Orlando Daytona Beach Diving - Saturday, March 3, 2018

[mrose]

I'm heading to Orlando for a conference in March and will have one day free to dive on Saturday, March 3. I'd like to get a few dives in and have emailed 10+ dive shops and only received one reply (referring me back to one of the shops that didn't reply).

Does anyone have recommendations for a dive shop in the area that I could dive with? I'd just head for Devil's Den or Blue Grotto, but I don't have a dive buddy. I've looked around Orlando and Daytona Beach, but would be game for anything within a reasonable driving distance.

I have the full day on Saturday and just need to be back in Orlando by Saturday night. I plan on brining all my own gear, but will need weights and tanks.

Let me know if anyone has recommendations or would like to meet up for a few dives.

Matt

 

[scubadada]

Consider driving 2 1/2 hours to Jupiter

 

[100days-a-year]

Ditto,diving off Daytona right now is cold and likely dark.
Charters will likely not be taking you deep enough to get to warm-ish or clear waters.

 

[sportxlh]

Go to Jupiter! Check out Jupiter Dive Center or Captain Sl8er or Stuart Scuba.

If you really want to dive the springs, you can probably hire a guide from Dayo or American Pro. I suggest making a phone call.... most dive shops are still in the 20th century when it comes to electronic communications

 

[gr8jab]

What about the aquarium at Epcot?

Here's some better diving than Daytona in winter: Scuba Tours - Crystal River Watersports

Also, dive and then snorkel with Manatee: Swim with manatees tour in Crystal River FL. Visit Crystal River on a snorkel with the manatee tour to see Florida all year

It's a longer drive, but Blue Heron Bridge high tide is 9:11am on 3/3/18. That's so easy you could solo. Rent a tank and weights right at the park.

 

[flyboy08]

I got certified in Daytona....there's absolutely nothing to see off that coastline at all...you can do Ponce de Leon springs in Deland? Or head south as suggested....Daytona....armpit of Florida.

 

[kelemvor]

What about the aquarium at Epcot?

That's a very fun dive, I've done it twice. It's $179 and they provide everything except a mask. Epcot Seas Adventures – DiveQuest He'll probably have to sign up now to get a spot in march.

It's not the least bit challenging and you get up close and personal with more animals than I've ever seen on a single open water dive.

 

[scubadada]

No question for me, I would spend the 5 hours of driving to get in 2 dives in Jupiter over a dive at Epcot. Leave Orlando about 5:30 or so, you'd be back by about 4:00. The Lemon Sharks may still be around . I had one of my best shark dives on Feb 2, going to try again on Feb 23.

I did Epcot once in 2008, it was an interesting tour and and a mediocre 40 min dive. Best part was playing with the children at the viewing window.

I tried to get out of Daytona one April with Discover Diving. The boat dives were cancelled. Ended up doing 2 really unremarkable dives at Blue Spring State Park

 

[DavidFL]

I live in Orlando; have done EPCOT once, but I "upvote" Jupiter/West Palm. 2:20 drive from my place near the airport. Easy to make a Saturday 1PM boat for two dives; have dinner down there; and be back in Orlando in the evening.

 

[mrose]

Thanks for all of the input...that was exactly the info I needed! I just booked my dive for Saturday at Jupiter Dive Center. I'm looking forward getting some dives, even if it's only one day.