Alexander Springs Blackmar’s Reef Coppedge Tug Freighter Anna Gulf America Intruder Aircraft  Nine Mile Reef Middle Ground Montgomery’s Reef

SCUBA DIVING in the North East Florida Region

Has some of the best spear fishing in Florida.

The north east coastline of Florida stretches from Fernandina to Ormond Beach and includes Jacksonville, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Palm Coast and Daytona Beach.

North East Florida Scuba Diving reefs, ledges and wrecks tend to be 10 or more miles offshore, so expect an hour boat ride in many cases. Depths range from 60-100 feet and visibility can range up to 100 feet during the colder months but can be as low at 10 feet.

Water temperatures off the coast of north FL are not the same as the south. The scuba diving season on the north east is very short, typically from Memorial Day to Labor day, so don’t expect to find many charter opportunities before May, or after September. Diving outside this window is rare for most charters, so if you’re seeing a blank calendar, that’s why! Bring expect to need a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit during this period. In season, 5mm is fine and during the height of summer, when water temps are in the 80’s, a 3mm or less will also work. (Check out temperate Water Wetsuits 60-75 degrees.)

For these reasons, the Jacksonville area has been ignored by some divers who feel that the waters are too deep or dark, however an active artificial reef program has placed many interesting wrecks on the bottom. Local dives include Blackmar’s Reef, Coppedge Tug and the Freighter Anna Artificial Reef. The Anna, a 225-foot freighter, was reefed in 1986 off the coast of Jacksonville. She now lies in 110 feet of water making this a more advanced dive. Goliath Grouper can also be found hanging out in the wrecks and expect to find clouds of baitfish and tiny tropicals hide inside colorful corals and sponges.

For spear fisherman, the local waters are well known and are home to masses of up to 40 pound cobia, kings, tarpon, amberjacks and barracuda.

Use Scuba Schedules to reserve you trips with Sea Dogs Charters and Offshore Dive Centers, The Dive Source and First Coast Divers.