florida west coast shore diving

[jsDive]

anyone know a good place to do shore diving in the tampa area or is it pretty much out of the question due to shallowness of the Gulf and poor vis?

 

[Dr Dive]

You can shore dive for shark's teeth at Venice, south of Sarasota. Not a lot to look at, but you can find teeth. Otherwise, not so much.

 

[Wildbill]

I second the Dr's suggestion, and I believe there is a LDS in Bradenton Beach area that does shore dives that takes you out to sunken artificial reefs. You may be able to search for it on here on SB.

 

[diversteve]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida/60333-florida-dive-spots.html#post3373863
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida/60333-florida-dive-spots.html#post2953992

 

[Wildbill]

Thanks diversteve, that's what I was thinking of, but I thought it was an artificial reef. Natural is better. :cool2:

 

[jsDive]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida/60333-florida-dive-spots.html#post3373863
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida/60333-florida-dive-spots.html#post2953992

Thanks, will attempt to head there next weekend.

 

[jsDive]

Well, went to Spanish Rocks on Sat, about 1 pm but viz was about 2 ft. Could barely see my buddy. Could not see the reef, but again it was an outgoing tide so didn't expect the best viz. Will try again when the tide changes around. Headed to Rainbow river and did drift dive today since Isaac was stirring everything up to the south. Saw several schools of fish and lots of grass. Did like the small cavern, although I didn't bring a dive light and so missed out on going into it. Next time will be better prepared. Depth ranged from 5ft to 21 ft. Heading to Puerto Rico next week. If anyone has some dive spots recommendations, I am all ears.

 

[pennjones]

The wife and I have been diving on Spanish Rocks in Bradenton lately. It's a very nice shore dive on a very nice coral reef. And it's definitely doable by shore dive!