Ok- I posted this in 2008. Mind you I left Fort Myers a year later, so I am not sure what is up with the charter situation anymore other than most of the diving is done from private boats and scuba friendly deep sea charters.... I have no idea which charter companies are in business anymore.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH BRENT AND THE STAFF AT DDC ARE SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS, I NO LONGER SPEAK FOR DDC AS IMPLIED IN THIS TWO-YEAR-OLD POST. I live in Indonesia, so take what I say about 2010 diving off Sanibel with a grain of salt. There may be an amazing charter company running now. I hope there is. Last I heard was the newest fishing regulations and the current economic situation in SW Florida were killing the far off-shore charters. No matter, if anyone is running quality Gulf scuba trips, it is Brent. That is the bottom line.
"We get a lot of emails at the shop with this question. Here is my stock answer...
The diving off Fort Myers Beach and Naples will blow you mind...but it aint easy and it aint for new divers. If you want pretty colors, blue water, and easy boat rides then the east coast is for you. A good day of vis in the Gulf is in the 20-30 foot range, and winter temps run in the low 60s. However, if you head three hours out of Fort Myers I can show you giant animals: sharks, grouper the size of cars, schools of fish so thick you cannot even see the wreck they inhabit. Massive turtles are common, and at times some of the giant sharks make an appearance. Maybe you would like to see a wreck brought down by a German Sub? It all off the coast of SW Florida.
Dont get me wrong, I dive more on the east coast and the Keys than the west side as the Gulf trips are expensive and often foiled by windy weather weather, but the MOST amazing dives I have done in Florida include the Pentrel, Baja California, Fantastico and some unnamed ledges in 100 feet off Boca Grande. They were simply some of the most beauitful and heart pumping dives ever.
By the way, the spearfishing is world class.
Maybe this is the best way to say it: "When I dive the east coast or Keys I pretty much know what I am gonna experience. When I dive the Gulf it is an adventure."
As for dive trips/boats...There is really no such thing, but there are fishing charters that are dive friendly. We run a trip with such once a month...mostly for spearfishing in the 70-90 foot range. Three tanks dive cost $150 as the sites are about 25 miles off shore. The wrecks are much further so the costs go up to $200. These are advanced trips as the boat rides can be miserable, the vis not so great, and help is very far away if things were to go wrong. Weather and wind often shuts the trips down- especially in the winter. In the same amount of time it takes to travel to wrecks such as the Fantastico and Stony Point, you can be in Key Largo. This is not meant as a downer, just a fact. Also note that every charter we offer into the Gulf sells out in 2-3 days despite the travel time and price. The diving/spearfishing is that good."
As for shore diving- there is none off Sanibel. If you walk 200-300 yards off shore you may find five feet of water and some sand dollars. The best shelling will be at an early morning low tide. Best time is still dark as there will be people with flashlights getting the best stuff. You will need to learn the Sanibel stoop. Diving for shells is not worth it. 99% of what you find will still be alive, and taking live shells in Lee County is way against the law. On Sanibel the locals will bust you as snow birds and their love of legal shelling as morning exercise pays the bills.
Anyway, Sanibel/Captiva and the islands up to Manasota Key are paradise. Enjoy them for what they are. I will be back visiting family in December. I cannot wait to fish Boca Grande pass, walk miles of perfect beach, and watch a west coast Florida sunset while sipping good tequila. Cheers.
