New Lower Alabama Diver

[scf1999]

Hello, First time poster, Just wondering if there are any local clubs in the Daphne, Mobile Alabama area. Just moved here from West Palm were there were numerous clubs to join.
I am about to hang up my new BC for fear of bankruptcy in this area, I payed about $30 to $50 bucks for a two tanker, here they want $90. Am I looking in the wrong place. I though everything was more expensive in South Florida.

Thanks for the help.

 

[mike_s]

First off, welcome to the area....


as for paying $30 to $50 bucks for a two tanker in south Florida... all I can say is **wow**.
That's almost unbelieveable. I haven't heard of a boat rate that cheap in 5+ years.

Even in the keys we paid more than that. (reference Ocean Divers in Key Largo is $85 to $90 for a two tank dive Ocean Divers Prices)

The going rate of around $90 bucks or a little less depending on where you are is about the average. Maybe you can find one for $75 or $85, but that's about it.

Why? Dock space is expensive (and going up every year), boats are expensive, insurance is expensiveand marine diesel is $4-$5 bucks a gallon and boats use a lot of it getting to the sites and back.


Maybe someone else can point you to a cheaper location, but from what I've seen that's about he average around here.


Here are two well known charters near you.... they charge about the average going rate.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Diving, Oriskany Dive - Down Under Dive Shop

Gary's Gulf Divers, Charter Boat Trips and Prices

 

[Hetland]

Consider also that the dive sites aren't exactly a mile or two off shore. While there is some good diving close in, the charter capts like to make sure that they put their customers on spots with great viz, which often means 15-20 miles out.

I've dove with Captain Gary (link above) and in addition to running a good set of dives, he also cooks up a damn fine lunch, which saves you a few bucks in the long run.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I live in Loxley, less than 10 min from Daphne. Beach diving doesn't cost a thing

Welcome to ScubaBoard and to the AL Gulf COast

 

[tom wicker]

Yes you are paying to much and yes there is a group here on the Eastern Shores $35.00 is about right. If you wish I can pass you a website for us locals who dive off each others boats plus do some fishing also. Soon there will tourney started with 100 percent paybacks and we have monthly get together. Bugman has a point also beach diving is free

 

[scf1999]

Thanks for all your help, I kind of thought the sites were not as close to shore as in Florida.
Yes, the "out of the book" charters were more expensive in Florida, but after meeting some local divers they were able to direct me to the charter boats they used. These boats may not have all the bells and whistles of the other charters but they were safe and served my number one goal. To get wet.

I would love to do some beach diving, but would prefer to go with someone who knows the area. Thats why I was wondering about clubs. I see more dive license plates here then I did in Florida, so there must be a large dive community around here somewhere.

Thanks again for the help. This is a great site, glad to get so many responses.
And Tom I would love the website to the local club.
Thanks

 

[Hetland]

Short List of Beach Dives

• Whiskey Wreck - West Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama. Probably need a guide to find. Can find plenty of folks on SB that will be happy to arrange something with you. Public parking and restrooms nearby.
  
• Alabama Point - Orange Beach, Alabama. Bridge pilings, bulkheads, rock jetties. Dive at high, slack tide, as the area can be sporty or dangerous otherwise. Can have high boat traffic at certain times. Also wise to dive with a guide the first time. Public parking and restrooms nearby.
  
• Navarre Pier - Navarre, Florida. Easy to find, not tide dependant. Surf/surge the factor to consider. Usually a sure-bet to dive. Requires a 200-300 yard walk through the sand. Public parking and restrooms nearby. Parking lot is frequently patrolled by local police. Boat traffic is virtually non-existant.
  
• Destin Jetties - Destin, Florida. Tide dependant, NO restrooms, LONG walk to the water. Parking can be rough during peak times. Area can be very crowded with snorklers and OW classes. Still, this is a pretty good dive if you can get past the items listed above. I've not had a chance to night-dive it yet, but it's on my short list.

There are a few other shore-dives in the area, but these are the most popular, and your best chance for diving with other scubaboarders.

 

[mike_s]

Thanks for all your help, I kind of thought the sites were not as close to shore as in Florida.
Yes, the "out of the book" charters were more expensive in Florida, but after meeting some local divers they were able to direct me to the charter boats they used. These boats may not have all the bells and whistles of the other charters but they were safe and served my number one goal. To get wet.

I would love to do some beach diving, but would prefer to go with someone who knows the area. Thats why I was wondering about clubs. I see more dive license plates here then I did in Florida, so there must be a large dive community around here somewhere.

Thanks again for the help. This is a great site, glad to get so many responses.
And Tom I would love the website to the local club.
Thanks

you could always look into "crewing" for one of the boats. since you are so close to the ocean. you'd have to work some, but you'd get a dive or two in also for free here and there.... just an idea.

 

[scf1999]

Next time your down there check out Silent World, they are very friendly and after diving them a few times they sent some discount coupons. We were paying about $65 but that was over a year ago, I checked there site and it says $75. They include tanks most others I found down there do but for additional $. Small boats, no crowds and we always went on the weekend.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Don't forget the springs in the panhandle.