Dive conditions in Sarasota, Venice area

scubajen · Sep 28, 2005

My husband and I are heading down to Sarasota the 2nd week in Oct.
Hoping to get some diving in the Sarasota area and do a shark tooth dive.
How are the diving conditions? I have read where there have been some problems with Red Tide.

Thanks,
Jen

ReefGuy · Sep 28, 2005

I haven't heard of any issues with red tide either from the beach or at the boneyard/golden beach.

My understanding is that this weekend, vis was < 1'. This changes on a moment's notice, though.

taildragger · Sep 29, 2005

If'n your look'n for sharks teeth then Sarasota ain't the place. Venice Beach for sure. The Viz this weekend was about 8'. Not to bad for this area. But ReefGuy is right things can change in a heart beat. Keep an eye open for a post on Venice beach dives for a weekend and ya'll find one here someplace. Many people dive here but for the teeth usually.

ReefGuy · Sep 29, 2005

Taildragger, I'm trying to get out there Sat AM. U interested?

CBulla · Sep 29, 2005

To keep up on red tide, go to: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9670

A little exerpt:

Southwest Region: A Florida red tide caused by the microalga Karenia brevis is still present along southwest Florida. Concentrations of K. brevis were mostly low to medium this week along the coast from northern Pinellas County to Collier County; high concentrations were found in the Sarasota Bay area (Longboat Pass and New Pass). The offshore component of the bloom, which has been detected off the coast of Clearwater since early August, continues and extends to at least Lee County. Fish kills and some respiratory irritation were reported from Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. Red tide effects may occur at beach and bay areas as long as the bloom persists and are most noticeable when winds are from the west.

Definitely got the fish kills here.. the beach is absolutely no fun to go to. The River also has blue-green algae in it now to....

taildragger · Sep 30, 2005

ReefGuy:
Taildragger, I'm trying to get out there Sat AM. U interested?

I might have to take the wings for our Stearman to the Hanger in Bartow but will let you know. bdrannik is always up for a dive nontheless. Will leave a message tonight and let you know for sure.

CBulla · Sep 30, 2005

Not to jynx things but I think ReefGuy and I are talkin about showing up in the AM early..

CBulla · Oct 1, 2005

OK.. what are the conditions? I'll tell ya first hand. The seas were pretty flat when we got there this AM, the winds did pick up considerably as the day went on but it was offshore. The vis was 10-12'. Bottom temp (max of 20') was 88. We did find some live reef and a change of the bottom at the 18-20 area off Alhambra which included finding more teeth out there along with quite a few nice fossil bones.

What about Red Tide? Jeff and I both noticed it when we entered, as if the dead fish on the beach weren't much of a hint. It was enough that I had to take time to remove my mask, clear my sinuses out for the shrimp and fish to nibble, then replace and clear my mask.. a fortunate even as I found another 3" meg for my collection.

olddiver2 · Oct 2, 2005

scubajen:
My husband and I are heading down to Sarasota the 2nd week in Oct.
Hoping to get some diving in the Sarasota area and do a shark tooth dive.
How are the diving conditions? I have read where there have been some problems with Red Tide.

Thanks,
Jen

I just talked to friends on 10-02 who have a condo on Anna Maria Island, just offshore from Sarasota. They stayed off the beach and couldn't take a walk without coughing. An old timer told them it's bad like this every time there is a beach renourishment going on. They also said they sometimes find shark teeth on the beach.

Good luck with your trip.

I was on Hollywood Beach today, swimming in the heavy surf. Wow, the weather really has the water churned up.

Jack

Walter · Oct 3, 2005

I had no issues with red tide yesterday. Conditions at Venice were perfect.

Dive conditions in Sarasota, Venice area

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