Tampa area diving

[nitroxchickie]

Re: Tampa area diving

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Quote:
Originally Posted by nitroxchickie
Quote:
Originally Posted by Missdirected
Quote:
Originally Posted by nitroxchickie
Hi there...I was referred to you by Aaron at Divers Supply. I will be visiting the Tampa area over the next two weeks and was hoping that you could provide some guidance on local dive opportunities. My husband and I just got our c-cards on the last weekend of September, and we are eager to log some bottom time. We are looking for fun & easy day trip dives. Any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch,
Melissa


Hey Melissa welcome to the board. I'm just running out to my son's game. I'll get back with you later tonight or in the morning - hope that is okay. Have a wonderful evening

-Tracy

Hey Tracy - That's fine....I just appreciate you taking the time.


A couple of things: First definitely post this in the Tampa forum - lots of good people there. This is the link: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gre...ampa-bay-area/

As for boat dives: Contact "Capt. Ty" here on the board - just shoot him a pm. Some of the others may suggest more charters. Ty is the best though as many will tell u. There is also Mike Batchco - I'll get his number for you.

As for shore diving: We have Anna Maria island and Venice beach. Anna Maria is not the best we have but for a shore dive it is most excellent. The reef is in about 20 ft of water (meaning you can stay down quite a while). Venice doesn't have much life but it has a whole heck of a lot of sharks teeth If you are lucky you will find a megaledon or two. This dive can be quite addicting. Most teeth are found in the 17-20 ft range, so again you can stay down a very long time.

If you post just when you want to go - others are sure to join you Perhaps me as well!

Hope all that helps.

-MissD

MissD -

Thanks for the info....very helpful. Aaron gave me Ty and Mike's numbers, so i plan to get in touch with one or both of them. What part of Anna Maria has the reef? We will be staying at a place near Cortez Rd. our second week there. I am fairly familiar w/ Anna Maria as I grew up about 10 mins from there. Thank again.

 

[nitroxchickie]

I am hoping to line up some great dives...we will be in the area starting next Friday (Nov. 17) thru the following Friday. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[diveman3]

Try and go dive the sheridan and blackthorn..Great dives..

 

[Missdirected]

Heya, what are you and hubby doing Sunday? Wanna come diving? http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gr...th-spanish-rocks-sugar-barge.html#post3210883

 

[nitroxchickie]

Absolutely! We are staying at a place right next door to Seatrek on Bradenton Beach....just let me know when & where! We only brought one tank a piece....ahould we go ahead and rent a second? Also, do you know of a good reputable dive shop for NITROX fills?

 

[Missdirected]

Absolutely! We are staying at a place right next door to Seatrek on Bradenton Beach....just let me know when & where! We only brought one tank a piece....ahould we go ahead and rent a second? Also, do you know of a good reputable dive shop for NITROX fills?

Nitrox in that area, sorry don't know of a shop. I would rent another tank though from SeaTrek. Were only in 20ft of water so nitrox isn't really a benefit at this depth anywhoozle. I am skipping the Sugar Barge - nothing to see there. I will do two at Anna Maria. You guys can join me and Scott5644 for both or just the second, it is up to you. His sister is coming. She is a non-diver and will be hanging on the beach or going somewhere shopping.

 

[aquadreamin]

There is a shop on Manatee Ave. close to downtown Bradenton. It is called Scuba Quest. You can get nitrox fills there and all the staff are really helpful. They also run a boat out of Cortez by the bridge going over to Bradenton Beach. You may be able to book something with them for some offshore diving.