SCUBA Diving in Tampa Bay
SCUBA Diving in Tampa Bay
With the many activities to do in and around the Tampa Bay Area, what about SCUBA diving? Many any top-notch dive shops in the Tampa Bay area offer all the gear and essentials that you’ll need, including classes and certifications. Learn to SCUBA dive while in Tampa Bay!
Artificial Reef System
Located along the Pinellas County coastline, the artificial reef program has enabled sea life to flourish in this area. By dropping cleaned-up concrete debris off-shore, within a couple of weeks, the reef ecosystem is already growing.
These artificial reefs provide valuable habitats and improve the fishing and diving opportunities for the local economy. SCUBA diving in Tampa Bay may include a trip out to the artificial reef, and there are a couple of local dive shops that offer recreational dive trips out to the Gulf.
The Florida Aquarium
If you’re a local looking for something cool to do, volunteer at The Florida Aquarium as part of their dive team. A one-year commitment and other requirements can put you in the tanks for cleaning and other activities. Don’t forget, you can also save money on admission, along with other local attractions, with the CityPASS Tampa Bay.
Popular Snorkeling Tours in Tampa Bay:
Shell Key: 2-Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling
Egmont Key: Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour
Fossil & Megalodon Tooth Diving
About 90 minutes south of the Tampa Bay Region, you will find a real gem of a beach. Venice, and the area beaches, are a hot spot for finding shark teeth, and other fossils, in the surf line. Sign up for a charter so you get directly over the fossil beds. I’ve used Aristakat Charters an a few occasions and have enjoyed the hunt so much. My largest tooth, so far, is 2 1/2 big! I love it!
Even if you don’t dive, you can still take your family to the beach and find small shark teeth to take home. It’s tons of fun!
Bayronto Ship Wreck
Aristakat Charters, mentioned above, also takes charters out to the Bayronto shipwreck, the largest true shipwreck on the west coast of Florida. At 100′ down, the ship sank during a hurricane and landed on the ocean floor, upside down. The ship is 400′ long with swim-throughs. Seeing goliath grouper and other wildlife is nearly guaranteed.
Blue Heron Bridge
Some of the best diving in the State of Florida is over in West Palm Beach. Blue Heron Bridge is a popular destination because you don’t need a boat and you can see some amazing wildlife. I’ve heard of folks seeing a lot of nudis, octopuses, seahorses, sharks, and much more. Additionally, I’ve also heard there are some great drift dives over that way.
Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkeling Tour
The Keys
The very first time I went snorkeling, I was in middle school. We took a vacation to Marathon and snorkeled at John Pennecamp State Park. I was scared, I was excited, and I wanted more!
Most recently, I did a 2 tank dive on Looe Key Reef, MM27. While I dove, my friends and family donned the snorkeling gear and observed from the surface. We had a great day!
All along the Florida Keys, you will find dive operators and excursions. Plan ahead and book your spot early!
The Springs and Rivers
Rainbow River, in Dunnellon, FL, is a popular place where the dive classes will take their check-out dives. I did. It was cold and beautiful.
The springs and spring fed rivers are a constant 72 degrees, year round. It feels great on a steamy hot summer day, but gets cold, very quickly, without the proper wetsuit to keep a diver warm.
The fresh rivers offer a unique opportunity to see spring vents, the river ecosystem which includes otters, birds, turtles, manatees, and reptiles of many kinds. There are a few dive operators that offer the river drift, The American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River is one of the best and most sought-after.
A popular YouTuber, DALLMYD, who has videos in the Rainbow River and brings up phones, sunglasses, and all kinds of river treasures. It’s fun to watch!
Popular River Dive Tours:
Rainbow River: Snorkel or Dive the Amazing Rainbow River
Crystal River: Manatee Snorkel Tour
Devil’s Den
Located West of I-75, between Gainesville and Ocala is the small town of Williston. This is home to the Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring and is a great place for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. They offer a variety of dives, including night dives. Devil’s Den is a popular place for check-off dives and refreshers.
Breakin’ It Down: SCUBA Diving in Tampa Bay
While there are not great dive spots in the Tampa Bay area, it’s a great location if you are looking to learn to dive, get an advanced certification, or refresher. Many amazing dive shops in the area offer a variety of classes and certifications.