| For divers, the Sunshine State has it all.
Florida's Panhandle and Gulf Coast is a seascape of wrecks, towers and ledges, all brimming with supersized fish. Just miles off some of the Panhandle's coast hundreds of ships and artificial reef structures dot the ocean floor. Off Florida's west coast, several coastal communities have enacted aggressive artificial reef programs, sinking everything from ships and barges to demolished bridge sections and decommissioned military vehicles - including the largest sunken warship in the world, the 904-foot U.S.S. Oriskany. Linked together by a netherworld of flooded caves, there are hundreds of springs flowing from the forest floor of north Florida. Here in the heart of what natives like to call "the real Florida," you're never far from a dozen or so of the best freshwater dives in the state. All you need are your wheels and dive gear.
Here are some of the top recommended spots for your dive vacation along Florida's gulf coast. |  |  | | Panhandle, Florida
Spanning the area from Pensacola east almost to Tallahassee, northwest Florida is renowned for its stunning white sands and emerald waters. Many of the towns here preserve a distinctly Southern feel, while others offer modern amenities for visitors. Wrecks are the specialty here, and here are 3 dive operators that can take you there. |  | |  | |  | | 1.) Gulf Coast Dive Pros
Pensacola, Florida The Dive Pros have been serving Florida Panhandle divers and the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze communities since 1988. Our award winning SCUBA Training Program and Retail Center have made us the #1 SCUBA and Snorkeling specialists on the Gulf Coast. The beautiful emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer some of the most outstanding diving you can find off the U.S. Coast. We invite you to take advantage of one of our many outstanding local charter services or spearfishing classes and see for yourself just how wonderful our local dives are. Call us today for Specials!
Click for Travel Deal Information | | 2.) Bay Breeze Dive Center
Gulf Breeze, Florida
Sign up for one of our Class and Charter combo specials. From now to September 30th pick one of 4 classes with a dive excursion to a local site in the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Open Water Diving certification plus a boat dive $329 per person.3-5 days of class and diving. Advanced Open water certification with deep water dive excursion $399 per person 2 days of class and diving. Rescue Diver certification with dive excursion $399 per person. Nitrox Diver certification with boat excursion$349. Nitrox can be added to any other class and boat excursion or charter for $149. We also offer Spearfishing and lessons and charters!
Click for Travel Deal Information | | 3.) Dive Locker
Panama City Beach, Florida
Have you ever dreamed of exploring the underwater world… of sunken ships and Pirates’ treasures? Add new and exciting adventures to your next trip or cruise!!! If you're ready for more fun in your life come to Panama City Beach and join the Dive Locker family and become a certified Scuba Diver. Our boats are designed and built specifically with divers in mind! You haven’t had a great boat dive until you’ve taken a charter on Fintastic or Narcosis. Dive charters are offered daily for only $79! Book you dive vacation with Dive Locker today!
Click for Travel Deal Information |  | | Citrus County, Florida
 Driftin’ and Dreamin’... of Visiting Citrus County. Citrus County is home to more than 29 freshwater springs, the highest concentration of freshwater springs in the state of Florida. Citrus County, located North of Tampa and West of Orlando, is truly the water lover’s Florida. The clear, crisp, 72-degree spring-fed rivers keep snorkelers & divers warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Freshwater springs attract Citrus County’s most famous resident, the West Indian manatee. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge preserves the last unspoiled and undeveloped habitat in Kings Bay, including the famous Three Sisters Springs. Experience a whole new world of beautiful saltwater fish in a fresh water environment. Come share with us our little piece of paradise in "The Water Lover’s Florida".
Call for a FREE visitors guide at 800-587-6667 or visit us online at http://visitcitrus.com for more information. |  | |  | |  | | 4.) Bird's Underwater, Inc.
Crystal River, Florida
Sign up from now to September 30 and receive a 10% discount for yourself and your whole group on one of our fun, educational, and family oriented Manatee Snorkel tours. Your tour may be booked for as far out as December 15, 2013. You'll also get 1 free DVD per group to share your experience with your family, friends, or dive club.
This tour is a great off gassing stop for divers and is suitable for swimmers and snorkelers of all ages. Join us and see why nearly 100,000 people a year flock to our small community to see the Gentle Giants of Crystal River.
Click for Travel Deal Information | | 5.) Plantation on Crystal River
Crystal River, Florida
We are the only place the North America where you can legally swim and interact with the manatees in the wild. Your tour leaves directly from the dock at the Plantation's very own Adventure Center. Your experienced guide will fill you in on all the facts and fun of the manatees, as well as, the history and nature of Kings Bay and Crystal River.
The package includes: One night accommodations, a Welcome Bag with fun Manatee information inside, one guided manatee tour for two people including all the equipment you will need at our Adventure Center/Dive Shop, and breakfast for two people in our restaurant. Additional night may be added.
Click for Travel Deal Information | | 6.) American Pro Manatee Snorkel & Diving Center
Crystal River, Florida
Manatee tours are year round now and we offer snorkeling/dive tours, that the whole family can enjoy together. For our guided Manatee tour we meet at the dive shop at 7:00 AM. Our tour is guided so the dive master is in the water with you at all time. Make sure you wave at the underwater video camera because the Divemaster video tapes your manatee tour as an extra option. After your manatee encounter, our 7:00 AM trip can proceed to the King’s spring for a guided 50 ft cavern dive for the divers. Inside you’ll find fossils, blue crabs, mangrove snapper, catfish, ghost shrimp, and loads of other interesting life. While the divers are enjoying the dive, this site offers several springs for the snorkeler to enjoy. Book Now for Only $119 plus gear.
Click for Travel Deal Information |  | | Tarpon Springs, Florida
Just 45 minutes north of St. Petersburg and found along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs was named for the fish found in abundance in nearby waters. But it also is known as the "sponge capital of the world," and for its 51 miles of waterfront allure. In addition, its charming downtown center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to the Historic District can stroll along brick streets while browsing in art galleries, antiques stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s.  | 7.) Narcosis Scuba
Come discover the beautiful diving in the Gulf of Mexico! We have wrecks, ledges and Ancient River beds covered with all kinds of soft coral, abundant fish life and the best boat crew around!! With over 1100 sites and daily trips out to the Gulf our experienced Captains will take you to the best spots! We only take 6 divers maximum – this is not a Cattle boat! We also offer Eco Tours, 3-tank dives and Fishing Charters. Charter cost is $95.00pp. Tank and gear rental is available for additional cost. Mention Sport Diver or Scuba Diving and get Tanks for FREE!
Click for Travel Deal Information | | |
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