Suggestions for Florida Trip

[inotec]

I'm taking a trip with our local club Feb 2-3, will be traveling from S. Carolina to Crystal River, Ginny Springs. I would like to dive a day or two on the way down, on the coast (East or, maybe, Gulf). Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[robint]

in Feb, north Florida ocean diving doesn't really exist as far as I have heard. The boats don't start going out until later in the year and then only on weekends. You might want to go to the Florida Forum and ask this again.

 

[Stu S.]

For Atlantic dives weekdays, you will have to go to a place like Jupiter which is about 250+ miles from where your trip is planned to go. Suggestion if you have an extra day: Devil's Den in Williston. It is one of the more "cave-like" places you can dive, while still being an open water diver. Everyone should dive that once.

 

[inotec]

Yeah Jupiter is a bit far - I was born a few miles from there. I've been to Devil's Den a few times and seen about all there is to see, not being a cave diver. Anyway thanks for responding.

 

[douglasville diver]

Well,there's Blue Grotto a neat little deep dive around 95 ffw, Vortex Springs offers a forgiving cave dive thats lit with rope lights and Rainbow River is always a good dive,Loyd Bridges trained alot of divers there.
It's true,the upper gulf pool is closed but warmer days will be here soon!
Enjoy your trip.

 

[Jrock1062]

If you get the chance dive Jupiter I like the Jupiter dive Center they do a great job i was there over the holidays did 4 great dive saw Huge turtles, sharks, rays, Goliath grouper the visibility was 100 ft at 85 ft water temps in the high seventies well worth the travel time and money IMHO

 

[Life-Is-Good-Diver]

Try the florida conch forms here:

ScubaBoard - Florida Conch Divers

As far as on the way down, Its worth it to take the 3-5 hour drive south anywhere from Jupiter south through Miami. Stay over night in one of those areas, and get a couple of dives in, that would probley be your best diving