How are in-shore dive conditions lately in Panama City?

[BORG]

Hi guys,
I'll be down in PCB on the 21st -24th of this month. Looking to dive with Panama City Dive Charters on their morning 4 hr. trip on the 23rd.
I haven't dove from a boat in the Gulf yet, even though I have been certified for years, just PADI OW. Getting my PADI AOW later this summer at Lake Jocassee in SC. I dive mostly at area lakes in N. Ga. and SC near where I live.
On the morning 4 hr. trips, how has vis and currents been lately?. I had a bad experience at the Jetties back in the 80s with current and waves, very leary of any rough conditions in the Gulf.

Everyone says these in shore dives from a dive boat in PCB are fairly easy skill wise. Is that what most of you have encountered as well?


Thanks for any info. or advise.

 

[Captain Bil]

I did a two tank dive on Saturday June 8th with Panama City Dive Charters to certify to OW students. We did the Red Sea and Bridge Span 12, at about 6 and 5 miles out respectively. These are considered inshore dives in PC. We had about 40' viz and 80° water temp with no thermocline. Seas were decent at about 2 feet. Very light current at depth, nothing on the surface.

The jetties always vary and are hard to predict. Usually an incoming tide in the middle of a lunar cycle will yield the best results viz and current wise, especially just before highest high tide and slack. But not always. They are a great dive when you hit it just right.



Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[BORG]

I've heard that more often than not, the most calm seas are usually in the morning. Is that what you've seen as well.

 

[Captain Bil]

I've never noticed that. In general a north breeze will yield flatter seas closer to land. Other than that, I've not seen any consistancy in the past 14 years. Even a light southerly breeze usually won't bump it up to badly.

Panama City Dive Charters has a a 36' Newton dive boat, so 2-4 won't be bad.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[BORG]

So, I assume that these in shore dives are fairly easy since they are used for OW checkout dives for OW students?