Places to dive in less than 30ft in Florida??

[Seastardiver625]

Hi!

I am brand new to Scuba Board! I just got certified down at Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach, FL this weekend. Since I am still new to diving can anyone recommend places for shallow diving (less than 25-30 feet down) in Florida or can recommend any dive clubs or shops that have regular dives in shallower water in order for me to build up the courage little by little?

Thanks!!

 

[Steve_C]

Lots of the reef dives out of Key Largo are 30 ft or less. And those that are more are only slightly more like 35-40. The ideve ops will give you depths of the reefs. THere ares several ops that run out of Key Largo. Many run two reef dives a day.

 

[2airishuman]

I spent a week diving in the Keys earlier this year and never broke 30 feet. As Steve points out, most of the Key Largo reefs are pretty shallow.

 

[PatW]

As stated above, the shallow reef dives at Key Largo are generally at 30' and less. The Benwood, a wreck dive, can get to about 45' but much of it is around 30'. I think there are is another dive that is 35' or so. But those two dives should feel fine. They are not intimidating.

 

[bmbeaty]

There's TONS of good shore dives right off shore at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. First reef is maybe 200' from shore and averages 15'. Second reef is 1/2 mile out (20-30 min surface swim) and is about 25'. There's a 3rd reef but it's not practical without a boat. LBTS is one of my favorite dive sites due to ease of access and aside from paying for parking it's free.

 

[boulderjohn]

Why are you limiting your depth to 30 feet or less?

 

[Wookie]

With or without alligators?

 

[kelemvor]

It's not just Key largo in the keys. I got back from a week on Marathon yesterday. Almost all the diving down there was 30' or less. They had this amazing SPA (Special Protected Area) that was probably closer to 15'.

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

Not to be funny but coming from NJ - Blue Heron Bridge is outstanding for shore dives. Why not do a few there? Every time I have been there I have seen an octopus. I have seen sea turtles, sea horses and lots of life on the snorkel trail and under the bridge.

I would dive a few more there especially if it is close to your home...

Then branch out and go a little deeper.

 

[bmbeaty]

BHB can be unpredictable on vis. When it's got good vis it's great, when it has poor vis it sucks. LBTS is a lot more predictable, plus it has a beach can so you can get a look at the surf before heading out. Both a good sites, but I personally like LBTS better.