Diving in SW Florida in Dec?

[frogman159]

So I'm going to be on this family reunion type vacation in the Ft Meyers area. Since I live in a place where diving is very cold and very dark, I have this pressing feeling that if I'm going to Flordia I should pack my dive gear and try to take in a day or two of better diving, surely southwest Florida is better than Buffalo, NY?

I've done some searches and from what I'm reading the diving in this area is not much better than here at home (Maybe a little warmer). I called a dive shop and they said they'd take us out.

Anyone have 1st hand experience in this area? Is there any decent diving nearby (good vis, cool stuff to look at?) or should I save myself some baggage fees and leave the gear home this time? Not really intrested in dragging gear down and spending $$ on 10ft of vis and 3 1/2' chop

Oh yeah, I'll have a car so I'm willing to drive about 2 hrs.

 

[tvictory]

If you're willing to drive accross the state to the east coast you'd probably have better luck. It would be at least 2 hours each way though.

 

[UncleJoes]

I'd definitely suggest running across to Ft Lauderdale and doing some shore diving there. If you take "Alligator Alley" you'll get in a nice scenic drive while you're at it.

 

[Walter]

First, drop the "E."

Next, the diving off Fort Myers is wonderful! Lots of folks don't think the diving in this area is very good, but very few of them have ever dived the Gulf. You won't find pretty coral reefs, but you will find big fish.

 

[frogman159]

Next, the diving off Fort Myers is wonderful! Lots of folks don't think the diving in this area is very good, but very few of them have ever dived the Gulf. You won't find pretty coral reefs, but you will find big fish.

How are conditions this time of year? I'd been there late Dec.

 

[ChainSaw0069]

You could also go an hour North to Venice and go Shark Tooth Diving. Try Florida West Scuba 941 486 1400. It can be a fun dive.

 

[matts1w]

We get alot of emails at the shop with this question. Here is my stock answer...

""The diving off Fort Myers Beach and Naples will blow you mind...but it aint easy and it aint for new divers. If you want pretty colors, blue water, and easy boat rides then the east coast is for you. A good day of vis in the Gulf is in the 20-30 foot range, and winter temps run in the low 60s. However, if you head three hours out of Fort Myers I can show you giant animals: sharks, grouper the size of cars, schools of fish so thick you cannot even see the wreck they inhabit. Massive turtles are common, and at times some of the giant sharks make an appearance. Maybe you would like to see a wreck brought down by a German Sub? It all off the coast of SW Florida.

Dont get me wrong, I dive more on the east coast and the Keys than the west as the Gulf trips are expensive and often folied by weather, but the MOST amazing dives I have done in Florida include the Pentrel, Baja California, Fantastico and some unnamed ledges in 100 feet off Boca Grande. They were simply some of the most beautful and heart pumping dives ever.

By the way, the spearfishing is world class.

Maybe this is the best way to say it: "When I dive the east coast or Keys I pretty much know what I am gonna experience. When I dive the Gulf it is an adventure."

As for dive trips/boats...There is really no such thing, but there are fishing charters that are dive friendly. We run a trip with such once a month...mostly for spearfishing in the 70-90 foot range. Three tanks dive cost $150 as the sites are about 25 miles off shore. The wrecks are much further so the costs go up to $200. These are advanced trips as the boat rides can be miserable, the vis not so great, and help is very far away if things were to go wrong. Weather and wind often shuts the trips down- especially in the winter. In the same amount of time it takes to travel to wrecks such as the Fantastico and Stony Point, you can be in Key Largo. This is not meant as a downer, just a fact. Also note that every charter we offer into the Gulf sells out in 2-3 days despite the travel time and price. The diving/spearfishing is that good."

Sadly right now the charter company we used is done, and we have yet to find a replacment.

 

[Jupiter31]

Very good post -

This should be a "stickey" b/c the question gets asked a lot (although not as much as conditions in the Keys......)

I think for the vast amount of visitors, especially those coming during the winter months, the Keys or the South East coast are better options for a variety of reasons, most of which you mentioned in your post.

OTOH, come spring (or an 8mm wetsuit) I would like to dive with you - I've gone 6 times out of Naples; found the dives very good, but the viz so so and although it was June, there were strong theromclines, especially on one dive to an old ferry (don't recall the name but it was covered w/ amberjack, deep, and cold at the wreck.

 

[frogman159]

Thanks Matts1w, your description was very helpful. This certainly sounds like some dives I'd like to try someday- But right now "challenging" dives aren't for me yet. Looks like I'll be leaving the gear home and packing the golf clubs

 

[I Dive]

Thanks Matts1w, your description was very helpful. This certainly sounds like some dives I'd like to try someday- But right now "challenging" dives aren't for me yet. Looks like I'll be leaving the gear home and packing the golf clubs

It takes a very smart diver to know what they are NOTcut out for. Far too many divers overestimate their abilities and experience and end up either in trouble or just hating their dive. Good job on that! But, I do hate to see a person decide to skip diving altogether just because they have determined certain dives are not for them. I'm certain we can direct you towards some diving you are more comfortable with. How far from Ft Myers are you willing to travel for some diving?