Vortex springs/Panama city

[mrmccoy]

Well we finally nailed down a date and have a trip set up to camp at vortex springs. I know vortex gets crowded on the weekends so we will be there thursday-sunday (nov. 12-15). My plan is to make a few dives on thursday then check out morrison springs friday then head to the gulf.
Will there be anybody in town during that time? We are going to try and dive in PCB maybe St. Andrews jetties if the tide is right.
Any takers?

If I have the correct place it looks like high tide is at 6:18pm on friday and 6:37pm on saturday for St. Andrews

[FishFood]

Yep. Those are the right times. Good setup for a night/evening dive. Enjoy the trip!

[reeldive]

If you plan a boat dive check out "Better Bottom Time". Dove with them a week ago. Great time. They do allow spearing as well.

[mike_s]

Originally Posted by mrmccoy

If I have the correct place it looks like high tide is at 6:18pm on friday and 6:37pm on saturday for St. Andrews

you'll just need to make sure you're in the gate before "sunset". (the official park entrance closing time).

The park entrance closes at sunset to people who aren't staying in the park or don't have an annual pass (which includes a gate code.) So you'll need to be there before they close the entrance gate/shack. (you can exit anytime).

just make sure you're definition of sunset and theirs aren't two different things.


After you're in, they won't "kick you out". lots of people in the park after they close the entrance. mostly campers though.


just some helpful suggestions.


according to the Tide charts, official sunset time that weekend is about 4:48pm. so as long as you're at 4:30 or a little after you should be fine. But I wouldn't push it past 5pm in trying to get in.

[mrmccoy]

Well that knocks that idea out! I forgot about the time change. I am not set up for a night dive and have never been on a night dive. On top of it all that would be my 1st dive at st. andrews so that plan is out the window.....maybe a boat trip.