Newb for Florida trip in April

[fjpatrum]

I have also posted this in the Trips subforum but wasn't sure if this was more appropriate...

I finally have hard dates for my Florida trip and I'm beginning the search for places to dive and people to dive with, if possible.

While dates are hard (April 18-22) location hasn't been selected. We have ruled out Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the Keys just because of the extra drive time when we get ready to head back home. As such, I'm looking for people who may be interested in diving Anywhere around Tampa, Orlando, or Crystal Springs or even east coast of central Florida.

We're planning to do the manatee snorkel one morning and I'd like to get a couple of dives in, but realistically only have one day other than the manatee snorkel to dive.

Anyone interested in diving with a tourist newbie diver?

[Jupiter31]

As far as salt water diving, you have limited yourself to areas that may be difficult to find daily charters during the dates you mentioned - If you are looking at Tampa or Daytona, you have fewer operators, and longer boat rides, more limited schedules, and perhaps more rigorous diving.

I hear you about driving times (its a big state) but the Keys would be a better destination for a new diver than Tampa or Daytona, the places that have the closest salt water diving to where you are considering staying, which I assume is in the Orlando area.

[fjpatrum]

Thanks, Jupiter, I'm not tied to Orlando, though it will be cheaper to stay in that area. I figured one or two days in/around Orlando with a couple days somewhere else.

As for the diving around Tampa, I've been in touch with a couple of shops as options for charters. I'm open to any suggestions, though, for salt or fresh water. That's as much what these posts are about, getting options.

I'm fairly comfortable, even as a newb, with some (light) current and depth down to about 75 or 80 feet. I'd like to see a wreck but it's not a "must have" on this trip. I'm just mostly looking to get wet.

[moneysavr]

Hi,
Were in The High Springs / Wilston Area area depending on if the park springs will be open Early! A.M. Thursday April 21st Troy first choice,Manatee,Or south Blue Grotto,,

Friday Boynton Beach with Under water explorers Two spots on dive boat open as now dives 55'-60' range Friday A.M.
Let us know your more than welcome to join up,
We dive early and party LATE!!!
Brad

[sportxlh]

Jupiter is 2 1/2 hours from Orlando: not exactly a place for novice divers given the depths but this operator puts a DM in the water with each boat. You can also hire a personal guide from the shop if you want. Scuba Diving Jupiter with Jupiter Dive Center, Scuba diving lessons at a PADI 5 Star facility, daily scuba diving trips in Jupiter, Florida. (http://www.jupiterdivecenter.com/)

Two hours northwest of Orlando is Williston. This is a very easy dive Florida's Pre-Historic Spring -- Devil's Den! (http://www.devilsden.com/).

If you want to dive in a river, the rainbow river is not too far away from the Crystal River. You might already have this planned as you mentioned the manatee snorkel Rainbow River-Drift Snorkel or Dive Tour (http://www.americanprodive.com/rainbowriverdive.html)

As Jupiter 31 mentioned: the Keys are an excellent place for a new diver. Also mentioned was Boynton Beach, which is good for a new diver too. Especially with an operator that puts a DM in with the divers. Here's a link for Underwater Explorers in Boynton mentioned by moneysavr: https://securec7.ezhostingserver.com/diveboyntonbeach-com/indexs.cfm

Those particular dates are bad for me: otherwise, I'd hook up with you in Jupiter or Boynton. With the operators that put a DM in the water, you don't have to worry quite as much about hooking up with a buddy before you arrive at the dock since you can either a) simply buddy up with someone on the boat and/or b) stay close to the DM and treat the DM as your buddy.