Anyone dive with Seadog diver in New Smyrna

[CRAZYBOBC]

I will be in Orlando in middle May, with the family, I see Seadog diver out of New Smyrna does wreck diving, a lot closer than WPB. Was wondering how far from Orlando, and how long of a boat ride to the sites, they state 10-12 miles off shore, how long would it take to get there. What is vis like in that area in May. I dove the Antilla in Aruba would this be similar. Also looking to try out digital camera with uw housing. Will there be a lot of life to photograph.

 

[scubafool]

Depends on where in Orlando you are coming from, figure about an hour from downtown Orlando, more if coming from the southern (tourist) end. That might be off a little, but should give you an idea. Myself, H2Andy, & Simbrooks dove with them last year. IIRC, travel time from the dock to the dive sites was ~ 1/2 hour. VIs at the time was about (IIRC) 20'-25'. I am under the impression that viz off of Daytona/New Smyrna is variable, but not usually the best.

The dive op itself was friendly, a decent boat, though somewhat crowded on that particular trip. They tend to have a generous proportion of spearfishermen onboard, if that makes a difference to you. They did have a diver go missing during a dive from their boat last year. Do a search on their name, you should have no trouble getting details on that incident. My general impression was that they weren't into babysitting you.

If anyone has any better info/differing thoughts, feel more than free to correct me. Thread on our trip last year. http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=60148&page=1&pp=10&highlight=SeaDogs

 

[EANx40]

I routinely hunt off their boat. I think JB and Rick are 2 great guys. The vis will be no where near that of Aruba. There will be quite a few spearos on board, due to the excellent hunting. It is adult diving, by that I mean the only rule is to come back to the boat alive and with air in your tank. They will not babysit anyone but they will lecture you if you break any rules or you are unsafe. They let plan your dive and dive your plan. During the week the boat isn't as crowded as during the weekend. You should have a good time, I always do.