Going to FL - thinking of doing some Snorkeling Scuba diving

[ez bake]

Anyone have any pointers? We're looking at either the Keys or Ft. Walton Beach since we'll be at both places on our upcoming vacation.

I've got myself, my wife, a 15 year old girl, and 11/12 year old boys. I'm a complete scuba noob. We've done some fresh-water snorkeling (we've got the gear for snorkeling - good masks, decent snorkels/fins), but I assume it's way different in the Ocean.

Anyone got any advice or tips? Do we have to be certified or anything in order to do a dive by ourselves?

 

[shooter226]

The only thing regulated by the government is the tanks. That’s by DOT; they must be tested every 5 years. All the other rules have been made up by the different agencies that "certify" divers. They are self serving money hungry organizations.

That said I don’t think it’s a good idea to go diving without training. This does not have to be by the big training agencies.

I was diving in Mexico with a member of a navy seal team and they did not want to let him dive with us because he didn’t have a certification card. Utterly ridiculous. This guy had more hours underwater in hazardous conditions than all of the instructors on that boat. We finally found a “temporary certification card” for him to use.

Mark

 

[RaysZ71]

You don't need any kind of training to snorkel. I just came back from Panama City Beach and we had a blast. My son and I were in water 90% of the time.

 

[Fyrtwuck]

If you plan to rent any tanks, you will have to have a certification card. Other than that, keep an eye out for critters in the ocean that can eat you. There are gift shops EVERYWHERE! Almost on every corner. Watch the drivers down there as well. It makes Texas drivers look like they are driving pedal cars. EVERYONE is in a hurry.

Have fun and take lots of pictures.

 

[ez bake]

You don't need any kind of training to snorkel. I just came back from Panama City Beach and we had a blast. My son and I were in water 90% of the time.

That's one of the places we considered going. Any tips on where the best places to Snorkel are in that area?

Very much appreciate all the advice so far.

 

[Fyrtwuck]

You don't need any kind of training to snorkel. I just came back from Panama City Beach and we had a blast. My son and I were in water 90% of the time.

Panama City has changed a LOT. I lived there as a kid and went to Jr. High school there. I went back in 1995 when my (now ex) wife was pregnant with my youngest son. I had to look hard to see stuff that I remembered at that age.

 

[jalapeno]

http://www.pennekamppark.com/ havent been in a long time but it is set up for divers and snorklers. safe place with lots to see.

 

[UnSafe]

+1 on Pennekamp park/preserve. Very nice dive.
It's been 23+ years since I've dived Florida, but it was beautiful. I'd suggest sticking with snorkeling, then if you/ family get the bug, take scuba classes back here, when you're not rushed. It's a vacation, keep it easy.

Use a GOOD quality sunscreen (Bullfrog, IMO) and apply it liberally, well in advance of hitting the water. Reapply whenever possible. Floating along on your belly is a great way to fry your backside. It can ruin a vacation.

The decent reefs are beyond swimming distance from shore. There's tons of snorkel/ dive boat services with fins and masks to rent. Get local recommendations for good deals and don't forget to take food/ drinks with you.

Have fun!

 

[ez bake]

Also, Which is nicer to stay in a hotel on the beach - Panama City or Ft. Walton?

 

[Johnny]

Plus 1 on the sunscreen. Reapplication is the key word. Have seen lots of okies return from florida as lobsters. I will watch some of your folders for you while you are gone. Hope yall have a good trip.