Diving West Palm

[caribbean soul]

Going to West Palm FL. first week in April. Looking for dive op recommendations. Also how is the diving there. I have a 7 mil wet suit should I bring it or rent something lighter.

 

[nauidiver2004]

Hi welcome to Scubaboard. While your waiting for some responses might I suggest you take a gander over in the Florida Conch Divers forum. I have been looking there for a few weeks now as I am planning my own Florida trip soon and they have tons of great people and information. Heres a link to it => http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

Good Luck and welcome again!

 

[dkktsunami]

Good drift diving. Ask about a site called "Governor's Walk" - it's possible to visit three wrecks on one drift. Dive service I've used is out of business so I can't help with a recommendation.

 

[WVDiver]

Just got back from there last week, we went with Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures and had a great time. All drift diving in that area as you probably know.

http://www.scuba-adventures.com/

The first dive was called Corridor, three wrecks aligned one after the other around 82 fsw, then we did three reef dives, Mid Reef (80 fsw) then Flower Garden and then Breakers Reef both about 60 fsw. You can read about some of these on their web site. It was a good day and we had a great time. Good dive shop. The parrot had the day off when we were there, maybe you'll get lucky and get to meet him.

Water temps were 72. I had a 3mm one piece and a 3/5mm hooded vest with light reef gloves and I was fine. Actually I think that was about what most people were wearing. Could have gotten by without the hooded vest if I'd only done two dives that day.

 

[MarcLaukien]

I recommend Narcosis Dive Charters. The crew is very friendly and experienced. Check out this article.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

We all have our favorite dive ops in West Palm. Mine is also Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures (www.scuba-adventures.com). Narcosis (www.narcosisdivecharters.com) is also a great operation as is Pura Vida Divers (www.puravidadivers.com). Finally, several of Jim Abernethy's "old crew" are now with Sandy at Ocean Quest Scuba (www.oceanquestscuba.com).

The water temps are currently in the low 70s and, as a "warm water wussy" I wear a 5/3 this time of year, occasionally with a hooded vest on the colder days. That having been said, by April the water should be quite a bit warmer and I'll be in my 3/2.

Keep all of us informed as to your plans. I'm sure you can get several Florida Conch Divers to dive with you!!! Personally, I'm always looking for new buddies.

 

[Oceandvr]

I'm going out with Ocean Quest Scuba in April - any locals out there with hotel/resort information that's not too far away from the dive shop or marina? Thank you!

 

[HowardE]

Going to West Palm FL. first week in April. Looking for dive op recommendations. Also how is the diving there. I have a 7 mil wet suit should I bring it or rent something lighter.

7mil is good for this time of year. I used to wear a 7 throughout the winter, until this year, I went dry - The diving from WPB to Boca is incredible.

We dive frequently (3-5 times a month) with http://splashdowndivers.com They are in Boynton Beach, which is about 15 minutes south of WPB - I highly recommend them, as a top notch dive op. Very close to the reef sites, excellent staff, if you look in the Conch Forum, you will see them or search SB for splashdown, and you'll see a lot of other people recommend them too.

 

[Firediver32]

I Highly recommend Oceanquest Scuba I used to dive Abernathy's till sandy bought her own boat! In fact I'll be there, 2/28-3/3. I usually wear a full 3 mil suit, all year long, but, I'm a northern diver so what people call cold there, i go to the beach.

 

[DMdoogie]

Hey Firediver,
Glad to hear you had a good time diving with Oceanquest this week.

oceanquestscuba.com

Did you get your limit on lobster Friday? Sandy knows all the secret spots.
Good luck with your DM course.
DMdoogie (Doug the Fireman)