Diving Florida

[flyboy65]

Planning a trip to Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano Beach in April.  Wondering if anyone knows of good operators in that area, and also decent shore dive sites.  We're also heading down to dive the Spiegle Grove and spend the night there.

Any recommendations would be very helpful!  Thanks!

[willadams67]

there is no good shore diving. Islamorada to Key Largo is the best diving in the keys. Pennecamp state park is in Key Largo. The Grove is in this area also. There are several dive hotels that are not the best but are cheap.

[flyboy65]

I've heard around Pompano the coral is pretty good.  Actually, we'll be spending a week around Palm Beach.  Just looking for good dive operators around that area.

Been certified for over four years, and this'll be my first warm water diving!  Well, warmer than any pits or Lake Superior, anyway!

[LKunze]

You're in for a pleasant surprise!   I was in the same situation a few years ago when I did a BlackBeard's trip to the Bahamas.  Before that I had only done cold water local diving.  What an experience.  Diving in a thin wetsuit and blue water with all of the sea life is amazing.  Don't get me wrong...I love cold local diving as I'm sure you do but diving in the ocean is something every diver must experience at some point.  Post a report when you return!

[Elkman]

in Key Largo is a good shop to dive with.  I believe they have trips going out nearly every day.  They're friendly and their service is good.  I was out there a couple weeks ago, and the only downside was that the Tuesday morning trip to the Spiegel Grove got cancelled because the seas were too rough.  We were on the boat and heading out there, but the captain decided to turn around because conditions weren't good.  It would have been rather dangerous trying to get back on the boat.

Ocean Divers also has lodging packages with the Marina Del Mar, located next door, and the Holiday Inn nearby.  That could save you some money and some driving around.