Tampa Area Diving In August

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J-Vo

Contributor
Messages
817
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Location
Lakewood, CO USA
# of dives
500 - 999
I have a work trip to Tampa in August with the option to extend my stay for some diving. I'm looking for advice on a few things:

Is it worth it?

Any good shore diving?

Any good operators/shops I should contact?

Recommended dive sites?

Wet/dry? I have a feeling this will mostly depend on if I am doing any deco, but I don't want to bring both suits.


Thanks,
 
There is some diving to do in the area. There is of course the Springs (Blue Grotto, Devil's Den, Paradise Springs, etc.) but they are all a ~2hour drive from Tampa. Rainbow River is nice that time of year (almost all year), but also a drive. Red Tide was a problem this year so no way of telling how it will be this year. Tanks a lot charter is pretty good for going boat diving out of Clearwater. Not much in the area for shore diving. There is Venice beach for megalodon tooth hunting, but I refer you back to the Red Tide problem this year (most years). Lot's of dives, and the Springs are worth the drive once if you can spare the time.
 
Ya I thought the red tide may be an issue. I really would like to get in the ocean since cold dark fresh water is the norm for me. I also don't have any overhead training. Maybe I could find an instructor for a good cavern course?
 
Ya I thought the red tide may be an issue. I really would like to get in the ocean since cold dark fresh water is the norm for me. I also don't have any overhead training. Maybe I could find an instructor for a good cavern course?
No worries about cavern or overhead environment. Most of the agencies recognize the springs mentioned above as open water. You are pretty safe at those locations. The water is crystal clear, not like your quarry dives up north. It's only 4-5 hours to Ft Lauderdale if you want a sure thing in the ocean.
 
Maybe I could find an instructor for a good cavern course?

Like I said, James Draker at Hidden Worlds (link above). For ocean dives - if Ft Lauderdale seems an option to you, I would check out John Chatterton in Pompano Beach.
 
I have a work trip to Tampa in August...

Which weekend in August? The St. Pete Open is the 3rd weekend and almost every single dive site in that area will be packed with divers in the tournament

..Any good operators/shops I should contact?
Same thing, all the "Good" operators will have dedicated teams pre-booking their boats.

August is a great month to visit, just pick the right time and not the last weekend which is Labor Day weekend either.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/
https://xf2.scubaboard.com/community/forums/cave-diving.45/

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