New in Clearwater, FL. Advice?

[TampaJack]

Greetings!

I'm new to the board.

We moved from Sacramento to Clearwater. My teenage sons and I are OW certified (Monterrey). We've done 20 dives each, most of them in a trip to Cozumel two years ago.

We'd like to get Advanced certed as well as to visit some springs and Upper Keys next month.

Asking for your advice!

1) Which dive shop(s) do you feel are best in my area (Clearwater and Tampa Bay) for a) training, and b) equipment?

2) What are the best springs to go to in your experience?

3) What shops/operators are best in Upper Keys?

4) Should we get advance certed here at home or do it during our trip to the Keys?

5) Is there any good diving here in the Clearwater area?

Thanks!

Jack Mortimer

 

[Zellet]

Welcome to the SCUBABOARD it is a great place with lots of nice friendly helpful people. so your questions will be answered but not by me

 

[FSUgly]

Welcome aboard!

As far as answering your questions, you may want to post this in the Florida Conch Divers section of the messageboard (it's at the bottom of the first page of this msgbrd).
I've been diving and snorkeling with the manatees in Crystal River which is not too far north of you. It was nice and would recommend it.

Here are a couple links to check out:
Florida Cave, Cavern & Sinkhole Diving - Some of these are ok with only a OW certification.

FLAUSA Diving - This site lists dive locations throughout different regions of Florida.

Florida Scuba - Another all around dive info site.

Hope some of this helps.
Tom

 

[spectre53]

1) Which dive shop(s) do you feel are best in my area (Clearwater and Tampa Bay) for a) training, and b) equipment?

A: Macs Sports (Clwtr-Drew St), Our Ocean Dreams (Clwtr-McMullenbooth Rd)...both excellent for training equip.

2) What are the best springs to go to in your experience?

A: Ginny Springs (N of Gainsville) and Blue Grotto (Williston)

3) What shops/operators are best in Upper Keys?

A: Cpat Brian Berry from Island Venture.com in Key Largo...small groups only (up to 10 max) and awesome laid back...NO STRESS diving! We have used Brian's services for 2 yrs!

4) Should we get advance certed here at home or do it during our trip to the Keys?

The Keys by all means! Do it on the Speigal Grove and the rest of the awesome clear sites with tons of sea life!

5) Is there any good diving here in the Clearwater area?

A: We like Clearwater reef and the various ledges around. We use the "Sea Fox" in Dunedin as well as our own boat.

Hope this helps! -Pat

 

[Arduous]

Welcome to the board from the cold waters of New England USA. Have fun here and Dive Safe..................

 

[Kayla]

.... to the boards! Dive Safe!


Kayla