Marco Island FL ??

[Yidaki]

Hi everybody,

I heard there is no beach diving on west coast of Florida because of water is too shallow. Is this true? For good diving spots, dives need to be done far from shore ?? Also, How about springs, where is the closest spring around naples and marco island area for scuba?

Thanks,
Burak

[cdavis]

Hi Yidaki,

Florida West Coast is shallow, you need a boat to find more than 20 ft. Its mostly sand, very little natural structure. Its also murky. I don't know Naples very well (talk to Jimdoe2you), but close in should be murky. Up the road a few miles is Boca Grande. On a high tide, in winter or spring, it should be reasonable, 10 to 20 ft vis. There is an old railroad dock on the south end of the island with in excess of 30 ft of depth. Lots of big jewfish, 100 to 500 lbs. Good spot for scuba, but careful of the current, it can rip. Try to catch slack tide, approximately a couple of hours after official high.

Springs in Florida are pretty much north of Tampa, a long way from Naples. One of the closest would be Blue Springs State Park, maybe 4.5 hours north of Naples. The only exception I know is Warm Mineral Springs, one hour + north of Naples,130 to 160 ft straight down, but not clear, 10-20 ft vis, dark water, and no scuba allowed. I go there occasionally to train freediving, great for that. If you want to try that one freediving, I'll do my best to meet you there.

Connor

[jimdoe2you]

Burak,

I live here and I won't dive here. There isn't anything to see because our coast is just one giant sand bar that goes out for 20 miles. When I go diving I go to the east coast.

[Yidaki]

Thank you guys for quick response.
I made a little search and I found the same spots Connor mentioned. Also, Ned DeLoach's underwater guide is mentioning them as well.
The reason that I am curious about west coast is my formal students wants to dive again and lately here there is 6 foot waves are splashing to the beaches. Beach diving because they are still novice and they haven't dived for couple months that is why.. I thought Maybe next weekend we can try west coast or worst case do some spring dive. however, we don't want to drive too long. But all good sprins are in Bradenton area So, spring plan is kind a impossible.. Looks like closest one is Hudson Grotto and people says visibility horrible overthere.. Connor you are mentioning as a warm mineral spring that place I guess..
So, thanks again and I guess we can keep waiting here to good time for dive..
Cheers,
Burak

[james_rude]

This was a good suggestion that you put up here...dude…..hope that it benefits all the ones who land up here.