Florida dives

Tasslehoff · 12-08-2003, 12:07 PM

I've only made dives in the waters off of Pensacola.
I've just booked an Orlando, Daytona, Key West trip probably in April. (Three days each)

Any dive advice on these areas would be great.

Tass

mwrager · 12-08-2003, 12:44 PM

Nice Tass, I have never dove in that area. I have mainly dove off of Southern California, being I am from AZ. I had shoulder sugary in September and my Dr said I may be luck to dive by April, but he was for sure by June and for things to see or do I have seen a few links that you may want to check out.

http://www.keyshistory.org/pennekamp.html
http://www.pennekamppark.com/
http://www.pennekamp.com/
http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/default.asp
http://www.abfla.com/parks/JohnPennekamp/pennekamp.html

Tasslehoff · 12-08-2003, 12:50 PM

Hey rager

Good luck with the shoulder. I had knee surgery last Feb 14. made my first dive two weeks ago (Pensacola again) It pushed the knee but I made it.

Really listen to what the PT people (AKA people torture) have to say and follow their advice. It really makes a difference in the recovery. Even though some of their ideas sound like lunacy. 2 days after the surgery she had me do 8 miles on a stationary bike.

Tass

mwrager · 12-08-2003, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tasslehoff
Hey rager

Good luck with the shoulder. I had knee surgery last Feb 14. made my first dive two weeks ago (Pensacola again) It pushed the knee but I made it.

Really listen to what the PT people (AKA people torture) have to say and follow their advice. It really makes a difference in the recovery. Even though some of their ideas sound like lunacy. 2 days after the surgery she had me do 8 miles on a stationary bike.

Tass

I agree they are PT people. I only go to them once per week new. And Lifetime Fitness 2 per week, for a total of about 4 hours a week working on my shoulder. I do the arm bike for about 1 1/2 hours a week for about 30 miles.

Cougra · 12-08-2003, 02:22 PM

Hey Tass: Will you be taking photos while diving? I hope you have a great trip! I dove Panama City Beach area and loved it, then was told it was nothing compared to diving the Keys!

The one thing I loved most about diving in the Gulf was not having to wear a suit of armour....errr... wetsuit. (Can you say freedom!!) The funniest part about the dive is the divemaster and others on the dive complained about the chill in the water! Chill, they know NOTHING about chilly waters!

Tasslehoff · 12-08-2003, 04:01 PM

Hi Cougra

Unless Tim Allen brings me a U/W camera for Christmas I'll have to do without. I know I could rent but I'm about the worst photagrapher you ever saw. I'll just have to play it by ear.

I guess you could get a few thermal inclines in your waters. I was in Toronto/January about 3 years ago. Brrrrrrr! Panama City is about 30 miles East of where I usually dive. See any Queen Angels? Usually huge ones in that area.

Tass

SZHTTM · 12-08-2003, 04:49 PM

I don't know if you have the time to acquire some books, but here are a couple that are abosultely awesome guide books for diving in Florida...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books

You might also be able to look through some of the SCUBA magazines at one of your local book stores to see if there is any advertising for diving in Florida.

You can't go wrong with diving at John Penecamp in the Florida Keys. There only problem is that you are staying at Key West, and John Penecamp is on one of the first islands just off the main land to the North. But, if you can make it (probably about a 2 hour car ride from Key West), you won't be disappointed!!!!

Don't get me wrong, there are also some very nice spots off of Key West!!

The books I stated above are for all of Florida, so they can help you in Orlando, Daytona, and Key West.

As another suggestion, depending on the time of the year, you may want to book your dive trip charter ahead of time. Some charters get booked about two weeks ahead of time in the Summer.

Let me know if you want some phone numbers to a couple of local dive shops. They may be of use to you to sschedule trips or just for information.

Don't forget to bring your C Card!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck & Have Fun!!!!!!!

Tasslehoff · 12-08-2003, 05:00 PM

Wow I'm looking at all of these links and maybe I better call back and take 3 weeks in each place.

Thanks for the help.

Craig Manoukian · 12-08-2003, 05:04 PM

Tass,

When you get done with the Atlantic side, make sure you book a return trip to the Gulf side from Tampa Bay south. It will knock your socks off and tons of places to dive. The beaches are so white and powdery, they are to die for!

