Are there any campgrounds that are conducive to diving? By this I mean shore dives and air fills are readily accessible as well as dive operators. I don't want to have to load up at 6 in the morning in order to make it to the boat for a dive. I also don't want to end up camping in a parking lot that calls itself a campground or someplace my daughter will get bored out of her mind when we aren't diving. Any suggestions?
Dive Spot: Ft. Pickens Jetty
City/State Location: Pensacola, Florida
Type of diving: Shore Dive
Picture: See Maps Below
Directions: Drive to the end of Ft. Pickens Road, take a left, and stop when you get to the curve. Dive between the two rock jetties (see maps below)
Google Maps Link: Google Maps
GPS Coordinates: N30 19.809 W87 17.554
About the DiveSite: Typical jetty dive. Should only be attempted at high, slack tide, as currents can be strong, and visibility can be effected significantly by tidal direction. Best to dive this site with someone who knows their way around underwater until you learn the ropes.
What to expect at the dive site: Salty water, sand, etc. Seriously, bring a knife because there is a bit of fishing pressure here. I've never been tangled, but I have cut some tangled fish loose. Typical life for the area. Watch for stargazers and torpedo rays as either can give you a shock if molested. In 2009 there was a single resident french angelfish too!
Where to park: This will be apparent when you get there.
Amenities/Facilities: Bathrooms and cold-water showers (both public and private) are within walking distance from the parking area. Camping is also available.
Amenities/Facilities Map: CLICK HERE
Cost/Fee's associated with site:
- Per vehicle (1-7 days) - $8.00
- Gulf Islands Annual Pass - $25.00
- Night Owl Pass (After hours access) - $30.00
Get the pass, it's worth it.
Times Open: Fort Pickens area is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. except for registered campers and visitors with Night Owl passes (available for sale at the entrance station). The road is subject to flooding during major rain events or from storm surge which may cause closure of the Ft. Pickens area on short notice.
Pros
- Awesome Shore Dive!
- Awesome Night Dive - Lots of phosphorous in the water
- Easy to get to, short walk.
- Large selection of critters to see, usually from 12 to 65 ft
Cons
- Site is tide-dependent (dive at high, slack tide)
- Site is easily closed due to storm activity, turning it into a boat dive
- Site sometimes has a number of fishermen, though usually they are polite (especially the fishers on shore)
- Site takes a few dives to learn your way around underwater
Most recent date visited: April 3, 2010
Website for site: Gulf Islands National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)
Expected Vis: 0ft - 35ft Often on the same dive.
Depths: 12ft - 65ft
Water temps: 53f - 80f Depending on the season
Closest Air Fills or Dive Shops: Lots of shops in Pensacola
Good Places to eat near site:
Maps:
* Thanks to WJeffries for the Maps and DDD for the info to wrap around them.
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