gnominic
Registered
If you're diving the Jetties stop in to Dive Locker and get some advice on the tides. I prefer an incoming tide right at the tail end of it. The system will suck your around the jetty and inside.
But be aware the currents there are real. If you just certified I would go for a boat dive or catch the tide completely slack and stay inside (between) the rocks. Longshore currents will hit the jetty and turn offshore. Definately do not dive an outgoing tide there. Vis will be poor in that case anyhow.
Try to catch the last of an incoming tide and start on the gulf side and work your way around. Do it during the week when the fishermen are less. Carry a flag-float. Carry a surface marker and a whistle just in case.
The hike from the parking lot to the jetty is considerable, but very doable. Take your time. If you get hot or tired, sit your butt in the surf for a few and recover before going on.
I dove the jetty about 10 days ago and there were lots of sting rays in the surf (I walked in down the beach and swam to the jetty and then around it). There are almost always lots of flounder and a few grouper on the jetty. You will also see red drum, maybe snooks, and the usual assortment of jetty dwellers. I've only dove the jetty once when there were no other divers. Ling will show up from time to time. It's really an nice easy dive.
My guide to tide predictions:
1. high tide the middle of high slack tide. Do not start your dive at this time as the current will be increasing from then forward. Same for low tide.
2. half way between high and low tide is the highest current. You should be out of the water well before this time.
3. I would try to hit the water about an hour or two before the high tide. The duration of the tide is about 6 hours, so you have about a four hour window when it will be pleasant.
I don't like the jetty with no current; it's a long swim all the way around it. I especially like the jetty at dusk, if the tide is favorable. I've never done a morning dive (ever, anywhere), but I'd expect it to be good too. It's miserable walking across the beach in the hot part of the day this time of year.
But it's a terrific dive. Don't skip this one if you can make it. I like it way better than the boat dives I've done out of PCB.
Best wishes for a great dive, no matter where you end up.
-dennis
But be aware the currents there are real. If you just certified I would go for a boat dive or catch the tide completely slack and stay inside (between) the rocks. Longshore currents will hit the jetty and turn offshore. Definately do not dive an outgoing tide there. Vis will be poor in that case anyhow.
Try to catch the last of an incoming tide and start on the gulf side and work your way around. Do it during the week when the fishermen are less. Carry a flag-float. Carry a surface marker and a whistle just in case.
The hike from the parking lot to the jetty is considerable, but very doable. Take your time. If you get hot or tired, sit your butt in the surf for a few and recover before going on.
I dove the jetty about 10 days ago and there were lots of sting rays in the surf (I walked in down the beach and swam to the jetty and then around it). There are almost always lots of flounder and a few grouper on the jetty. You will also see red drum, maybe snooks, and the usual assortment of jetty dwellers. I've only dove the jetty once when there were no other divers. Ling will show up from time to time. It's really an nice easy dive.
My guide to tide predictions:
1. high tide the middle of high slack tide. Do not start your dive at this time as the current will be increasing from then forward. Same for low tide.
2. half way between high and low tide is the highest current. You should be out of the water well before this time.
3. I would try to hit the water about an hour or two before the high tide. The duration of the tide is about 6 hours, so you have about a four hour window when it will be pleasant.
I don't like the jetty with no current; it's a long swim all the way around it. I especially like the jetty at dusk, if the tide is favorable. I've never done a morning dive (ever, anywhere), but I'd expect it to be good too. It's miserable walking across the beach in the hot part of the day this time of year.
But it's a terrific dive. Don't skip this one if you can make it. I like it way better than the boat dives I've done out of PCB.
Best wishes for a great dive, no matter where you end up.
-dennis
