Shore diving in the lower 48?

[Evans]

Hello. I'd like opinions if possible about places for shore diving in the 48 states (diving on a budget). If you were looking for somewhere warm water to do a week or two worth of shore diving, where would be the best, grooviest place to go?

TIA

 

[garyfotodiver]

SE Florida. There are many places where the only cost to dive is a parking fee. Dania beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale by the Sea, SE 8th St in Pompano come to mind.

Search the websites of the local dive shops for info and directions.

 

[Evans]

I thought that's what I'd be told.

Thanks.

 

[The Wanderer]

Lots of Springs in North & Central Florida for $5 - 10 bucks per day, and some beach diving in the Florida panhandle, too..

 

[ShakaZulu]

http://www.shorediving.com

There you go, enjoy!!!!!!!!!

 

[Nay]

Catalina Island off the So Cal coast has the easiest shore diving (stairs) into a dedicated dive park.
Wish I was there.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[northcoast_diver]

Catalina Island off the So Cal coast has the easiest shore diving (stairs) into a dedicated dive park.
Wish I was there.

Have fun on your trip!

However he did say "warm" water.

That cancels out almost everything else except Hawaii and Florida.

And he said "budget" which definitely eliminates Hawaii.

Down to Florida alone. Motel 6. McDonalds.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

SE Florida- Broward County. Like previously mentioned, 8th st. in Pompano. Also Lauderdale By The Sea, Dania Beach, and Hollywood Beach. All sites have easy entries, exits, shallow warm diving, long bottom times, reefs, lotsa fish, and the possiblility to see an interesting creature here and there.
Check out the Florida Conch divers for numerous posts on these destinations.
Oh, and the best reason for diving SE Florida? The Florida Conch Divers of course! Just ask anybody who have dived with us!

 

[hurleyskis]

What's your idea of cheap? Let's say you go away for 8 nights, 7 days of diving.....what type of budget are you talking about?

 

[Evans]

Beats me, that's why I'm asking, among other things. But we're talking driving around and camping and buying 32% and shore diving. No airplanes, no boats, no DMs, etc.

I like the idea of Fl because of the possibility of diving springs and such as well as ocean diving. I've read that all the diving in the keys is boat diving. True? I do have a shorty 3mm, I guess that wouldn't do it for south california, huh? It's a long drive to Fl from Seattle...