Diving on holiday

[andyallen69]

Im due to complete my BSAC ocean diver in March and will be holidaying in Florida in May. I would like to dive there but really dont know how to go about it. Is it a case of turning up at a dive shop or should I be thinking of booking in advance. Also as my wife does not dive, do the operators have guides/instructors on the dives or would I need to find a buddy from somewhere.

 

[boulderjohn]

Here's what I would do.

1. Go to the forum down the page from this one that talks about specific locations, and go to the Florida forum.

2. Use the search function to find recomendations for dive operators in the specific area you will be visiting. (Key Largo? Fort Lauderdale?)

3. Post a question in that area about specific operators or locations if you did not find what you are looking for.

4. You might also want to see if anyone in that area is interested in diving with you.

5. Once you identify an operator, contact them. You will usually be able to find a web site. See if they have some kind of a special schedule. For example, I have used operators in south Florida that have scheduled trips a month in advance, and you will want to pick a trip that suits your experience. Call or email to make arrangements for the trip

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Hey andy if you get me some more info on twhat part of FL your headed to I can help set you up with a shpo that will be appropriate for you.

 

[andyallen69]

Thanks, Im in Key West for a week, second week Palm Beach Shores and week 3 in Orlando

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Well Orlando wise I can certainly help you out, not so sure about the Key west portion. Let me know what kind of diving your interestred in doing while your in Orlando.

 

[andyallen69]

Well as a novice, Im open to suggestions as I dont know what kind of diving is done there. Obviously Im aware of the opportunities on the coast, reef, wreck etc but I hadnt thought about Orlando.

 

[String]

Just turn up at a dive centre with your QRB and tell them you want to go diving. That'll be all thats needed, they'll find a buddy on the boat on the day for you.

You'll be restricted to 18m maximum depth though as opposed to the 20m youre certified to as you'll be in with open water groups.

 

[boulderjohn]

Just turn up at a dive centre with your QRB and tell them you want to go diving. That'll be all thats needed, they'll find a buddy on the boat on the day for you.

You'll be restricted to 18m maximum depth though as opposed to the 20m youre certified to as you'll be in with open water groups.

Maybe.

Some operators will do this, but some will not put any real limitation like that. It will often--perhaps usually--be up to you to know your limitations and dive within them.

 

[Cheekymonkey]

When your down in the Orlando area we will get you in some springs, maybe we can get the Florida guys from the board down there at the same time. The springs are obviously shore diving, fresh water, and about 72degrees F. So let me know when your coming down or post in the FL forum and we will figure something out.

 

[Don Wray]

You'll be about 1 hour from the Atlantic and 1 hour from the Gulf when in Orlando...I drove to New Smyrna Beach and dove with Sea Dogs. All wreck diving and great divemasters for the novices.