Suggestions on Fort Lauderdale...

[cdncrab]

I was hoping to make it down to the Keys but it looks like I'll be in Fort Lauderdale for a few days March 13 - 17th Extra long weekend. Need some suggestions on accommodations, dive charters; coming from the cold north we want to do as much diving as possible in 3 days. Including some night dives. Hoping to do 4 to 5 dives a day.

 

[HowardE]

Fancy accomodations or cheaper?

What kind of dives do you want to do?

It IS Spring Break then, so prices will be a bit higher than usual.

 

[DivingPrincessE]

When I was in Fort Lauderdale I used Pro Dive Pro Dive - Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Scuba Instructor Training and had a very good experience (other than the sea sickness). The American Dream II ScubaFortLauderdale.com - Home of the American Dream II also gets good feedback here but it wasn't running the day I was there.

Also you might get more responses if you post here ScubaBoard - Florida Conch Divers or just do a advanced search for "fort lauderdale" in the title.

Hope you have a good time, and be sure to post a trip report when you get back!

 

[cdncrab]

Any accomodations, good diving.
I'll take any diving, as long as it's not ice, have enough of that here.
I did not realise it was Spring Break, that should be interesting.

 

[HowardE]

Spring Break isn't really crazy anymore... but hotels may cost a bit more than usual.

I would recommend you check out Pompano Beach or Lauderdale by the Sea for cheaper accomodations, and closer to MORE diving.

Ft Lauderdale itself only has a few ops, Pro-Dive which does only PM trips, and always wreck / 30' Reef. The 30 foot reef is OK, but not great... also they anchor on the second dive so you can't do a drift dive.

American Dream is a great op, but I dive with them depending on Schedule.

Pompano has a lot more dive operations and most are close to the inlet which means fast access to the ocean... Fill Express -- Dive Boats in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Many do wreck/reef - but the second dive is usually a drift on the 50-60 FSW reef.

Also - if you get a chance... Head up to Boynton Beach (about 25 minutes north) and try to do at least 1 trip there. You won't regret it.

 

[cdncrab]

Thanks for the input.
will definetly look into Pompano Beach
Being only able to dive for 3 days we want to max out on diving.

 

[robint]

you said you want to do 4-5 dives per day for 3 days? Possibly the only dive op that could accomodate you is South Florida Diving Headquarters as they do am and pm and night dives ever day and have 3 boats. I would check out their hotel packages too. You might be able to get something but you have waited until a month out and many hotels may be full already! All of March and April are considered spring break in Florida and high prices abound.

robin

 

[Rick Inman]

I've been doing my share of web searching on accommodations in the area for my vacation in April, and one thing I've discovered is that there is an abundance of condos available in the Hollywood area. Seems like the supply has driven down the pricing, and you can get a nice unit right on the beach (broadwalk, actually) for $80 to $100 per night. In fact, many of the owners will negotiate with you on pricing if the units are empty. I made several calls and had two owners actually start talking about lowering the price without me even asking.

Hollywood is not as close to the dive boats or the shore diving in Ft. Lauderdale, though (mapquest says 20 min drive to Pompano). Also, all my research has been post-Spring Break, so your dates may change things.

 

[Spratman]

Contact Laura at 123scuba.com. She owns a dive shop on NW 50th St. She is also on SB.

 

[WetDawg]

I've been doing my share of web searching on accommodations in the area for my vacation in April, and one thing I've discovered is that there is an abundance of condos available in the Hollywood area. Seems like the supply has driven down the pricing, and you can get a nice unit right on the beach (broadwalk, actually) for $80 to $100 per night. In fact, many of the owners will negotiate with you on pricing if the units are empty. I made several calls and had two owners actually start talking about lowering the price without me even asking.

Hollywood is not as close to the dive boats or the shore diving in Ft. Lauderdale, though (mapquest says 20 min drive to Pompano). Also, all my research has been post-Spring Break, so your dates may change things.

Actually some of the easiest shore diving in the area is right in Hollywood. Check out North Beach Park (from 95 Sheridan Rd east until you hit the ocean).

Hollywood is also close to S.O.S. and is just a few min down US1 from the Ft Lauderdale.