Wreck Diving in FL

[kevinj1]

I am always excited to hear about divers heading out to the Sea Emperor, although I am not a huge fan of Dixie Divers (the boat).
<DIV>They did a drift dive one day and turned on their engines (and put in gear) while one guy was trying to get on the boat. Luckily he swam away from the props just in time and the captain blamed it on mis-communication with his first mate. I watched this whole ordeal from a neighboring boat (Lady Go Diver' )and it left me with a real bad feeling in my stomach.</DIV>
<DIV>I knowaccidents happen but that was too close for comfort.</DIV>
<DIV>Lady Go Diver' is the other boat they own with a kind and professional crew--I would recommend taking a look at that boat.</DIV>
<DIV>http://www.dixiediver.com/dive_charters.htm</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>

[Rascal1933]

Hey Kevin, Appreciate the heads-up!
<DIV>Did not realize that Dixie D's used 2 boats. I will most certainly use the Lady if I dive with them.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Who do you like for dive operators in your area?</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>That's what I like about the ST forums &gt; you can get the lowdown,and Info on what's happening before you go dive there!</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Thanks Again.</DIV>
<DIV>R.</DIV>

[kevinj1]

<DIV>Aqua Logic</DIV>
<DIV>6001 N Federal Hwy
Boca Raton, FL
33487 </DIV>
<DIV =detail>


Phone: (561) 988-1200
<DIV></DIV>They dont have the greatest in store prices, and dont even come close to ST's prices, BUT they are really friendly and do work hard on accomodating every divers needs.</DIV>

[Rascal1933]

Thanks for the info!

[Wolfie2012]

Most of the wrecks in in the 65-70 fsw range around Ft Lauderdale are typically easy enough for an OW cert. long as you're not penetrating. The currents are typically light or non existent and you'll be using a line to descend and ascend. The ops I've seen don't require the AOW until you get to the deeper 100+ fsw wrecks.

I've done the Sea Emporer several times as has my wife (she's only OW certified) and it's a great dive (some of the most recent pics in my gallery here)

Keep in mind even though the ops don't require an AOW that you still should be diving within your own comfort level.

My vote would be for Parrot Island Scuba if you are deciding on an op to go with. Jerry and co. are the best. American Dream II is good as well but I definitely prefer Jerry's crew. http://www.parrotislandscuba.com

[No Misses]

American Dream II gets my vote. They are a very friendly and professional operation.

[H2O Skier]

There is a lot of great advice on the wrecks, skill considerations, and charter recommendations in this thread. I've done a number of the popular wrecks from Ft Lauderdale to the upper Keys and agree with most of the posts.

The wrecks in the upper keys are my personal favorite. They are spectacular but can be a more advanced dive due to the depth and potential current.

You won't be disappointed in the Ft Lauderdale or upper Keys wrecks. I'm lucky enough to live in SE Florida so fortunately I don't have to choose one location of the other.

- Dave.

[MyTPen]

There are some great wrecks and bridge spans to dive off Panama City Beach just 75 miles east of Navarre.