Craig Manoukian · 12-08-2003, 05:11 PM

Tass,

Found this for the Gulf side. Never too soon to start planning for the future, eh?

http://www.scubatampa.com/fla.html

Cougra · 12-08-2003, 05:42 PM

Tass:

I saw one beautiful Queen while I was there! It was amazing and it just sat around while I took it's photo! I don't have a great camera, but it's better then nothing, and makes diving a little more challenging! lol

As for thermoclines, I hit the first one at 2 inches of water when diving in some of the lakes around here! The worse one I hit was at 52 feet, temp dropped about 15F and my buddy when into shock. Scared the hell out of me since it was my first dive after being certified as well and didn't know what to do. Took a lot of work to get back into the water after that!

joe@inreef · 12-08-2003, 06:27 PM

A cant miss dive site off Marathon, is the Thunderbolt. Excellent dive, about 80 feet of water. While you are in Marathon, Sombrero Reef is an excellent Spur and Groove reef. Not too far from Marathon is Looe Key, perhaps the best protected reef in The Keys. The best bet here, is to dive very late afternoon, for the best marine life. If you do ever want to dive the Gulf Coast of Florida, the best dive site is the Florida Middle Grounds. Tons of big fish, lots of deep water corals and tropicals. This site is an advanced dive, as it is 80 to 170 feet, and a 80 mile ride from shore. We usually fish and dive these waters several times a year. I have dove all over Florida and the Carribbean, and the middle grounds is my number one dive destination. BTW.... your best bet is to do the Florida dives in Late April or May. Best time for dive conditions.

mwrager · 12-08-2003, 06:51 PM

Welcome to the sanctuary Joe@inreef

Cougra · 12-08-2003, 09:34 PM

Welcome to the sanctuary joe@inreef! Thanks for the info on the dive sites and times! I'll know when to plan around for my next dive trip to florida!

joe@inreef · 12-09-2003, 03:30 PM

What is everyone into on dives?? Spearfishing, collecting, or picture taking??? Personally, I do all three, with spearfishing, usually being the top priority. If anyone is into spearfishing, I have some good pics to share with you.

12-08-2003, 12:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tasslehoff Fire Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Williston TN Posts: 69 View Gallery Karma Komment	Florida dives I've only made dives in the waters off of Pensacola. I've just booked an Orlando, Daytona, Key West trip probably in April. (Three days each) Any dive advice on these areas would be great. Tass __________________ "It is true that I forego the fruits of the land. For I am gathering the flowers of the sea" Admiral Carthwright, Royal Navy 1756

12-08-2003, 12:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	Nice Tass, I have never dove in that area. I have mainly dove off of Southern California, being I am from AZ. I had shoulder sugary in September and my Dr said I may be luck to dive by April, but he was for sure by June and for things to see or do I have seen a few links that you may want to check out. http://www.keyshistory.org/pennekamp.html http://www.pennekamppark.com/ http://www.pennekamp.com/ http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/default.asp http://www.abfla.com/parks/JohnPennekamp/pennekamp.html __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif

12-08-2003, 12:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tasslehoff Fire Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Williston TN Posts: 69 View Gallery Karma Komment	Hey rager Good luck with the shoulder. I had knee surgery last Feb 14. made my first dive two weeks ago (Pensacola again) It pushed the knee but I made it. Really listen to what the PT people (AKA people torture) have to say and follow their advice. It really makes a difference in the recovery. Even though some of their ideas sound like lunacy. 2 days after the surgery she had me do 8 miles on a stationary bike. Tass __________________ "It is true that I forego the fruits of the land. For I am gathering the flowers of the sea" Admiral Carthwright, Royal Navy 1756

12-08-2003, 02:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cougra Dragon Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 2,216 View Gallery Karma Komment	Hey Tass: Will you be taking photos while diving? I hope you have a great trip! I dove Panama City Beach area and loved it, then was told it was nothing compared to diving the Keys! The one thing I loved most about diving in the Gulf was not having to wear a suit of armour....errr... wetsuit. (Can you say freedom!!) The funniest part about the dive is the divemaster and others on the dive complained about the chill in the water! Chill, they know NOTHING about chilly waters! __________________ Michelle Just because something CAN be done, it doesn't mean that it SHOULD be done!

