Hello F Lauderdale! (march)

[kumimonster]

Hello all,

First time posting a new thread in your part of the world.
I did take a look though your "Dive Sites" thread and though it's got a lot of info, it's still a bit difficult for someone completely unfamiliar with your state. The beach locations are great but I have no idea where any of the beaches are!

I'll be visiting friends in FLL and I'd love to go diving for a day or two while there before heading home to my colder water. I'm wondering about are dive operators . I won't be traveling with my personal gear - normally I would for a dive-specific trip but I'll be on Cuba just prior for a non-dive visit . What kind of dives do you guys do out there? I've seen some maps so I realize shore dives seem popular, but what about boat dives? Are they any particular sites you suggest? Any must-sees? Is a day trip out of the area worth it (if possible) or just stay local?
March 21-25.

The friends i'm visiting just got their open water. I'm pretty sure they'll be going with me but not necessarily both of my available days.

Thanks in advance! :-D

 

[sportxlh]

Boat diving is great in the area. I like South Florida Dive Headquarters, Scubatyme and Pompano Dive Center all of which are in Pompano: just up the road from FLL. Any of the wrecks in the area are nice dives. I also like the shallow reef line, especially in the area of the Copenhagen wreck. Beach diving in Lauderdale by the Sea is fun too. If you have extra time, run up to Jupiter for some great drift diving.... the Lemon sharks should still be around in March. I like Jupiter Dive Center, other divers like Capt Sl8er or Stuart Scuba. Enjoy your trip

 

[kumimonster]

oh that's right! you've got lemons on that coast! That would definitely be great!

 

[iamrushman]

a couple of dive shops to try are Force- E scuba in pompano and gold coast divers in Lauderdale by the sea...

Force-E Scuba Center - Pompano Beach

Gold Coast Scuba - Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

 

[Trailboss123]

Drive a few miles north to Boynton Beach and go out boat diving with Starfish Scuba - Scuba Diving Charters in Boynton Beach

 

[kelemvor]

oh that's right! you've got lemons on that coast! That would definitely be great!

When life gives you lemons, some people make lemonade. Divers go diving.

 

[llBuckshotll]

Great info. I was just about to ask the same exact question!

Can anyone comment on conditions during early to mid March? Water temp, air temp, vis, current? Compared to other times of the year?

I was there in early December for a day, but no boats went out 2nd half of the day due to wind. Luckily we headed down to Key West and got the Vandenberg in

 

[sportxlh]

Water temp is likely to be 70-72 degrees. Air temp in 60's to 80's with little to no humidity, though there can be occasional colder snaps. Marine conditions anywhere from flat calm to 12 foot waves in which case all boats will be cancelled. Winter is very unpredictable in south Florida. Summer is warmer, both air and water temps and marine conditions usually very good

 

[watch4sharx]

Is there enough shore diving between Fort Lauderdale and the Blue Heron Bridge to not be bored doing 2-3 dives a day for a week?

 

[bmbeaty]

Is there enough shore diving between Fort Lauderdale and the Blue Heron Bridge to not be bored doing 2-3 dives a day for a week?

I was there for 2 weeks this past August and got in about 20 dives and didn't get bored. Depends on the person though.