Southwest FL shore dives?

[dkramer]

The reef off of Boca Grande, by the light house, is Red rock reef that Colin mentioned. It's a nice reef & I dive it quite a bit. The problem is diving it in December is kind of hit & miss------more miss than hit. When cold fronts move in, the viz drops to zero. As Colin mentioned, I'd hate for sidwise to pay the toll over the bridge only to discover the viz is bad. I'd be more than happy to show you where it's at sidwise, just understand that weather could throw a monkey wrench into the dive. There is also a small natural reef off of 17th street.

 

[DanPHudson]

accessible from shore? off boca?

 

[JRScuba]

That would depend on if the "POOH" suspension is gone.

 

[dkramer]

Yes, accessible off shore from Boca Grande. Most people swim out. Red Rocks is approximately 200 yds out & 17th street is about 100 yds out. I use a kayak to dive them. Pooh suspension?

 

[CBulla]

there is a nice shallow reef off of boca grande. It is straight out from the light house. There is a dive shop in port charlotte that has tide charts and directions to the reef.

http://www.fantaseascuba.com/

Thats the one I was referring to in Post#7 named Red Rocks. The town of Boca Grande is located on Gasparilla Island, the reef is off of Boca Grande Light House on Gulf Blvd across from the 'new' condo's on the island, between the sandbars and about 300 yards south of the light house. On a clear day you can see it, otherwise you'll find it like I did.. by sound then my face! :rofl:

Gasparilla/Boca Grande

Now, if your gutsy, there is also diving the phosphate docks at the end... however I believe its not legal anymore though. IF your REALLY crazy, there is the pass itself. I've done 4 boat dives with Reefguy in the pass for the annual clean-up and the dives were AMAZING! There is a mix of ledges and two incredible reef walls in the middle of the pass that are referred to as the "camel backs" or "the humps".

 

[ReefGuy]

I think the only way to access the phosphate docks now is by boat. All of the land is private. I think diving it in the winter is the right time, though. Definately not past March or early April.

I really missed the pass dive last year. I can't wait for the next one (March).