Need local saltwater boyancy checkout

[Likes2Cruise]

Well, by the time I get to read the replies, my wife and I will finally have completed my OW certification. Gears all packed up and just waiting to head out for our final open water dives.

Our open water dives are being held at Weeki Wachee, but in about a week, I will be on a cruise and doing some salt water dives in Cayman and Belize (at least). Is there some place close to Tampa that has easy access, limited boat/personal water craft traffic and has a little bit of depth so we can get our salt water buoyancy figured out? Don't really care if there is much (if anything) to see (as long as we CAN see) - just need salt.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Brian

 

[diveman3]

Bradenton has 2 good shore dives called the sugar barge and the regina. Sea trek divers is right across the street. Its like 15ft and is a wreck with some life..Let me know if you want any mor einfo on this..Well there is a ton of offshore wrecks with no boat traffic..Egmont key has a shollow wreck/rubble..Let me know if ya want any more info.

 

[giles45shop]

Another easy area is the rest stop on the south end of the Skyway, head south across the bridge, then do a U-turn and come back to the rest area on the east side of the road. Park at the far south end of the rest area, you'll see an area protected by a rock breakwater. It gets to about 15' deep.

 

[ReddogMP]

You've also got Spanish Rocks at Anna Maria and Venice. Both shore dives. Just make sure you have a flag. I Strongly recommend one.

 

[Likes2Cruise]

Let me rephrase a little of this question:
I need a place I can get to after work (4:30) and not worry about it turning into a night dive. Also, I am located in Northwest Tampa.

All of these answers sound like good dive spots, but they do not server the purpose that I am looking for: a close, quick saltwater dive point to get a boyancy check.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[DiveBandit]

I am located in Northwest Tampa.
a close, quick saltwater dive point to get a boyancy check.

Thanks,
Brian

What you ask for does not exist. Sorry

 

[BadAzzCarp]

You've also got Spanish Rocks at Anna Maria and Venice. Both shore dives. Just make sure you have a flag. I Strongly recommend one.

Wow, a flag...who would have thunk it?

 

[Rancehood]

Just head over to the BTDavis beach and walk out into the bay. It is salt water and the vis may not be great but you should be able to walk into deep enough water to check your gear.

 

[eandiver]

You are pretty much SOL in as far as your location and time you get off work.
The vis in the bay is about nil so that rules that out plus Ben T Davis beach has occasional bacteria issues.
giles45shop has the best and closest spot for you and yours to work on weight plus there's a ton of life on in the rocks.
On an average, 2 to 4 lbs more of weight should do you going from fresh to salt.

and congratulations on your OW certs

 

[diveman3]

Narcossis is right