Need Diving Suggestions

[Ward9320]

Next month my wife's family and I are heading to Panama City, FL for about two weeks for a vacation. Being from Michigan and not getting the chance to be around the ocean much (aside from my tank) one thing that I always wanted to do was go on a diving trip to see different coral and fish in the ocean. I figured that since we will be in Florida I was going to take a day and devote it to going diving. The only problem is I know nothing about it and have no idea where to start.

I know that there are a bunch of diving nuts on this forum and was hoping that some of you guys could point me in the right direct as to where I could go (that is in the area of Panama City) That has some sort of diving tour to see the corals, fish and other sea life. Or is it something that I have to go and take a class for a weekend before they will let me in the water?

Thanks in advanced for your help!

 

[KingOfPain86]

I don't think you can dive without being certified first. If you are certified then there are a bunch of wrecks in Panama City. If you can't dive the snorkeling there is pretty good.

 

[Ward9320]

Well thats a bummer, looks like snorkeling it is then. Anyone know of any good places to do that in the area?

 

[Beradd]

a lot of diving charter companys do a thing called discover scuba. they teach u the basics ..suite you up ...drop u In with a class In a shallow area and
let you get a feel for scuba before you spend hundreds to thousands gearing and schooling out. id check the local dive shops for such an deal...they will also know the snorkeling hot spots for the time of year you will be there. Emerald coast dive shop in Destin FL is the shop I use and my information is based off... but that's about 30-45 min away from Panama City. Good luck have fun and be safe out there...id recommend a tour thru a dive shop for snorkeling as well a diving....for safety and fun.

 

[Tomwlf]

if you have a local dive shop,give them a call.you can do all your class and pool sessions local and give you a referral which you can use for your open water dives in florida.once your certified any body of water is fair game.fresh or saltwater diving is amazing.good luck