Put this together to answer this exact question.
Diving in Venice (South
West Florida)
By Capt. Dan Sansiveri,
NAUI 49389
Many divers traveling to South West
Florida are not aware of the varied conditions and type of diving in
the area. Many who have not made dives in here in the past, assume
that conditions will be the same as in the Keys or on the East coast
of the state. While we are blessed with a rich marine environment,
unique cultural history, and quiet social scene, we are very
different from from other parts of Florida.
Water Temperature and Weather
Before discussing the great types of
diving locally, the issue of water temperature must be addressed.
The temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is controlled by the prevailing
weather conditions, in short by the temperature of the air. The Gulf
is very warm in the summer, reaching almost 90F. The converse is also
true as in winter the water temperature can get into the low to mid
50's F. Diving is GREAT all year long, but divers need to be prepared
for some cold water in winter. Local year round divers have a full
range of exposure suits from 1mm through 8mm semi-dry and/or dry
suits. Local Dive Shops (Florida West Scuba and Charters is one) rent
wet suits up to and including 7mm suits as well as hoods, vests, and
gloves.
There are three major weather patterns
that prevail over South West Florida. First is the “Winter Pattern”
which is usually in effect from late December through March. This
period is categorized by cold fronts that pass through on a frequent
basis, causing the weather to be cool and driving the water
temperature into the 50's-60's. The next pattern is the “Spring
Pattern” which is usually in effect from April trough June, and
again from October through December. Here the weather is mild and
water warms or cools gradually, a perfect time for all diving in the
area. Last is the “Summer Pattern” from July through September.
Here the air temperature is near 90F, and the water often in the high
80' s F. Summer days start off calm with ideal conditions, and
weather builds resulting in afternoon and/or evening thunderstorms.
Typical of summer in Florida all over the state.
Fossil Diving
The area around Venice is well known
for fossil diving, and Venice is know as “The Sharks Tooth Capital
of the World”. Over millions of years the level of the seas has
experienced rises and falls, and the coast line of the Gulf has
changed. Hundreds of millions of years of both marine and land
animal fossils have collected in beds off Venice, and are continually
being exposed by nature. Typical fossils found include Megalodon
shark teeth, and the fossilized remains of whales, dolphins,
mammoths, ancient horses, sloths, saber tooth tigers, bison, and
other long extinct species. Most fossil diving is conducted in
shallow water, often less that 30 ft (10m). Visibility over the
fossil beds can be as little as 2 ft or as much as 30 ft depending on
conditions, with 4-6 feet being average visibility. Divers travel
from all over the country and all over the world to fossil dive off
Venice, and great fossils are found on almost every trip. The only
USCG Certified vessel in the Venice area and the only one that
conducts daily fossil dives is operated by Florida West Scuba and
Charters, located in The City of Venice.
General Diving
The Gulf waters off South West Florida
out to the Continental Shelf are a desert, as we do not have the
coral reefs typical of the Keys. What South West Florida does have is
a unique diving environment made up of limestone ledges, artificial
reefs, and ship wrecks. Limestone ledges are all over the area in
depths from 20 feet to well over 150 feet. The relief on these ledges
can be as much as 15 feet in places, providing a home to all manner
of marine life. Typical inhabitants of the ledges are Goliath
Grouper, Sea Turtles, Rays, tropical fish, and game fish including a
Grouper, Snapper, Tarpon, Sharks, Barracuda, Amberjack, Cobia, Snook,
Hogfish, and many others.
Sarasota County and neighboring
counties have over the years have developed a extensive network of
man made reefs for diving and fishing. These reefs are made up of
bridge rubble, large concrete culvert, reef balls, intentionally sunk
vessels, and even old Army Tanks (M60 and M48). These sites are all
unique, and hold some of the same same marine life as the limestone
ledges. These sites are arranged in bands along the coast at
different distances off shore, provding divers with opportunity to
dive on sites from 20 ft to well over 100 ft. There are also a number
of well known ship wrecks in the area, and divers have the
opportunity to dive on these as well. Two well known wrecks are the
Bayronto and the Fantastico. These are two freighters that went down
in storms, both are located well off shore and are at depths of well
over 100 ft. These are advanced type dives, but both are within
recreational limits.. Only certain operators will run these dives,
and special arrangements must be made.
Spearfishing and Secret Spots
Local Dive Captains have over the years
have developed their own lists of “Secret” dive sites. These are
often long forgotten shipwrecks or ledges that they have found over
the course of their travels and exploration. These are often the best
sites for spearfishing in the area. South West Florida waters are an
amazing fishery for species such as Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack,
Cobia, and Hogfish. Only a few charter operators run spearfishing
charters, and often these are booked as limited/private trips. If you
have never spearfished before, at least one of the local dive shops
will arrange a spearfishing clinic and dives to get you started in
the sport. These secret spots also provide recreational divers to
experience a type of diving that is quite rare, a place where few
have been before.
Choosing a Dive Charter
There are only a few USCG Inspected
charters in the area, but there are a number of operators of uninspected
vessels, and a few that operate within USCG regulations
and dive safely. Do your research and choose wisely before booking
a trip with anyone, remember safety should be your primary concern as
a diver.
Questions to ask and things to consider
should include: Is the vessel insured to conduct dive operations? To
be insured a certified dive professional must be aboard, don't be
afraid to ask to see these credentials, and they should ask to see
proof of your certification before letting you dive. Is the vessel
equipped with all the USGC required safety equipment, and do they
have the additional equipment required to conduct dive operations?
Is there medical oxygen aboard the vessel, and is the crew trained in
its administration as well as first aid for dive injuries?
The USCG has published Recommendations
for operators of Recreational Diving Operations (USCG Advisory 01-12)
the operator you choose should be aware of this and following these
recommendations. If they are not, you should rethink diving with
them.
I often hear from divers, even some
local divers that “there is no good diving in the Gulf. It seems
clear to me that these folks have not done much diving in Gulf or the
local area. Personally I never tire of diving here, and while I do
travel to dive, I am always happy to dive in my home waters. Again,
South West Florida is different, and our diving conditions are
different as well. If you know what to expect, are prepared, and dive
with local professionals you will have an experience you will never
forget. Dive Safely.
