Vacation to Pompano - Questions

[STATDIVER]

Hello all, my family and I just booked a vacation house for a week in July down in Pompano. I've never been to this area, but the vacation/beach house we've rented seems to be in a great location for access to diving...we're right near the beach by the Hillsboro inlet, just a little south of the lighthouse.

Anyway, I've been calling around about diving down there. My wife and I are the only ones certified, and we will definitely do 2 trips, maybe 3. I've been talking with Pompano Dive Center (open to other suggestions though if you think there are better options), and we are told that we can choose dive sites if we are the first to book.

Anyone familiar enough with the area to suggest the best reefs/wrecks for two OW divers? If you happened to be the first to book on a particular day, which sites would you choose? I've been looking up dive site maps and checking out videos to try and figure out sites that I think look the best, but I figured I'd throw it out on here as well. Neither of us are really in to one thing in particular....just looking for good color, life etc.

Any info is appreciated.

 

[seeker242]

For 60-70' wrecks, Sea Emperor/Aquazoo and Tracy come to mind.

 

[DiverDownD3]

My LDS did a trip down to Pompano last year. We dove the Sea Emperor, Ancient Mariner, and United Caribbean, all around the 70' range (you FL divers are spoiled as the boat ride was less than 30 minutes). We used Pompano Dive Center, and had a good experience with them. Crew was friendly and helpful.

Have a good trip.

 

[STATDIVER]

Thanks or the input, I'll have to check some of these places out. I did see some dive footage of the United Caribbean, so I'm interested in that one. There are also a couple of reefs I found that may be worth checking out as well. (Sunkist Reef, Turtle Ledge). I'm definitely looking forward to this trip. Some diving and a vacation in general is long overdue, and much needed.

 

[Johnoly]

Bring a camera and don't just look down,,look behind you also. Lots of big stuff moves thru our waters in July with the ripping currents as they move close to shore. Many times in the month of July I've seen hundreds of mating muttons lined up on the sand, and big Manta rays moving south. If you see lots of jelly's from the winds pushing them inshore, there's a good chance the Mola Mola's will be following them to eat. July is a good time to dive south east Florida !!

 

[sportxlh]

Pompano Dive Center has descriptions on its website:

Dive Sites

All the dives in recreational range are pretty fun. If you are looking for a shallow dive, try the Copenhagen and the reef that surrounds it: it is one of my favorite shallow sites in Florida if the wave action isn't intense (so there is no surge). The shallow reef ledge is beautiful and the Copenhagen is interesting in that it is an actual wreck, not purpose sunk.

 

[joe8mofo]

I have dove Pompano a ton; I would recommend South Florida Divers for boat diving. They are well organized and have some comfortable dive boats that ride well.
Home - South Florida Diving Headquarters

 

[STATDIVER]

Bring a camera and don't just look down,,look behind you also. Lots of big stuff moves thru our waters in July with the ripping currents as they move close to shore. Many times in the month of July I've seen hundreds of mating muttons lined up on the sand, and big Manta rays moving south. If you see lots of jelly's from the winds pushing them inshore, there's a good chance the Mola Mola's will be following them to eat. July is a good time to dive south east Florida !!

I like the sound of all of that! I'm hoping everything turns out well weather wise etc... I always enjoy being in the water, but seeing anything like you mention would just be icing on the cake. I've always wanted to see a manta ray. I'd also like to see a dolphin while diving. (we surfaced in Cozumel literally just before several came by the rest of our group).

Thanks for the input. You now have me even more excited.

 

[STATDIVER]

Pompano Dive Center has descriptions on its website:

Dive Sites

All the dives in recreational range are pretty fun. If you are looking for a shallow dive, try the Copenhagen and the reef that surrounds it: it is one of my favorite shallow sites in Florida if the wave action isn't intense (so there is no surge). The shallow reef ledge is beautiful and the Copenhagen is interesting in that it is an actual wreck, not purpose sunk.

I read their site info on the wrecks, and I've looked at other sites for info on the reefs. They all sound good...just asking for input from people that have been there/done that etc. I'm sure we will have a good time either way, but if we happen to be in a position to choose sites, I just want to make the best choice.

 

[STATDIVER]

I have dove Pompano a ton; I would recommend South Florida Divers for boat diving. They are well organized and have some comfortable dive boats that ride well.
Home - South Florida Diving Headquarters

I'll check them out. My knee jerk was Pompano Dive Center due to so many positive reviews I've read, but I'll definitely look in to these guys. We've made no commitments yet on a charter operation.