Buddy for Spanish Rocks April 19/20/21

[fjpatrum]

Good day, I've finally got my travel plans dialed in and I'm interested in seeing if anyone would like to do a morning dive at Spanish Rocks any morning of the 19th, 20th, or 21st of April.

It sounds like a great option, assuming viz is good, to keep some of the costs down and hopefully meet some other SBers. I'm thinking a one or two tank morning would be a perfect way for me to see what the area has to offer.

I'll be doing the manatee swim and probably Rainbow river the 18th but I'd like to get some saltwater dives in too.

Anyone up for meeting a fellow scubaboard addict?

EDIT: It occurred to me that since it's mid-week an afternoon dive option may be more realistic for the locals. I'm up for that too, if that makes it easier to do.

 

[fjpatrum]

Clearly I've done something wrong. 60+ views and not a single response.

How about any other dive options within an hour of Tampa?

I'm not against the idea of a boat dive but from what I've read I can't rely on the weather holding well enough to be sure of getting some down time in from a boat dive. If a dive on the Sheridan is reasonable I'm up for that too.

 

[Reef_Haven]

Probably the reason noone has responded is it's very difficult to plan this (Spanish Rocks) dive in advance. Viz is dependant on weather. Any rain or East winds a few days before you would like to dive, will be detrimental to viz. Viz tends to run around 6 feet this time of year, but if you have a dry week and some light West winds it can exceed 10 ft.
Winds also tend to pickup in the afternoons, so a morning dive would be your best bet.
Viz is always better offshore so you may have more luck on a charter.

 

[fjpatrum]

Thanks for the information. I just pulled this location based on some threads I've read here on scubaboard but I had no idea what it's like.

Sounds like I can't rely on boat or shore dives on the west coast this time of year.

Well, I'm still willing to try if any locals have interest in checking in closer to the actual dates. Feel free to message here or PM me and I'll respond.

 

[schudini]

If you could make it down to Venice beach to dive, you can go home with loads of sharks teeth, and maybe even a meg.

 

[fjpatrum]

Yeah, I'm considering that as an option. I was just hoping to get something a little closer so the family wouldn't be bored. I'll look into Venice beach to see if there's something for them to do as well.

 

[onefastpony]

Well, with the rain that we have been having here lateley, Spanish Rocks might have very bad viz. There is a boat charter that runs during the weekday out of Bradenton, Blue Water Explorers. I've been on them a few times, all in all not a bad charter. They do put a DM in the water with you to guide you around if you like, or can go on your own. During the week day the boat probably won't be that full. If you are wanting to do a boat, I could definitely do that, I am a week day diver. Hopefully all this rain will pass by then and the water warms up a bit more, still about 72*.

 

[fjpatrum]

onefastpony, PM sent...

 

[Boats]

Wow, you'll be making a run up and down the area for sure!

Rainbow River is a great dive, you'll enjoy the drift!!!!

If you are going to be close to Clearwater, Tanks A'Lot runs a great boat. Here's the link:
Scuba Dive Florida - Tanks-A-Lot Dive Charters - Diving Tampa, Clearwater, St.Petersburg - Dive Trip Charter Boat

They run trips during the week, so you'll be all set!

What folks have said about Spanish Rocks, is true. It's just to tough to call until the day of the dive. When its great, its great! But man, when it sucks, it blows.

Safe diving!!!

 

[schudini]

It looks like winds will be either onshore, or along the coast from the south. Rain chances are very low. Time to go diving