Diving the Gulf near Venice

[ScubaJoy65]

Greetings,
We have scheduled a shark tooth dive off Venice, Fl. on Sat., July 4. We're looking for another place to go diving on Friday, July 3.

We're driving down from Charleston, SC on Thursday night and would like to dive somewhere else while we're in the area. We could stop before we get to Venice or we could drive onto Tampa/Clearwater Beach. I'm thinking a wreck or reef might be nice. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Joy

 

[Walter]

I'd recommend Boynton Beach, specifically I'd recommend diving with Kevin at Underwater Explorers. He runs an excellent trip to excellent sites and he gets in the water with you. He has a six pack, so you won't be in a crowd. It's not all that close to Venice, but he can help you get the experience you'll need for diving off shore in the Gulf.

 

[Tom Winters]

A straight shot from Charleston to Venice is just about 500 miles. Adding a detour to Boynton Beach does add another 250 miles to a 1,000 mile drive weekend.

Underwater Explorers - SCUBA Diving Boynton Beach, Delray, Palm Beach, Reefs and Wrecks
Florida West Scuba School
Welcome to Narcosis Scuba Center
DepthFinder's Dive Center -- Your Guide to Florida Diving, Savings, and Fun (for Aristokat boat dives)

 

[Walter]

True, but they'll spend about the same amount of time going out for the dive (much shorter boat ride), they'll have lots more fun and the dives won't be too advanced for them.

 

[ScubaJoy65]

DepthFinder's Dive Center -- Your Guide to Florida Diving, Savings, and Fun (for Aristokat boat dives)

Thanks for all the suggestions and links, Tom. Did you happen to notice that Depth Finders' calendar is only as current as 1998? I haven't called them, but it makes me wonder if they are still around.