Springs verses Gulf

[Kyle Alfriend]

I will be in Clearwater for a week (11/19 - 11/26). I would like to do as many dives as possible. Would yoou recommend going off the coast, or going to the springs. I have never been to the springs.

And any recommendations of dive operations to work with would be great.

Thank you

Kyle

 

[K Mejean]

See if you can book with Capt. Ty here on the board. If he is available he is the best. If not there are some other charters in the area. I'm sure some of the other members can give you names and contact info. As far as springs go.... it is your call. I enjoy them on occasion as do most other people around here. You can easily do both if your schedule permits. I can't tell you which is best because we all have a favorite but my personal favorite is Paradise Springs. If you go there you should be prepared and trained for an overhead environment.
By the way....welcome to the board.

 

[eandiver]

The springs with open water areas are 72 degrees all year, fairly inexpensive and can be done on a moments notice. This time of year we have a lot of weather fronts coming through the are (like right now) so going out in the gulf gets iffy. I'll second GRD's suggestion on Capt. Ty.

 

[GulfCoastdiver]

You should do at least one of the springs while your here if you'ver never done it before.

 

[Salmonboy97]

It would depend on your aventure level is. The gulf will be generally rough with a low vis 30-50' at best. Gulf water temp yesterday was 68 degrees but with the lasting cold front it will start to fall.
The springs will be around 72 degrees with visibility depending on how many other divers are in the spring at the time you are there. Unlimited vis is normal but could be as low as 20'. Most springs will have some overhead environment (cavern) and some will have caves.
PM me and we can try to plan some spring dives not well published. (I am not swamped with work this week)

 

[scubaken1970]

I have done paradise and it is best in the early morning.Once the classes start it gets kicked up pretty bad.Rainbow river is really good 72 yr round.Silver river was also good.I would recomend rainbow river or Gennie springs Blue gratto is really good also,You have to do the devils den.40 fathom isnt bad but you have to hire a guied kinda pricy