Shore or Boat

[kingfish]

I have enjoyed the shore diving i have done but at this stage i have loved the boat dives and if it wasnt so dear i would do it more often.
I enjoy the boat ride as well.

Shore dives are cheap and fun so i will do mostly shore dives id say.
There are a few good surf beach dives in calm conditions that i would like to tackle as well once i have more experience.

Jas.

[chuckm]

Overall I would say I actually prefer shore dives. Granted there are a lot of things to see that are not within reach of shore but I enjoy the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of shore diving. Favorite shore dives have been in Roatan and Utila. Dive resorts that offer shore diving are a major plus for me.

[Charles R]

I have had an equal # of good/bad shore and boat dives. Depending on were you are I think depends on what you see. For example I did a shore dive in Rocky Point and saw very little alot of sand and a few jellyfish not much else. I did a boat dive and saw alot of fish and sea lions so I think it depends on the location. As others have said I dont think you really even need to do and boat dives in Bionaire the shore diving is so great.

[CrzyJay456]

Originally Posted by pnevai

Well I suppose it all comes down to where you live.

If you have to fight big surf, that can be a turn off. Or perhaps poor viz or featureless bottoms.

So I suppose those of us who are in South Florida have a different outlook. Boats, you have to be there on time, jump in, climb out, move to next site and repeat, then it's all over and back to shore, not relaxing at all. Live aboards are a different story, but then just how often can most of us afford those trips?

Beach diving, however, you show up when you want, dive relax, dive agiain, relax some more and do a twilight and or night dive. The shop to get fills is a short walk away, short walk to the water, little or no surf, good to great viz and lots to see. Heck don't want to carry your tanks, just bring along a little red kids wagon. The attached photos are the shore dive at Lauderdale by the Sea, the commercial pier. Now no one can say that it is too far to carry your gear. Other than feeding the parking meter, It's free.

is that where you guys are going today?

[ScubaJenn81]

I think shore dives are a lot more convenient then boat dives. You can easily adjust your shore dive and do it at the drop of a hat, as a lot of people do not own their own boat. As far as not being able to see a lot, you just have to know where to look.

[Tableleg]

Originally Posted by quasimoto

Shore diving. Think about it guys. You get done from a dive and get out of your gear. Kick back on the beach watching the babes and, psst, pop the top on a cold one. It's gotta be 5 o'clock somewhere.

Couldn't of put it better myself.

[booger]

I enjoy both, but I have had some great shore dives in Central and Northern California. In fact, just a few days ago my sister and I went shore diving out of Monterey. Viz was terrible, so we just swam out approximately 50 yards or so and dropped down. Within minutes, a harbor seal started chewing on her fins. She turned around thinking that it was me tugging on them, and was instead face to face with the seal! This wasn't one of those nip and run instances. This seal was in LOVE with her flippers. It spent around 3 minutes holding on to her leg with his flippers while continuing to nibble on her fins. After that it lost interest. Or so we thought. 2 minutes later and the crazy seal was back for another round.

I'm not saying you wouldn't see this on a boat dive, but it goes to show that there is a lot to be seen on shore dives.

Other things I've seen on shore dives include, thornback rays, bat rays, torpedo rays, many a sea loin, harbor seal, otters, tons of fish including large bait balls, a variety of nudibranchs, and so on.

[ccarter]

I usually try and plan my trips around locations that have a ton of shore diving.. I just don't like the hassle of boat diving..