Oriskany- winter trips?

[OCDinNC]

I live in NC (unfortunately), but dive FL when I get a chance, usually several times a year. I always make a winter pilgrimmage when my landscaping business slows down, either Dec or Jan typically. Jan 06 I got in 11 days, starting Jupiter, then Key Largo, Marathon, Tavernier, Crystal River, Rainbow, Ginnie, etc...

I want really badly to dive the BIG O. I intend to plan a Keys trip for late fall/winter, and would love to consider adding a day or two on Oriskany. Does anyone know if the dive ops that do the O will be running all winter (conditions cooperating, naturally)?

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Yep, non stop as long as weather cooperates and people fill the boats.

 

[Oriskany Divemaster]

Some of the best diving is during the winter months, so we'll be running all year. We're off the dock by 0600, make 2 dives on the Oriskany, and back in time for lunch. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[av8er23]

does anyone have pics to share? Where can i find more information on the site such as depths?

well i found the answer to my questions. check the links below?
http://www.mbtdivers.com/OriskanyPics1.htm

http://www.ussoriskany.com/id18.html

matt, when do you plan on going down there to dive it?

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Sept 24th off of Gary's Gulf Diver Boat Cat-N-Around, Gary(algulfdiver) posts here on ScubaBoard and set up the trip with 10% discount for that date for board members.

 

[seadoggirl]

Also can try DownUnder Dive shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama

 

[Dr Dive]

I know of at least one and perhaps several that will be running year round, weather permitting. Winter brings a day or two of undiveable conditions followed by 3 or 4 days of some of the best flat water you've ever seen when a cold front passes through. Since we can't predict the timing, we can only hope you'll arrive in the magic window after the frontal passage. Drop me a note and we can chat, and maybe I can help you get set up.

Dr Dive

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Welcome to ScubaBoard DrDive

 

[PerroneFord]

I have a question. Why on EARTH would anyone want to board a boat at 0600 to dive? What the heck is wrong with the boat leaving at 10am and being back for dinner? It's not like I make plans with the rest of my Saturday. I don't NEED to be back by lunchtime.

Why is diving ruled by morning people? What is WRONG with you people? It's my weekend!

Some of the best diving is during the winter months, so we'll be running all year. We're off the dock by 0600, make 2 dives on the Oriskany, and back in time for lunch. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[rhyz]

I have a question. Why on EARTH would anyone want to board a boat at 0600 to dive? What the heck is wrong with the boat leaving at 10am and being back for dinner? It's not like I make plans with the rest of my Saturday. I don't NEED to be back by lunchtime.

Why is diving ruled by morning people? What is WRONG with you people? It's my weekend!

When I went out with Eric and Dave it was great. Great crew, fast boat (Y-Knot). Getting out early you get your first dive in before anyone else is there. The whole ship to yourself, which I for one loved!! Usually during your SI the other boats get there drop their divers and you go on your 2nd when they come up. I would rather dive the O with 5-6 divers than 15-20 on her. Yes she is big but for rec diving your all around the tower which with alot of divers seems small. I would always prefer an earlier start verses a later one just for that reason. Used Dive Pros and Bluewater Adventures and would recommend them to anyone considering diving the O.