Diving adventures you must explore when visiting Tampa Florida
Two of Tampa Bay’s most well-known attractions are warm water and spectacular sunsets. The wildlife is varied both in and out of the sea. The enormous Intracoastal Waterway, a network of caves and rivers between the bay and the gulf, is used by Florida’s manatee. The peaceful backwaters, which are also home to hundreds of docks and piers for the numerous private, public, and commercial vessels, are frequented by bottlenose dolphins and numerous marine birds. Find a reputable dive shop, and charter a boat out past the barrier islands for the greatest diving.
Below are some must-visit sites for diving adventures you must explore when visiting Tampa, Florida:
U.S.C.G Blackthorn Shipwreck
In 1980, close to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the 180-foot-long buoy tender capsized after colliding with the 600-foot-long cargo S.S. Capricorn. One of the most popular diving spots in the Tampa/St. Pete’s area is there. Ultimately, it was determined that both ships were at fault since neither was on their side of the canal and neither followed the correct passing protocols.
For fishing and diving, the Blackthorn was relocated to the Pinellas #2 Artificial Reef location. It’s a sizable structure with a 37-foot beam and a 20-foot profile. Although the ship has broken off pieces, the exterior dive is fantastic. You could get the opportunity to swim among sea turtles and angelfish.
Gunsmoke Wreck
There have been many gunfights and marijuana smugglers throughout the Gunsmoke Wreck‘s colorful past. About 20 miles south of St. Pete, it sank in 1977 and is now submerged in 68 to 78 feet of water. The little shrimp trawler is buried in the sand and leans to one side. Due to the abundance of baitfish, both spearfishing and diving enthusiasts frequent the region. Be careful because there are still many shrimping nets in place. You could have the spot to yourself as this is one of the less popular Gulf Coast wrecks.
Indian Shores Reef
One of the first artificial reefs was constructed, called Indian Shores Reef, in 1965. The John’s Pass entry marker is 13 miles away, and Clearwater Pass is roughly 11 miles away. It is regarded as one of the best nearshore reefs in the region and was built out of concrete slabs, shipwreck fragments, and trenches. Together with barracuda, blacktip sharks, goliath grouper, and Spanish mackerel, there are two WWII invasion ships, a 240-foot-long flipside barge and the appropriately named The Upside-Down Barge.
Egmont Key State Park
If snorkelling is more your thing, leave your boat lift rental and go to Egmont Key State Park. It is situated in the Tampa Bay mouth. Swim among the ancient Fort Dade remains while exploring the vibrant coral, sponges, and seagrass beds of this remote nature sanctuary. You could encounter fascinating critters as the park is a sea turtle breeding area. Watch out for grouper, tarpon, shrimp, crabs, and snapper.
Tampa Has A Nostalgic Feel
Tampa has a nostalgic feel but is cosmopolitan. In this city, aging structures are being given new life by being transformed into vibrant dining halls. Most people recognize this area for its stunning Gulf Coast beaches. The above attractions are some top diving adventures you must explore when visiting Tampa, Florida. Exploring the splendor of the undersea environment is a lovely experience in and of itself!