Question about Fl. Dive Weather

[Aggie Diver]

Howdy,

Myself and our dive club (Aggie Divers) are looking at making a weekend trip to Destin or Panama City to go do some diving (both boat and shore are options).

When does the weather start getting bad in September (if it does at all)?

We are looking at the weekends of the 13th and 20th.

Also any recommendations on must dives, good shops, etc. are appreciated.

We are looking at camping Fri., doing 2 tank boat dive in the morning on Sat., then renting and doing a shore dive in the PM and then again at night (maybe on the night thing, but we are looking at getting at least 4 dives in on the trip). If not a night dive, then again another dive in the morning on Sun. before packing up and heading for home.

For the boat trip we'd like to keep the actual cost to about $60 or so (and then throw in a tip on top), tank rentals for shore as cheap as possible.

I guess one last question is which is better, Panama City or Destin?

Everyone going would be certified advanced/rescue, divemaster, or very experienced basic OW (just haven't paid for any other certs yet).

Thanks a bunch, I'm all ears.

AD

 

[aihfl]

Keep a close eye on the tropical weather. Things start getting busy in September. Otherwise, it is still pretty much summer - hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms common.

For the diverse levels of certification you described within your club, personally I would recommend Panama City. Not only do I find the sheer number of diveable wrecks appealing, I really like the fact that most of them are upright and aren't especially deep. There's enough to keep experienced divers interested while still not exceeding the skill level of a competent novice.

Rates vary according to how far offshore one ventures, but generally, its $55pp for a two-tank, four-hour "inshore" trip (generally within six miles of shore), $65pp for a two tank, five hour "offshore" trip, and rates go up from there the further you get from shore. There is remarkably little variation in dive boat rates. Also, just personal preference, go for the five hour "offshore" dive. The sites are a little deeper, but in my experience the viz is better. It's worth the extra 10 bux. "Splash" is a boat that keeps being mentioned here on the Scubaboard and I've done some dives off it and have absolutely no problems recommending it. They're available through Diver's Den and their website is at: http://www.gigli-divers-den.com.

 

[aihfl]

I forgot to mention. Camping and shore diving is available at nearby St. Andrews State Park, though when I cruised past the jetties there on a dive boat last week, the viz looked as if you couldn't see your hand in front of your face due to dredging going on out in the bay. The Florida Park Service's website is:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks

 

[jviehe]

I 2nd Aifhl. COnditions are good all year pretty much, though it gets cold in november. PC has some killer wrecks, with eclectic skill levels. Viz is usually 30' or so.