FL Panhandle Diving

[Jessica Anderson]

I've been tHinking of going diving in the Florida panhandle. Have yet to hit that area. I've been looking at St. Andrews Bay Area

When the updated my chart in that area it showed some new dive spots. Looks like quite a few cool places to check out. Anyone familiar with diving this area?

 

[TMHeimer]

Yes very. I would say St. Andrews (State Park at the inlet) is probably the best shore dive anywhere on the panhandle. Dive the Gulf side to the jetty end at about 45' or the inlet side which is about 70'. Some have started one side and go around the end of the jetty to finish at the other. "Kiddie Pool" by jetty is about 8' deep and kinda interesting itself. But, 2 of my 3 times there viz was awful (except Kiddie Pool). And of course, you must dive at or right before slack (preferably high) tide with the usual nasty inlet current. Picnic tables, restroom/change house, not a far walk to the inlet, further to Gulf side. Other places include the Destin "Thumb" Jetty, P'cola Beach's Fort Pickens, and the bridge at Destin (walk to right, dive back to and along bridge pilings). You may stray a bit West to Perdido Pass, just across the AL line. Again, tidal currents all these sites.
Best bet is to check out Deep Dixie Divers sub forum in S.E. U.S.A. forum, as the panhandle is included there, not under Florida.