Need a place to dive in March

[GOBUCKEYES]

Me and the wife are going to down in March.We are staing at my in-laws in Oldsmar. And we need some ideas on dive sites please.Devil's Den and Blue Grotto are what $20-$30 to get in is it worth that? then I see you guys talk about red rock how would the vis be in MARCH? and would a 3m be ok?Thank you for any and all help!

 

[Digger54]

Me and the wife are going to down in March.We are staing at my in-laws in Oldsmar. And we need some ideas on dive sites please.Devil's Den and Blue Grotto are what $20-$30 to get in is it worth that? then I see you guys talk about red rock how would the vis be in MARCH? and would a 3m be ok?Thank you for any and all help!

I was just in Blue Grotto yesterday. Absolutely the best fresh water dive I have seen. Water almost as clear as air. I went with two other's using American Pro Divers in Crystal River. We were to do Blue Grotto and Devils Den on the same day, but after we got to Blue Grotto we found that Devils Den was closed for a few days as they did some maintenance on the steps. So we all cheerfully agreed to do a second dive at the Grotto.

I'll be back to do it again sometime. As for the 3mm -- you may be just fine. I find myself a little cold natured in water. I wore a 5/3 hooded vest under a 3mm fullsuit and 3mm gloves and was fine. (5mm booties, too)

got to get back and check out Devils Den someday. Curious thing with them is that the Devils Den management did not call the dive shop to tell them that they were closed. We would have wasted the time going over there had my brother who lives nearby not told us.

 

[Missdirected]

Me and the wife are going to down in March.We are staing at my in-laws in Oldsmar. And we need some ideas on dive sites please.Devil's Den and Blue Grotto are what $20-$30 to get in is it worth that? then I see you guys talk about red rock how would the vis be in MARCH? and would a 3m be ok?Thank you for any and all help!

Wow, I use to live in Ohio and Oldsmar is a mere 5 minutes from my home now. Are u looking to charter or shore dive when you come? 3mm will not be okay in March :no I'm a bit "warm -blooded" and wear less than most typically but in March I definitely have a 7 on.

 

[GOBUCKEYES]

Missdirected
right now we are up for anything just want to get some ideas. so you say we need 5mm or more in March?

 

[eandiver]

Wow, I use to live in Ohio and Oldsmar is a mere 5 minutes from my home now. Are u looking to charter or shore dive when you come? 3mm will not be okay in March :no I'm a bit "warm -blooded" and wear less than most typically but in March I definitely have a 7 on.

What are you talking about? If I remember correctly while Dave shivered in a 3mm and I was just comfortable in my 7mm you were wearing a shorty 2 Marches ago in the gulf.
cold
Water will still be in the low 60's unless fronts push it lower.

The springs will be 70 to 72 though.

 

[Missdirected]

What are you talking about? If I remember correctly while Dave shivered in a 3mm and I was just comfortable in my 7mm you were wearing a shorty 2 Marches ago in the gulf.

Wow, I really need to keep up with my log book

Anyway Buckeye - it is going to be cold in the Gulf. Hoods, gloves, 7mm are highly recommended.

If u want to charter, and go see some really good stuff, go with "Capt. Ty". You can pm him here on the board. Alternately, personally I would not recommend Red Rocks. However, Spanish Rocks at Anna Maria Island is a good shore dive. Depending on how long u are here u may want to do Venice Beach. You are not going to find any substantial life there but you will find loads of sharks teeth, if u hit the right spots.

As for the springs, I am far from the authority on those as I only go every now and again to hang out with friends. So I will let someone else chime in on those.

 

[DiveBandit]

Keep in mind that although 69 may be cold to us, they are from Ohio. 69 degree Gulf and 72 degree Springs could be bath water to them.

 

[Missdirected]

Keep in mind that although 69 may be cold to us, they are from Ohio. 69 degree Gulf and 72 degree Springs could be bath water to them.

Very true. now tell them about the springs, since you seem to be living in them of late.

 

[GOBUCKEYES]

we plan to be in Fl.for 10 days. Thanks again for all the help.If we didn't LET you guys WIN last year would you guys still be so nice to me? Now thats funny!!! LOL

 

[Mokey7]

We did our OW class at Devil's Den. Those steps are a real killer! And in my opinion, it a place to dive a few times, but not much more than that. Water temp with a 5mm on was only chilly when not moving. We are going to check out Ginnie Springs this weekend not the caves parts tho), Blue Grotto at the end of the month, and hopefully 40 fathoms in Nov. If you like, I'll let you know my impressions of these springs.