5 replies to this topic

[jimmy dave]

I'm going to be working in florida around the ft. myers area for most of March. There is a slim chance that I will be able to sneak away for a quick dive or two while I'm there. Does anyone know if there are any shore dive locations around that area. Unfortunately I don't have time for a boat trip. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, I just want to get my feet wet. ...springs are not out of the question!

Would anyone be interested in joining me. I might be able to "schedule" a time, but most likely it will be somewhat last minute -- a day or two notice at best.

Edited by jimmy dave, 14 January 2007 - 06:21 PM.

[Walter]

No time for a boat dive? How much time will you have?

[matts1w]

I wrote this for another board, but it applies here as I dont really want to retype the same thing over again.

Diving off the Fort Myers area can be an amazing experience. HOWEVER, diving in the Gulf of Mexico is not what most people are seeking in a Florida dive trip, nor is it a "quick" process. Let me explain why....

1. Blue water is scarce. Our water tends to be green- even the Fort Myers High School mascot is called the Green Wave. Consequently visibility tends to run in the 20 foot range. I have been in the Gulf and had 100 foot vis, and I have had literally zero foot vis. 15-25 is the norm.

2. The water is freakin' cold in the winter. Since the Gulf Stream is no where near us, the water drops as low at 58 degrees in the winter. The Atlantic stays around 70 in the Keys and South Florida area.

3. There are a few soft corals, but not really. The water is simply too cold in the winter and sunlight does not really penetrate the water enough to sustain corals.

4. The Gulf is one big desert- flat sand. Natural structure consists of small limestone ledges that run about 1 to 4 feet high. We have a number of artificial structures such as artificial reefs made of boats and construction materials and true wrecks such as the Fantastico. ALMOST without exception if you wade in from shore you will see sand and never deeper than six or eight feet.

5. Since the Gulf is so flat to get to any depth and visibility one travel way off shore. At 5-7 miles out the water is still only 25 feet deep. The best sites are 2-3 hours out in most boats. That means long boat rides and being 2-3 hours away from help.

6. IMO the best sites are well over 100 feet deep. Anything above 50 feet is usually just too murky to dive.

7. Seas are often very rough in the winter and spring. Imagine trying to get 3 hours off shore in 4-6 foot swells. The boat rides can be miserable.

8. There are no dive boats really, but some fishing charters are diver friendly.

9. Most people find 2.5 hours out, 3 deep dives, and 2.5 hours in not to their liking.

That being said, diving in the Gulf is amazing. Since the Gulf is so flat any structure acts as a life magnet/oasis. If you want to see huge, giant animals and more fish than you can shake a stick at come dive the Gulf. Monster Jew fish are everywhere, while sharks, large loggerheads, groupers, rays, and eels are common. Every year someone runs into a whale shark or two. If you like to spearfish the area is world class, not the Middlegrounds or Tortugas, but close. We have everything the Keys have as far as life, but no coral reefs, blue water, or 20 minute boat rides. Our wrecks, such as the Baja California (waaaaaaaaaay south), Stony Point, or Fantastico, are simply great dives. I love diving the Gulf of Mexico, but many people don't.

Usually we organize trips for divers in the Lee County area to Pompano or the Keys. In the same amount of time it takes you to travel to the dive sites off Fort Myers you can drive to the East Coast or even Key Largo and see what most people are seeking in a Florida Dive. We do offer a Gulf trip once or twice a month. They are 3 tank dives, last all day (7AM-5 PMish), usually are spearfishing, and cost $150. There is simply nothing quick about these trips and they need to be scheduled way in advance to ensure the boat is full. Otherwise the trip get even more expesive.

Obviously diving off Fort Myers, especially in the winter/early spring, is for advanced divers. The distance, depths, vis, and temperature dictate that. Some people enjoy fossil diving off Venice- about 2 hours north of Fort Myers, but I know next to nothing about that. Walter can hook you up there.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Matt S.

Edited by matts1w, 15 January 2007 - 05:22 AM.

[jimmy dave]

The problem with a boat dive is there is time for my phone to ring. As I was saying, this is a work trip and my client can be some what needie, not to mention the business is sparatic at best. If my phone rings and I'm on a boat then I'm screwed because they aren't going to turn around for me. If I'm off a dock or in a spring then it's easy for me to just pack up and leave.

In a perfect world there will be a day or two in that time frame that I won't have any work. If that's the case then a boat trip or a drive to the other coast won't be out of the question.

[jimmy dave]

I've found that a few state parks that list diving as an available activity. Has anyone explored these? I know it isn't it the typical dive place for florida, but any body of water will do at this point.

Low viz. isn't a lot of fun, but wouldn't be a problem -- I dive the mud holes in KY.

I can't believe how bad I want to get back in the water. You would think it were a drug or something.

[Walter]

If my phone rings and I'm on a boat then I'm screwed because they aren't going to turn around for me. If I'm off a dock or in a spring then it's easy for me to just pack up and leave.

Perhaps, but if you're at a spring, you'll likely get back later than if you'd been on a boat.