Diving spots from Tampa to Orlando/Canaveral area in mid August

[Kenderson]

I'm going to be in central Florida, going from Tampa to Orlando, with my kids in mid August. I'm looking to see what spots there might be to go diving for one day. I'd like to keep it within an hour max of Orlando/Tampa so no going to BHB. My youngest daughter doesn't like boats much so I'd like to keep away from them unless it's a short ride.

There are supposed to be a couple of parks that allow diving in the area, which ones might be the best to check out. Has anyone heard when Epcot may reopen their aquarium diving? I just checked and the website said it was closed.

My youngest also would like to see manatees in the wild, I know it's August and they will probably not be in too many places, but are there any where there's a good chance we could see some?

 

[CuzzA]

Well there's no ocean diving in Orlando. No shore diving off Tampa Bay, at least not in August where viz is bad inshore during the summer. Your best bet given your criteria would be to dive some springs. You could also dive the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Good fun if you have kids.