Where can I play in Tampa area?

[keendiver]

Hi,

I need a place that is not too far from Tampa and it has a corner where I can bring kids and we can try on some new gear and play with practicing buoyancy..etc. Does anyone know of such a spot. We are new in the area so not familiar.

Many thanks

 

[K Mejean]

I'm not sure about pools in the area but there are a couple of shallow water beach dives in Bradenton that could be good for that type of thing. That is where usually test my new gear. If you are into fesh water there are several springs north of here in the Ocala / Gainsville area that could accomidate you as well.

 

[eandiver]

How could you forget about Hudson Grotto? I'm going on Sunday BTW.

Northwest of Tampa on US19 in Hudson. They have a dive shop on site with air/nitrox fills.

Not a dive site you hit every weekend but good for skills work or testing new gear.

Hudson Grotto

 

[K Mejean]

How could you forget about Hudson Grotto? I'm going on Sunday BTW.

Northwest of Tampa on US19 in Hudson. They have a dive shop on site with air/nitrox fills.

Not a dive site you hit every weekend but good for skills work or testing new gear.

Hudson Grotto

He mentioned the kids and I thought Hudson Grotto might be a little much for kids. Hell it was a little much for me Seriously it is a good site though.

 

[Missdirected]

If your looking for close, I'd go with EAN's recommendation. Perhaps meet up and say hi I am not in town this weekend rahter I'm in RI freezing me bottom off so...

 

[Scuba Crab]

Hi,

I need a place that is not too far from Tampa and it has a corner where I can bring kids and we can try on some new gear and play with practicing buoyancy..etc. Does anyone know of such a spot. We are new in the area so not familiar.

Many thanks

My pic would be Alexander Springs near Ocala

 

[manda100]

How could you forget about Hudson Grotto? I'm going on Sunday BTW.

Northwest of Tampa on US19 in Hudson. They have a dive shop on site with air/nitrox fills.

Not a dive site you hit every weekend but good for skills work or testing new gear.

Hudson Grotto

Would you mind an extra person? I have been wanting to go back but most of my regular buddies don't like the bottom,or the grotto at all.

Thanks,
Manda

 

[eandiver]

I wouldn't mind a bit. I'll be there at 8 with Henry Morgan (hopefully) and geoff127 who has driven all the way down from Michigan. 1500 miles in a car to dive HG. Crazy.

 

[eandiver]

My pic would be Alexander Springs near Ocala

I forgot about that one. It's got to be one of the most beautiful dives around.

 

[keendiver]

Thanks a lot guys. The suggestions are great. We have checked out Hunter's Spring yesterday. It did the job nicely for the kids but a bit too shallow. We did the buoyancy work and weight tests for all four of us and played around with new tanks and new gear. Nothing eventful but a time well spent I reckon. The HG looks interesting but we are all a bit sick for the weekend dive this weekend. Thanks for the invite. Next time for sure.