where is the nearist reef by Tampa Florida

[BiggySmalls]

i jsut want to know if it would be WAY south by the Keys or closer

 

[Wryknow]

I think you have to go to the Keys for an actual reef in Florida. Of course, it may be cheaper to take a weekend cruise to the Bahamas if you're already in Tampa - they're pretty darn cheap if you catch a last minute fare.

 

[drbronx]

If you cross over to the Atlantic Coast via I-75, there are nice reefs as far north as The Palm Beaches. There are good dive operations in Boyton Beach which is half way between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Dive boats take off from Two Georges Pier and head to reefs off Boynton and Del Ray Beaches. Otherwise, your best bet is to head down to Key Largo and Penekamp Marine Sanctuary.

 

[o2zen]

There are reefs around Tampa but not like you will find down in Penekamp. When I am bored I do shore diving and look for shark teeth in the tampa area and have found some great sea horses just south of the Tampa Bay area.

There are 50buck boat rides out with 2 dives to the old bridge site which can be a nice fast day out if the water is clear but water is one thing you have to deal with, its no where near as clear around Tampa.

Just south of Tampa you can find some smaller reefs as well as some wrecks.

 

[jaymz101]

Not reefs like most would think. Most dives around Tampa Bay are structure dives like wrecks and debris (road sections, rubble, bridges, etc.) This time of year the water is fairly clear, nowhere near carribean clarity, but clear for here. Dres warmly though. The water is cold (for a Floridian).