Dive spots for beginners?

[AlliUF]

I just recently got certified and I'm looking for some dive spots that would be nice, easy dives. My open water dives were at Rainbow River and it was great visibilty but we didn't really see much. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.. I can't wait to get back in the water!​

 

[MichelleA]

Hey Alli, I'm a new diver also and would recommend Devil's Den. That where I had my open water when I got certified and it was a very fun and easy dive.

 

[AIS]

Open water is the best but I don’t recommend diving the Gulf either by charter or private boat if you’re still kind of a new scuba diver.
I do recommend going to the Florida Keys for a few dives. Grecian Rocks dive site in John Pennekamp is a great place to start. They have everything you need – check out their site. I’m in the Tampa area too, and have been diving/spearfishing the Gulf, Keys, Cayman, Mexico since 1982.
http://www.johnpennekamp.com/index.html
Happy diving! Be safe.

 

[K Mejean]

I just recently got certified and I'm looking for some dive spots that would be nice, easy dives. My open water dives were at Rainbow River and it was great visibilty but we didn't really see much. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.. I can't wait to get back in the water!​

Welcome to the board. I would recommend getting the dive Florida book. I don't know why AIS doesn't recommend the gulf but I do. You live here and you will dive it some time. I did my checkouts in the gulf. I enjoy diving out there. Some of us are batting around the idea of a Bradenton Shore dive and lunch session on Sat. 19th. You might want to come and dive with us. It's a pretty good dive and a good way to get used to the gulf with out dropping a bunch of oney on a charter.

 

[AlliUF]

I would love to meet up with you guys but I can't make it that day... maybe next time! I'd like to try the gulf but wasn't sure if it would be good for beginners... sounds like I'm getting mixed opinions. But you're right, I live here and might as well try it sooner rather than later.

 

[frogman_5]

Don't do it! People who dive in holes in the ground tend to get stuck in them for life! (They forget what they started diving for...) Just the turtle and the rock to look at...

 

[Divergirl4U]

I also did my check outs in the Gulf and enjoy it very much ... I am doing a Venice Beach shore dive tomorrow ... welcome to join 15 ft max depth
Kim P

 

[CLEAR BLUE]

Key Largo is a good place to start. Lots of easy diving.

 

[DiveBandit]

I don't know why AIS doesn't recommend the gulf but I do. You live here and you will dive it some time.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[AlliUF]

Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions.. I've seen a few threads about dives that people are trying to get together but unfortunaly the dates have been bad for me. I'll keep checking and will hopefully be able to meet up for something soon.