Late october trip

[Olegshilkrut]

Hello
My name is Oleg. I am new to the site, and new to diving although I've done some. I was planning a late october trip to se florida, but am scared now that it's gonna be ruined because of the hurricanes and such. Any thoughts?
Any suggestions for an alternative dive trip in the states for around the same time? I'd like it to be warm. Was thinking about California

Thanks!

 

[NYCNaiad]

Welcome Oleg! Your initial question about Florida may get more answers if you posted in the Florida forum.

To answer your question about other warm water destinations in the US:

I haven't been diving in California, but it's my understanding that all of California is cold water diving. Even in San Diego which is in the south, the water is between 50F (10C) and 70F (21.1C). In addition, I believe it's also more advanced diving in general compared to many warm water destinations.

Hawaii might be an option for you, however, it gets expensive.

I've heard some wonderful things about the Flower Garden Banks in Texas which would have warm water in the mid-80s I believe. (That's in F. In C, ithat's around 29.4 C.) And I believe their summer season is still in effect in late October. Texas on is my list of places to dive so I haven't been there, but I've heard that many of the dive sites are advanced & that these are all day boat dives or liveaboard dives.

North Carolina has some great diving, but it's not really warm in late October. Usually between 68F (20C) & 76F (24.4C). I believe many of the dives are also more advanced dives.

I believe Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands are not an option due to hurricane devastation. I'm not familiar with Georgia nor South Carolina diving, but these may be problematic due to the hurricane as well. Not sure. (I assume that the US territories in the South Pacific are not under consideration for you when you say the US.)

Those are all the US warm water dive destinations I'm aware of. You can take a look around all the forums & dive clubs underneath the US forum for more ideas, or post a new thread in General Travel and Vacation Discussions with a subject line to the effect of: Warm Water Diving in the US - Late October?

Hope you find a great destination. Happy diving!

 

[NYCNaiad]

Actually, I just saw a Facebook post from a dive buddy who was diving the USCGC Duane and Molasses Reef in Key Largo so you may be able to dive in Florida and elsewhere in the Southern US!

 

[diversteve]

California diving is typically some type of full wetsuit all year - at least 5mm and sometimes layered 7mm or drysuit. San Diego is often the warmest - water temp. there today is 70 degrees. San Diego Sea Temperature | United States | Sea Temperatures

Georgia has no decent diving, too flat and sandy, the few shops near Savannah go to NE Florida to dive on weekends, either the Springs or diving near Jacksonville which I hear is not that great.

Charleston has a couple of dive operations, diving there is mostly wreck diving as far out as the gulf stream but it took a beating in the hurricane also. Contact Charleston Scuba or Express Watersports (Myrtle Beach area) and see what they're currently doing. IDK if Irma hit/spared Myrtle Beach.

Hawaii is a state...lol - it's warm water all year and excellent diving. From your area there's probably package deals on flights/hotels - diving is usually extra since the shops are independent of the resorts. Pricey though - you're on the cusp of high season there.

Price Maui, there's a lot of dive operations catering to all skill levels - both boat dives to Molokini or Lanai - all levels of diving or there's a handful of escorted shore dive options. With a buddy you could also do many of them on your own, they're simple beach entries and you don't get much past 60-80' of depth off Maui - some of the known dives like Black Rock are 1/2 that.

 

[Olegshilkrut]

Right on! Thanks guys for all the great suggestions. Will definitley check it out!