Any suggestions on dive/snorkel spots in FL

[chessie]

DH and I are planning 10 days in FL to see family, but would like to get some good diving in while we are there. Any spots you recommend for diving or snorkeling? We fly into Orlando, no hotel has been booked, so we can go wherever at this point.

[stingsharkruns]

Do you want Ocean Snorkeling, or River snorkeling?

[chessie]

Jun 19, 2012 14:14:16 GMT -5 stingsharkruns said:

Do you want Ocean Snorkeling, or River snorkeling?

Open to either.

[basilosaurus]

All the good diving I'm aware of is off the east coast from about Boca down to the Keys, along the Florida reef. There's some good cave diving in central Florida, especially around the Gainesville area, but that's not for everyone (plus, it's cold!)

Would you be driving or catching a flight to a different area? If you're driving, how far are you willing to go?

[chessie]

Jun 19, 2012 18:18:37 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

All the good diving I'm aware of is off the east coast from about Boca down to the Keys, along the Florida reef. There's some good cave diving in central Florida, especially around the Gainesville area, but that's not for everyone (plus, it's cold!)

Would you be driving or catching a flight to a different area? If you're driving, how far are you willing to go?

Flying into Orlando, and goal is to drive down to Cape Coral at one point, since that is where family is. Pretty much used to cold water diving- probably won't need my 8mm suit there I would imagine

[basilosaurus]

What about Biscayne bay? There's some excellent diving in the park. It's not exactly on the way to Cape Coral, but there's not much to see in the gulf IMO. Is this just for a day trip? Or do you want to do multiple dives?

Water temp in the summer is in the mid 80s, so I just wear my bathing suit. It's constant in the cave diving north of Orlando b/c that's all spring fed (72-76 IIRC), and I'd need a wetsuit for that.

On the west coast, much closer to Cape Coral is Crystal Springs. It's where the manatees hang out. Completely different experience than the barrier reef in the Atlantic. I can't tell you which you'd prefer b/c I think that's a completely personal preference.