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FAQs on Gulf Diving

Sunsation Dive Charters ~ Scuba Diving, Scuba Instruction, Dive Lessons,Training, Snorkeling, Skin Diving, SDI ~TDI, MDEA, PADI, Online Training, e-Learning, Manatee Tours, Encounters, Swimming ~ Tampa, Tampa Bay, Crystal River, Clearwater, Ocala, Gainesville, Orlando, Port Richey, St. Petersburg, and Tarpon Springs (Fl) Florida.

Frequently asked Questions about Gulf Diving in the Tampa Fl Area

General Water Temperatures ~ Summer as high as 85 degrees and in the winter ~ January to the end of February, as low as 52 degrees. Now???? See NEWSLETTER

General Visibility ~ Average is 25', with many days of top to bottom viz. In the winter viz is an average of 35' to 45', visibility to 100' is not uncommon, depending on weather. Visibility is improving about 1.5 to 2.5 feet per year due to rigid enforcement of environmental protection laws.

Dive Site Accessibility ~ Dive times ~ Dive trips. ~ Mostly by boat. The boats we use take either 6 to 20+ passengers, there is always someone to buddy with and usually 2 or more instructors or dive masters on board. The Gulf is very shallow, we have to run 25 miles offshore to get 70' and 80 to 100 miles to get into 130' plus. Average dives are in the 60' to 30' depths, so lots of bottom time. We have 2 or 3 tank dive trips. 2 tank trips usually depart the dock at 8:00 AM and return at 12:00 PM. 3 tank trips depart at 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We have 4 vessels to choose from docked at Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs and Port Richey, Florida. We dive everyday (except Mondays for boat maintenance) weather permitting.

What do you see? ~ Our structures are limestone ledges from 2' to 12' tall, they are rock formations, undercut by currents. They represent the old coastline of Florida (rivers, lakes, etc.). Spear fishing is a favorite past time here due to the abundance of game fish. Grouper, Snapper and Hog fish are the big menu items. Anyone who fishes here would never starve. We have a lovely array of soft corals, sponges, tropicals and lots of little critters to view and photograph.

Dive Prices ~ Gulf Dive Charters are $60 to $75 per person (depending on the boat or number of tank dives tanks). Bubble Watchers (non-divers) are usually 1/2 price of the diver rate. Rental gear is $40 to $60 depending on what you need. BC - $15.00, Regulator - 15.00, Wet suit - $10.00. Tank - $7.00 to $10.00 (air-nitrox, 80cu/100cu). Snorkeling gear - $20.00. We can have dive gear for you at the boat.

Booking ~ We can book your charter for you. We will need at least 10 days lead time, so don't hesitate, especially during the summer months. We will need your credit card number, expiration date, sizes and gear requirements, and your local contact phone number to book, reserve your spot and gear. In the event you have to cancel your dive, there is no cancellation fee provided we have 48 hours notice on regular dates and 72 hours notice on holidays. "No shows" are charged full fee. There is no charge if we cancel the charter for bad weather and we will re-book you upon request for the next available dive date.

To sign up for a guided tour: Please review my calendar choose the weekend/weekdays you want and send a deposit of $15.00 per person to my secure server at:

You Do Not Have to Become a Member of this service to forward funds to me. Contact Capt. John e-mail me

Hope I answered your questions. If you need more specific information, feel free to contact me. Additional information at my site: