Panhandle shore diving & hotels

[dzstr]

We're planning a trip for this summer. Anyone have any hotel recomendations in the panhandle where shore diving is possible?

Trying to plan something for the non-divers in the family plus a little bottom time for me

Thanks!

 

[FSUgly]

We always stay at the Radisson Beach Resort in Ft Walton Beach. They have a kiddie pool with playground, a big regular pool, and a nice lazy river(tubes included, but would recommend bringing your own for peak time when all tubes may be used), plus they are beachfront.
Last summer when we were there, they had a notice that they were being bought out by Courtyard by Marriott. I can't find anything via the internet about either place right now, so they may be undergoing a remodel (which they were advertising in their posted notice). If interested, try calling courtyard by marriott to find out more info on that property.
Oh yeah, you can beach dive the East Pass Jetties, as well as the bridge at the proper tides. The local dive shops can help you with that info.

 

[SeaYoda]

In the Destin area the hotels can get pricey by the beach - if you try to stay in the Niceville area and drive across the midbay bridge you'll save some money. The hotels fill up pretty quick so reserve early.

Here is a link about the Destin Jetties. When the gallery gets back up you can see some pictures of mine there.

http://scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=724595&postcount=9

 

[mike_s]

SeaYoda is right. Destin hotels/condos get PRICEY in the summer there.
It's not as bad though if you go in May or before or go September/after.

Expect $150+/night for Holiday Inn and $250+ for Hilton during summer.

If you want to price condo's, check out the Abbott Resorts (realty) web page at http://www.abbott-resorts.com


Some people do some shore diving at the St Andrews park Jetties in Panama City also.

 

[RonFrank]

Based on the FL guide I have (no firsthand experience) there is a few shore dives in the Pensacola area. A quote:

"However, the shallows out from the beaches are generally disappointing for divers.Their large flat expanses of white silica sand run unbroken for miles. The preferred thing to do is to take a diving charter...."

There are a couple of wrecks in shallow water, but they discuss being covered by sand, and that MAYBE they will get uncovered, but then again the exact opposite may have occured in the FL Canes.

There is however a number of springs listed in this area that sound interesting.

Once you go east/south of Pensacola, there is NOTHING listed as a shore dive with one exception, and it does not sound real promising.

Parts of Panama City were DEVISTATED by the hurricanes of 2004. I'd definately contact that area and discuss things (maybe you'll get some response here) before assuming everythig is fine there. Based on experience from my Cuz (Ft. Pierce) and what Little damage she suffered, construction repair in FL right now is next to impossible to get done in a timely manner due to shortages of both supplies, and labor. She of course is much farther south, and east, so maybe the panhandle area has a better supply.

I bet you will get some better advice from people with firsthand experience, who may also have current reports of any areas that may still have damage.

Have fun, and good luck.

Ron

We're planning a trip for this summer. Anyone have any hotel recomendations in the panhandle where shore diving is possible?

Trying to plan something for the non-divers in the family plus a little bottom time for me

Thanks!

 

[darcy]

If you like to camp you could stay at St. Andrews State Park and dive the Jetties. The closest hotel would be the Hampton Inn. There is a kiddie pool and beach for the wife and kids and diving the jetties will have you ending at the kiddie pool. Everyone wins!

Also around the corner is Divers Den and you can go off shore for some awesome wreck diving with them on their boat Splash. Debbie and KC run a good show. And call me so I have an excuse to get out of work and dive. I love to show off *my town*.

 

[mike_s]

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_/Florida_/index.htm

has Florida Shore diving site reviews. It includes the Panama City St Andrews Park Jetties, the Destin Jetties, Vortex Spring, Santa Rosa Island, and maybe a few others that are in the Panhandle.

Hope this helps.

-Mike

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Pre-hurricanes, the old pier rubble right off of Pensacola's Casino Beach(just east of the new pier) was just starting to become uncovered. There is supposedly a wreck somewhere in the same area that was just becoming uncovered(never dove it) - may be covered again due to hurricanes. Dunno if they will have the road to Ft Pickens rebuilt in time for your trip, but there are two other beachable wrecks that I know of(haven't dove either) and some jeddies in that area.

Destin has jeddies - they are pretty fun

Panama City's St Andrew State Park has jeddies too.

Then, there are all the springs...