Shore Dive/Charter Recommendations - Destin, FL

[SPG3K]

Pretty much what the title says!

I am headed down to the beach house this weekend and am looking for either a moderately priced charter or some decent shore dive ideas.

Our house is about half a mile from Old 98 on the beach as you come onto the island from the Legendary Marina bridge. I'm driving down though, so my buddy and I would be able to drive, but we'd like to stay on Destin.

 

[Vicksburg Diver]

Try Emerald Coast scuba in Destin. Good charters with reasonable pricing.

 

[Flfiremedic]

Come over to Panama City Beach and dive our jetties.

 

[scubadobadoo]

ShoreDiving.com - Your Shore Diving and Snorkeling Web Community!

The jetties are the best and more info can be found at the above link in the Florida section...not too many shore diving options worth doing in those parts really. Have a great trip!

 

[SPG3K]

After action report!!

Well, we are here, back home safely. We went with the above recommendation, and used Emerald Coast Scuba. The dives were fantastic despite what locals called "limited viz" of approximately 25-40' on the bottom. (I dive Rock Quarries - max vis to date 10-12').

Our boat crew was awesome, and I really feel as though the captain did what he could to give us the best dives possible in the weather we had to work with.

My family has a house down here, and I will definitely be diving with Emerald Coast in the future when I am here.

Lessons learned:

Bring a reel in case of low viz. We followed an experienced diver who attached a reel to the anchor line and decided that method was far more enjoyable than constantly watching a compass and missing the dive.

14 lbs was WAY too much weight for me. I saw constantly fighting to stay off the bottom and to stop sinking on my safety stops.

Overall, two great dives, well worth the money. Will be back for sure.