My wife and I will be in orlando in may for a week and would like to do some diving I know we will have to drive but any ideas on what places would people suggest. Have tried the springs so thinking about salt water also boats to suggest Thanks Bob
Where to dive from the orlando area
- Thread starter restor5
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mike_s
Contributor
you can dive right in Orlando at Disney's Epct aquarium.
Have you considered that? I hear it's a great dive experience.
Have you considered that? I hear it's a great dive experience.
restor5:
Bob,
Blue Springs is about 45 minutes north of Orlando and is a great one tank dive. Several things to consider, it is close to Orlando, the water is always clear, it is inexpensive (no dive boats) and the water is alway calm (no sea sickness).
BUT...
I understand you are possibly tired of the springs and want to see colors, fish and reefs in a salt water environment. As a Florida native with more than 25 years of local diving knowledge, I would STRONGLY recommend that you jump on the Florida Turnpike and head south to West Palm Beach/Riveria Beach. This is the area where the gulf stream comes closest to the shoreline and you regularly have clear water. Most divers prefer the 60' drift dives. Most boats also offer deeper dives and a shallow water (40') option without current. If you opt for the current dive, make certain you have experience or tell the divemaster the truth about your limited experience. The divemasters are professionals and if you make an error, the consequences can be tragic.
Check out:
Abernathy's - http://www.scuba-adventures.com
SS Minnow - http://www.ssminnowcharters.com
Narcosis - http://www.narcosisdivecharters.com
The three organizations above I vouch for as I have first hand knowledge of their operations. There are other good organizations down there but these are some which come to mind. The travel time from Orlando to West Palm Beach (PGA Exit) is about 90 minutes.
Have a GREAT DIVE!
Blades Robinson
PS - The aquarium dive at Disney is okay too, so don't give that idea up entirely.
I agree with the above suggestions. Blue Spring if you dont mind fresh water again. Its unique with its upward flow. If you want the closest boats, head to New Smyrna Beach, Seadog runs trips (really have to go there again myself, its been a while), or as they suggested head down to WPB/Boynton, maybe a little closer is Jupiter, not much else nearby and they are 2-2.5 hours drive away. Epcot is ok if you have the money, but its kind of steep. When are you thinking of diving, midweek or on the weekend? Which weekend if it is one, there is a large Scubaboard get-together on 5/13-15, see the link in my signature line, its at Ginnie Spring, yes another freshwater dive, but the commeraderie, BBQ and general fun is hard to beat if you havent got hotels already booked 
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