Tampa dive Aug. 27? Where to stay pre-cruise?

[DiveBandit]

Thanks for the info and offer. We're flying down Aug. 26 early afternoon, and will only have mask/snorkel/fins. I'll need to rent other gears to dive, but wife can snorkel.

Are you talking about spring diving on Sat. Aug. 26 or do you mean Sun. morning Aug. 27?

Thanks.

Either day is good. I'm sure if you need it we can find a DS to get you some rental gear.

 

[Torontonian]

Are there many spring diving locations, and where are they in relation to Tampa port?

I see there is Manatee diving in Crystal Spring that sounds good, but it's 70 miles north of Tampa. We have to get on the cruise ship latest by 3pm.

How is driving around Tampa area? Is it fairly straight forward or is it tricky affair? And would it be alright to stay downtown, or are there good places to stay near the spring diving location? Or should we stay near the airport where we can return rental car then get a shuttle ride to Tampa port on Sun. early afternoon?

Thanks.