Dive info for New Orleans Louisiana in May 2013

[SeahorseDeb]

It's looking very probable that I will be in New Orleans, Louisiana with my non diver husband in May. I will be bringing my own gear except tanks and weights and hope to pack in three days of diving May 20-21-22. I will not have access to a car, only taxi. This is a once in a lifetime chance for this cold water diver, can you recommend the best dive shop and daily boat charter services I can obtain? We don't have our lodging confirmed yet, so I cannot provide that. What are the water temps there? i hope my 5/7 full wetsuit is enough, I hope thats not drysuit water down there!

I read a thread by a user from October 2011 which stated there isn't any local diving there, that the Mississippi causes quite a silt out, and that I'd have to go over to Florida, but that won't be an option for me. I am hoping for something though!!

Thanks fellow divers!!

 

[diversteve]

What you've found appears to be true.

There is rig diving but the boats leave out of Venice LA about 80mi. away or elsewhere. Seems to be very challenging conditions also and several hour boat rides. Or they boat dive the wrecks off Gulf Shores, AL - several hours away.

Maybe check with: New Orleans, Louisiana, scuba certification courses, dive travel, equipment sales, service and rental | Harry’s Dive Shop

 

[Katch]

I had to go to New Orleans for work two summers ago, and I also hoped to go diving there. I ended up driving to Pensacola, but the diving there was fantastic. You may be able to find a cheap car rental for a day?

 

[Doubler]

There is no good sport diving close to New Orleans so bring a good appetite and enjoy the local cuisine.

 

[captain]

Although Louisiana rig diving is fantastic and every diver should experience it it is akin to an expedition to the Amazon. From New Orleans it is at minimum an 80 mile drive to any boat. There are no dive charters so most trips are on private boats or by arranging a charter with a local fishing boat or oil field boat. Most of this is done by local diving clubs. The boat ride is usually one and a half to two hours from the dock to the dive site and back. Water condition can be anything from Caribbean clear and calm to raging currents and 10 foot vis.

 

[SeahorseDeb]

Thankyou everyone for your info, I think I will save my money and go back to Hawaii!