12-08-2003, 04:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tasslehoff Fire Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Williston TN Posts: 69 View Gallery Karma Komment	Hi Cougra Unless Tim Allen brings me a U/W camera for Christmas I'll have to do without. I know I could rent but I'm about the worst photagrapher you ever saw. I'll just have to play it by ear. I guess you could get a few thermal inclines in your waters. I was in Toronto/January about 3 years ago. Brrrrrrr! Panama City is about 30 miles East of where I usually dive. See any Queen Angels? Usually huge ones in that area. Tass __________________ "It is true that I forego the fruits of the land. For I am gathering the flowers of the sea" Admiral Carthwright, Royal Navy 1756

12-08-2003, 04:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
SZHTTM Serpent Star Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Davie, FL. (South Florida) Posts: 203 View Gallery Karma Komment	I don't know if you have the time to acquire some books, but here are a couple that are abosultely awesome guide books for diving in Florida... http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books You might also be able to look through some of the SCUBA magazines at one of your local book stores to see if there is any advertising for diving in Florida. You can't go wrong with diving at John Penecamp in the Florida Keys. There only problem is that you are staying at Key West, and John Penecamp is on one of the first islands just off the main land to the North. But, if you can make it (probably about a 2 hour car ride from Key West), you won't be disappointed!!!! Don't get me wrong, there are also some very nice spots off of Key West!! The books I stated above are for all of Florida, so they can help you in Orlando, Daytona, and Key West. As another suggestion, depending on the time of the year, you may want to book your dive trip charter ahead of time. Some charters get booked about two weeks ahead of time in the Summer. Let me know if you want some phone numbers to a couple of local dive shops. They may be of use to you to sschedule trips or just for information. *Don't forget to bring your C Card!!!!!!!!!!!* Good Luck & Have Fun!!!!!!! Last edited by SZHTTM : 12-08-2003 at 04:54 PM.

12-08-2003, 05:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tasslehoff Fire Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Williston TN Posts: 69 View Gallery Karma Komment	Wow I'm looking at all of these links and maybe I better call back and take 3 weeks in each place. Thanks for the help. __________________ "It is true that I forego the fruits of the land. For I am gathering the flowers of the sea" Admiral Carthwright, Royal Navy 1756

12-08-2003, 05:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 19,012 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Tass, When you get done with the Atlantic side, make sure you book a return trip to the Gulf side from Tampa Bay south. It will knock your socks off and tons of places to dive. The beaches are so white and powdery, they are to die for! __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

12-08-2003, 05:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 19,012 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Tass, Found this for the Gulf side. Never too soon to start planning for the future, eh? http://www.scubatampa.com/fla.html __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

12-08-2003, 05:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
Cougra Dragon Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 2,216 View Gallery Karma Komment	Tass: I saw one beautiful Queen while I was there! It was amazing and it just sat around while I took it's photo! I don't have a great camera, but it's better then nothing, and makes diving a little more challenging! lol As for thermoclines, I hit the first one at 2 inches of water when diving in some of the lakes around here! The worse one I hit was at 52 feet, temp dropped about 15F and my buddy when into shock. Scared the hell out of me since it was my first dive after being certified as well and didn't know what to do. Took a lot of work to get back into the water after that! __________________ Michelle Just because something CAN be done, it doesn't mean that it SHOULD be done! Last edited by Gina : 07-06-2006 at 07:19 PM.

12-08-2003, 06:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
joe@inreef Sponsor Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Tampa Florida Posts: 148 View Gallery Karma Komment	A cant miss dive site off Marathon, is the Thunderbolt. Excellent dive, about 80 feet of water. While you are in Marathon, Sombrero Reef is an excellent Spur and Groove reef. Not too far from Marathon is Looe Key, perhaps the best protected reef in The Keys. The best bet here, is to dive very late afternoon, for the best marine life. If you do ever want to dive the Gulf Coast of Florida, the best dive site is the Florida Middle Grounds. Tons of big fish, lots of deep water corals and tropicals. This site is an advanced dive, as it is 80 to 170 feet, and a 80 mile ride from shore. We usually fish and dive these waters several times a year. I have dove all over Florida and the Carribbean, and the middle grounds is my number one dive destination. BTW.... your best bet is to do the Florida dives in Late April or May. Best time for dive conditions. Last edited by joe@inreef : 12-08-2003 at 06:30 PM.

12-08-2003, 06:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	Welcome to the sanctuary Joe@inreef __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif

12-08-2003, 09:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
Cougra Dragon Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 2,216 View Gallery Karma Komment	Welcome to the sanctuary joe@inreef! Thanks for the info on the dive sites and times! I'll know when to plan around for my next dive trip to florida! __________________ Michelle Just because something CAN be done, it doesn't mean that it SHOULD be done!

12-09-2003, 03:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
joe@inreef Sponsor Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Tampa Florida Posts: 148 View Gallery Karma Komment	What is everyone into on dives?? Spearfishing, collecting, or picture taking??? Personally, I do all three, with spearfishing, usually being the top priority. If anyone is into spearfishing, I have some good pics to share with you. __________________ WWW.INREEF.COM 20 years saltwater, over 700 gallons of reef at the house!!

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