FL Panhandle Dive Buddy?

[Dan18]

Hello all,

I'm new the forum and new to the Pensacola, FL, area. I had been looking forward to going out with one of the various charters in the area, but COVID shutdowns have put a damper on those plans. I up for traveling between the Perdido/Pensacola area to Destin, Fort Walton, Panama City or other places within a similar radius on most weekends and some weekdays. If anyone in the area is interested in a dive buddy or has any inspiration on places to go in the midst of the shutdowns, please let me know. I know this might be a faux pas topic.

Thanks,

 

[100days-a-year]

You may have some luck here, there are a few members I know are diving but not a lot posting about it. You can try FB for local groups too, but same there.

 

[Saniflush]

You may try this group....

Panama City Dive Club

 

[Dan18]

You may try this group....

Panama City Dive Club

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

[Chinook203]

I just moved to Port St. Joe. Looking at some dive spots too. Was going to try St. Andrews a few days ago, but they had filled up. I've been snorkeling at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and was surprised at how much I saw. We are going to start fishing around Tyndall bridge with the boat and hoping to find some spots to dive around there.

 

[Saniflush]

I just moved to Port St. Joe. Looking at some dive spots too. Was going to try St. Andrews a few days ago, but they had filled up. I've been snorkeling at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and was surprised at how much I saw. We are going to start fishing around Tyndall bridge with the boat and hoping to find some spots to dive around there.

St Andrews is highly underrated. I have had some really good dives there but it is dependent on what the tide is doing.

 

[Chinook203]

St Andrews is highly underrated. I have had some really good dives there but it is dependent on what the tide is doing.

From what I am seeing in some pics and videos you are right. We will be hitting it soon. As I understand it, try to hit when the tide is high, correct?

 

[Saniflush]

Slack high tide is what I try to shoot for. There is a good app that I use called "tides near me" that has St Andrews (plus lots of others) listed.

 

[Chinook203]

Finally got to snorkel the jetties. It was gorgeous, so many fish. There was a group of divers that attempted it and couldn't, but not near slack tide. Will definitely go again.