Diving in Sarasota

Explore diving in Sarasota

Diving in Sarasota, Florida is a unique experience, blending natural beauty with rich marine biodiversity. Known for its clean, warm waters, Sarasota offers divers an array of reefs, including artificial ones created from sunken vessels, limestone and bridge rubble. There is even an underwater cemetery! These sites attract diverse marine life including grouper, snapper, barracuda, rays and turtles. Visibility varies, but the Gulf waters typically offer excellent conditions for spotting the abundance of coral and sponges. Sarasota's underwater features make it a great destination for both beginner and experienced divers. The area's dive charters and guided tours are ideal for exploring the surrounding area.

When to dive in Sarasota

The best time to dive in Sarasota is typically from later Spring to early Fall (April through October). During this period, water temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees F, offering favourable diving conditions. Visibility is usually the highest in late summer, especially on calm, sunny days. However, fall brings the clearest waters as summer rains subside and sediment levels drop, enhancing visibility. Avoiding Winter is a good idea as water temperatures can dip into the 60's and visibility is low due to increased wave activity. Overall, late summer to early fall is ideal for the warmest and clearest dives.

Book your diving in Sarasota

Common marine life sightings for Sarasota

More Information

Getting to Sarasota is easy and has several options depending on your starting point. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Sarasota. For more flight options, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is just over an hour away by car, while Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Sarasota is also accessible via Interstate 75, making it an easy drive from nearby cities. It's approximately a 1-hour drive from Tampa, 2 hours from Orlando, and 3.5 hours from Miami. Several dive operators around Sarasota offer transportation from local accommodations to dive sites, making logistics even easier for divers.

Time Zone

UTC-05:00

Phone

Currency

USD

Voltage

120 V

Plug

A, B

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

International airports

Cancun Intl. (CUN)

Hyperbaric chamber

Playa del Carmen

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