Diving in Venice (South
West Florida)
By Capt. Dan Sansiveri
Many divers traveling to South West
Florida are not aware of the varied conditions and type of diving in
the area. Many who have not made dives in here in the past, assume
that conditions will be the same as in the Keys or on the East coast
of the state. While we are blessed with a rich marine environment,
unique cultural history, and quiet social scene, we are very
different from from other parts of Florida.
Water Temperature and Weather
Before discussing the great types of
diving locally, the issue of water temperature must be addressed.
The temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is controlled by the prevailing
weather conditions, in short by the temperature of the air. The Gulf
is very warm in the summer, reaching almost 90F. The converse is also
true as in winter the water temperature can get into the low to mid
50's F. Diving is GREAT all year long, but divers need to be prepared
for some cold water in winter. Local year round divers have a full
range of exposure suits from 1mm through 8mm semi-dry and/or dry
suits. Local Dive Shops (Florida West Scuba and Charters) rent wet
suits up to and including 7mm suits as well as hoods, vests, and
gloves.
There are three major weather patterns
that prevail over South West Florida. First is the “Winter Pattern”
which is usually in effect from late December through March. This
period is categorized by cold fronts that pass through on a frequent
basis, causing the weather to be cool and driving the water
temperature into the 50's-60's. The next pattern is the “Spring
Pattern” which is usually in effect from April trough June, and
again from October through December. Here the weather is mild and
water warms or cools gradually, a perfect time for all diving in the
area. Last is the “Summer Pattern” from July through September.
Here the air temperature is near 90F, and the water often in the high
80' s F. Summer days start off calm with ideal conditions, and
weather builds resulting in evening thunderstorms. Typical of summer
in Florida all over the state.
Fossil Diving
The area around Venice is well known
for fossil diving, and Venice is know as “The Sharks Tooth Capital
of the World”. Over millions of years the level of the seas has
experienced rises and falls, and the coast line of the Gulf has
changed. Hundreds of millions of years of both marine and land
animal fossils have collected in beds off Venice, and are continually
being exposed by nature. Typical fossils found include Megalodon
shark teeth, and the fossilized remains of whales, dolphins, wooly
mammoths, ancient horses, sloths, saber tooth tigers, bison, and
other extinct species. Most fossil diving is conducted in shallow
water, often less that 30 ft (10m). Visibility over the fossil beds
can be as little as 2 ft or as much as 30 ft depending on conditions,
with 4-6 feet being average visibility. Divers travel from all over
the country and all over the world to fossil dive off Venice, and
great fossils are found on almost every trip. The only USCG Certified
vessel in the area and the only one that conducts daily fossil dives
is operated by Florida West Scuba and Charters. There are a number of
operators of non-certified vessels, and a few that operate within
USCG regulations and dive safely. Do your research and choose
wisely before booking a trip with anyone, remember safety should be
your primary concern as a diver.
General Diving
The Gulf waters off South West Florida
out to the Continental Shelf are a desert, as we do not have the
coral reefs typical of the Keys. What South West Florida does have is
a unique diving environment made up of limestone ledges, artificial
reefs, and ship wrecks. Limestone ledges are all over the area in
depths from 20 feet to well over 150 feet. The relief on these ledges
can be as much as 15 feet in places, providing a home to all manner
of marine life. Typical inhabitants of the ledges are Goliath
Grouper, Sea Turtles, Rays, tropical fish, and game fish including a
Grouper, Snapper,Tarpon, Sharks, Barracuda, Amberjack, Cobia, Snook,
Hogfish, and many others.
Sarasota County and neighboring
counties have over the years have developed a extensive network of
man made reefs for diving and fishing. These reefs are made up of
bridge rubble, large concrete culvert, reef balls, intentionally sunk
vessels, and even old Army Tanks (M60 and M48). These sites are all
unique, and hold the same marine life as the limestone ledges. These
sites are arranged in bands along the coast at different distances
off shore, proving divers with opportunity to dive on sites from 20
ft to well over 100 ft. There are also a number of well known ship
wrecks in the area, and divers have the opportunity to dive on these
as well. Two well known wrecks are the Bayronto and the Fantastico.
These are two freighters that went down in storms, both are located
well off shore and are at depths of well over 100 ft. These are
advanced type dives, but both are within recreational limits.. Only
certain operators will run these dives, and special arrangements must
be made.
Spearfishing and Secret Spots
Local Dive Captains have over the years
have developed their own lists of “Secret” dive sites. These are
often long forgotten shipwrecks or ledges that they have found over
the course of their travels and exploration. These are often the best
sites for spearfishing in the area. South West Florida waters are an
amazing fishery for species such as Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack,
Cobia, and Hogfish. Only a few charter operators run spearfishing
charters, and ofter these are booked as limited/private trips. If you
have never spearfished before Florida West Scuba and Charters can
arrange a spearfishing clinic and dives to get you started in the
sport. These secret spots also provide recreational divers to
experience a type of diving that is quite rare, a place where few
have been before.
I often hear from divers, even some
local divers that “there is no good diving in the Gulf. It seems
clear to me that these folks have not done much diving in Gulf or the
local area. Personally I never tire of diving here, and while I do
travel to dive, I am always happy to dive in my home waters. Again
South West Florida is different, and our diving conditions are
different as well. If you know what to expect, are prepared, and dive
with local professionals you will have an experience you will never
forget. Dive Safely.
