Cape San Blas.

[terfmop]

I'm probably posting very prematurely, but I made my vacation plans for next summer earlier today. Next July, I'll be spending a week in Cape San Blas.

Currently, I'm a new diver and I've only been in quarries and lakes up here in the midwest. July '08 is a long way off but I'm looking forward to finally getting to the ocean for a few dives. I've done a search already of the nearby dive shops and it looks like there are a few to choose from in either Port St. Joe, or Panama City that offer charters.

In the Cape San Blas area, are there any specific dive sites you would recommend? What about shore diving?

Seeing as how it will be at the end of July, I expect my 7mil will be a bit of overkill. What kind of temps should I expect at the various sites?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

There are a couple of sites noted on Ned DeLoach's Diving Guide to Underwater Florida and one of the best wrecks of FL, Empire Mica, isn't far from Port St Joe, althought probably not the best beginner dive.

Shore diving isn't much of an option from what I've seen, but you can snorkel at the State park on the peninsula that has alot of fish, plant, and urchin life.

You really won't need more than swim trunks, or a skin(for protection other than thermal) unless you plan on going deep.

 

[frogman_5]

There are also the SS Vamar (formerly SS Eleanor Bolling, Admiral Byrd's supply ship) off Port St. Joe, and the SS Tarpon off Panama City. Both of these are state historic preserves.

 

[terfmop]

I'll be down there July 20-27. I sent an email to the folks at Daly's Dock & Dive Center Has anyone used them before?

 

[PatMyGreen]

I haven't used them but they have a good reputation. KillFish Charters also has a good reputation and is in your vicinity. You will be fine in a skin, or a vest, in July.

If you come over to Panama City check out Diver's Den on Thomas Drive. Oddly enough their website is not up at present but they are almost across the street from Capt Anderson's.

 

[flahiker]

I will be in CSB the first week of July. Daly's is an ok shop and geared toward beginners. Capt. Eric with killfish has a nice stable boat and can take up to 6 divers out to the Empire Mica. Not many dive out there, and it can be tricky. He can also take you to some other spear fishing sites.

I haven't been to the Vamar yet, but it is supposed to be in shallow water just outside the channel.

As far as the water temp goes, I dove the Mica last July with a rash guard (for UV protection). It was nice all the way to the bottom.

Jay