Visiting Panhandle - Seeking Advice

[puget_sound]

I will be in northern Florida for two weeks in November (11/8-11/19). The first week, I will be in the Pensacola area and the second week I will be in Jacksonville. I will have a car, so I will be driving from Pensacola to Jacksonville over the weekend. Here is my question. Should I stay in Pensacola and dive on the 13th then drive to Jacksonville on the 14th, or should I drive to Jacksonville on the 13th and dive there on the 14th? Or is there somewhere else in Florida that is nearby that would be better? Where is the best diving? Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[GLENFWB]

I think the answer to your question is found in another question, "what kind of diving do you want to do?" East Coast Atlantic Diving, Pensacola Gulf Diving, or Spring Diving?

I do not have much experience with East Coast Atlantic diving. But if I were making the trip, I would vote for Pensacola. Pensacola offers in-shore and off shore options depending upon the weather. It also has a few shore dives that are decent You might need that flexibility in mid November. Spring diving is great but requires a lot more planning and work. Others who have more experience with diving in the Jacksonville area may have a different perspective. I would spend the time diving in the place that offers me the most options.

I will be in northern Florida for two weeks in November (11/8-11/19). The first week, I will be in the Pensacola area and the second week I will be in Jacksonville. I will have a car, so I will be driving from Pensacola to Jacksonville over the weekend. Here is my question. Should I stay in Pensacola and dive on the 13th then drive to Jacksonville on the 14th, or should I drive to Jacksonville on the 13th and dive there on the 14th? Or is there somewhere else in Florida that is nearby that would be better? Where is the best diving? Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[mike_s]

my understanding is that Jacksonville has a shallow sloping shelf out and you have to go 10+ miles out to get to many wreck sites in water deep enough to dive them. so it's long boat rides to get to the wrecks/sites.

Pensacola has much more appealing diving from what I've seen and heard.

 

[Dive-aholic]

I haven't done any diving in Jax, but I don't think conditions will be optimal that time of year. You might be better off staying in Pensacola, going to Panama City, or taking a cavern class if you have 2 days to spare.

 

[stairman]

I agree with Rob, take a cavern course in the springs!

 

[Dr Dive]

Dr Dive has an "O" trip running on the 12th. Also available on the 13th. I also agree with GLENFWB on the multiple options. Either of us would be happy to discuss options and opportunities. Pensacola is a great place to dive. Let me know if I can help.
Capt. Jim
Dr Dive
www.drdive.com
drdive@drdive.com
Dr Dive | Facebook

 

[puget_sound]

Thanks all for the great information. I like the idea of diving around Pensacola too. And if there is a dive trip available on the 13th, it may be as simple as signing up for it. I guess that my next step is to confirm the availability of the "O" trip on the 13th and get signed up. Sound right?

 

[GLENFWB]

Dr. Dive is a great operator and he said he is available. He has a fast Cat that will get you out to the Oriskany faster then most. He has a six pack, but if you want something bigger you could check with the H20 Below. Also I assume if you want to dive the Oriskany that you are at least AOW? The Oriskany is not an OW dive.

Thanks all for the great information. I like the idea of diving around Pensacola too. And if there is a dive trip available on the 13th, it may be as simple as signing up for it. I guess that my next step is to confirm the availability of the "O" trip on the 13th and get signed up. Sound right?

 

[puget_sound]

I am a PADI certified Divemaster, and I've been in some pretty challenging dive situations, so I should be okay with the Oriskany. I will work with Dr. Dive directly on arrangements. I like smaller faster boats, so it sounds like a good match. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Dr Dive]

Thanks again, GLENFWB.
Dr Dive's booking calendar is online at www.drdive.com/Calendar.htm . You can check availability and book when you are ready. Lots of additional info on the website. Let me know if I can help
Capt. Jim
Dr Dive
www.drdive.com
drdive@drdive.com
Dr Dive | Facebook