River diving charter?

[Brian2828]

I try to get down to Venice area a few times a year for fossil dives. I recently went on a non-diving fossil hunting trip on the Peace River. Does anyone know of a charter or group that meets for river dives in the area?

 

[Dive4LifeSW]

sometime ago I met someone who does the river dives (AMAZING finds). But REALLY need to know where you are going. I will see if I can "dig" up his information. I am not one for river dives.... first alligator encounter turned me off! Anyway.... If you google SW fossil associations and look up organizations there are some groups who get together (share gas/costs) and do quarry and river dives (tank and snorkel). In winter with poorer gulf viz I might try them. For now, due to river height/alligator activity, let's see if we can exchange info on what we find. I did try the river kayak thing once (but lots of digging and no major finds...). As to dives, some do it , but more hardcore... stay in touch, will see what I can find and maybe exchange info.

 

[Brian2828]

I did a canoe fossil hunting trip a few weeks ago with Fred Mazza. The water moved so slowly in the area of the Peace River that we were in that dive gear might not have helped. However, I was using snorkel gear and trying to excavate under a fallen log. It would have been a lot easier with dive gear. A Hookah system might even work best. We saw one small alligator. That area doesn't seem particularly technical, but I'd like to find a group that checks out less explored areas.

I'll be back in Florida in early August and plan to get out on a canoe trip with Fred and then head to Venice for a few days of diving.
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