Abernathy is good too if you want to venture up to Palm Beach.

 

[elan]

Have to second Conrad and Oliver.
Sea Dog (Pompano dive Center) at the Sands Marina are a younger and less crusty crew.
Jim Abernathy is good too if you want to venture up to Palm Beach.

Thanks a lot !!!

 

[elan]

How about the exposure protection now? Wet 4/5 mill is good?

 

[Jupiter31]

Probably OK

 

[Beiji]

I just came back from Miami, and I dove with RJ Diving Ventures and will second Jupiter's recommendation. Comfortable boat with fresh water showers, a head, friendly and helpful crew. It's easy to drop off gear by the boat and then park in the garage. After diving you can have a drink and some food at the pleasant restaurant at the marina.

I saw a range of exposure protection from drysuits to only swim shorts. I wore an 8/6 and stayed warm in Miami and the Keys but was cold my last day in Boynton. Staying warm is such an individual thing.