Florida Diving

[yoda4x4]

Hi all,

I am just finishing up my OW certification and will be going to Naples, FL in August. Can anyone make some recommendations for diving in the Naples/Marco Island area? If you can, I would really appreciate a name and number of some places.

Thanks scuba friends!

David

 

[Walter]

There's some great diving in the area, but it's not for beginners. Dive the Keys and/or east coast until you have more experience. If you dive it now, you'll hate it. If you dive it later, you'll love it.

 

[MSP Rescue Diver]

Walter - we were over on Sanibel this past weekend, and whew was it stinky.

Any idea what caused the big fish kill over that way? The bay was full of dead fish, and the beaches on the Gulf side were full of dead pen shells.

Red tide?

Marc

 

[Walter]

I haven't been following the local news, but that sounds like a red tide.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Walter once bubbled...
I haven't been following the local news, but that sounds like a red tide.

I hope not...
Rick

 

[MSP Rescue Diver]

I did a search and it seems that the blooms have been going on in varying intensities for the past two months. It seems it happens every year, but this year is particualrly bad.

Not only have there been major fish kills, but there's been a number of manatees and turtles affected as well.

 

[yoda4x4]

Walter,

I appreciate your feedback. Unfortunately, the area I'll need to dive is the Naples/Marco Island area. Can you provide me with any good dive ops in that area?

Thanks again for your help.

David

 

[Walter]

Are you sure you need to dive the Naples/Marco Island area?

The Gulf is vastly different from the Atlantic. The Atlantic drops off very quickly, allowing us to reach reasonable dive depths within a mile of shore. The Gulf has a very gradual slope, hitting 60 feet at approximately 20 miles off shore.

What does this mean to divers? It means you can get on as boat in Naples or Marco and dive the Gulf at a cost of $100+ and spend all day for a 2 tank trip. The other option is to drive to Ft. Lauderdale, hop on a boat for about $45, make a 2 tank trip and drive back to the Naples/Marco Island area. Even with round trip fuel and driving time to Ft. Lauderdale, you'll save money, spend about the same amount of time and get dives you'll enjoy more.

Are you sure you need to dive the Naples/Marco Island area?

 

[yoda4x4]

Walter,

I PM'd you a little while ago. Please see it and contact me.

Thanks,
David

 

[MSP Rescue Diver]

Walter, since you're the "go to guy" on that side of the state, which sites from this list would you recommend?

Thanks