scuba diving
diving in tampa, florida

Tampa Diving

USA Tampa dive guide
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Scuba diving in Tampa

Tampa diving offers the most varied artificial reef system in the area. Tampa is famous for the abundant large fish that can be seen in the area. Snapper, kingfish, bonito, mackerel and grouper frequent its dive sites. The artificial reef system helped the growth of sea life and provided a great spot for scuba diving. You also will find its natural reefs very attractive for their beautiful structure.

Always dive according to your level of training.
Never enter the water without checking with Tampa dive centers for safety, additional information, level required for each dive site and without being accompanied by a professional.
All the information provided is purely informative for our readers and shouldn't be used as is to plan your immersion.

Average annual temperature: Between 22°C and 27°C. (72° F and 82° F)
Average Water surface temperature: About 25° C (77°F)
Visibility often averaging: Visibility is between 60 and 100 feet (18 to 30 meters)
Coldest time: January
Warmest time: July
Possible to dive all year round.

Tampa dive sites are great spots for snorkeling and diving. The great visibility and stable weather in the area make it the most favorable diving area. Snorklers will have the chance to swim with the manatees, which adds a new experience. Tampa dive sites vary from deep to shallow and from artificial to natural reefs; which suit all levels of expertise.

Some of Tampa dive sites.

South County Artificial Reef lies in 30 - 45 feet (9 - 14 meters) of water. This artificial reef area has developed two reefs, the first one known as "Site One" it is in about 45 feet (14 meters) of water. The second one is "Tug Orange", a 100 years old tug forms this area and is marked by a buoy. The site is home to kingfish, jacks, spanish mackerel and bonita. The perfect visibility is great for underwater photography.

Blackthorn was a ship that served in the U S. Coast Guard for 40 years. It was badly damaged when it hit a Russian passenger ship and sank in 1970. Now it forms an artificial reef and lies at a depth of 65 - 80 feet (20 - 24 meters). The visibility is not that good in the area because of silt and penetration is not recommended. The wreck became home to great amounts of fish like goliath grouper, snapper, mackerel and schools of spadefish as well as some whale sharks.

Sheridan is a breathtaking artificial reef. This advanced site is the best wreck site in Tampa; it lies in 50 - 80 feet (15 - 24 meters) of water. The site is a great place to observe marine life; it is home to goliath grouper, crevelle jack, trigger fish, and barracuda. Spanish mackerel, amberjack, snapper, and shark also frequent the wreck site.

Gunsmoke, an old shrimper was used to smuggle marijuana, as some stories says. The ship sank in 1977 and now lies in 70 - 80 feet (21 - 24 meters) of water. The wreck is a very interesting dive site with plenty of sea life.

Indian Shores Reef is an artificial reef started in 1962. The site now has three sunken ships and each is over 200 feet (61 meters) long. The wrecks lie at a depth of 40 - 46 feet (12 - 14 meters) and are home to abundant sea life.

St. Pete Beach Reef is an artificial reef lies in 30 - 35 feet (9 - 11 meters). The reef formed in 1984 when 200-feet (61 meters) steel barge was scuttled in the area. The site is marked by yellow buoys.
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