First Coast Divers - Florida Springs

The team at First Coast Divers are the kind of people you want by your side when you’re exploring the slightly spooky, completely unique world of the Florida Springs. We’ve spent enough time in these tannic waters to know a good crew when we see one, and these folks consistently deliver. They really shine when it comes to navigating the specific challenges and wonders of spring diving, from understanding the flow to spotting the subtle signs of manatees. This PADI 5 Star centre is our pick for anyone looking to get serious about cavern or cave diving, or simply wanting to experience the surreal beauty of the springs with guides who genuinely know their stuff. We’ve found their instructors incredibly patient, which is essential when you’re learning to manage confined spaces and overhead environments. Forget bustling reef operations; First Coast excels at tailored, focused training that prepares you for the unique demands of freshwater diving. They’re fantastic for both newer divers keen to try their first spring dive and experienced divers pushing into more advanced overhead training.

Location: Florida Springs, United States, North America
Coordinates: 30.260914, -81.630790
Phone: +1 904-737-0050
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.firstcoastdivers.com
Certification Agencies: ["PADI"]
Courses: PADI 5 Star Dive Center [padi:21040]
Address: 2777 University Blvd West Ste 4, Jacksonville, Florida 32217, United States

Dive Sites Near First Coast Divers

First Coast Divers provides access to 15 dive sites in Florida Springs.

Artificial Reef CCA - Deck Barge 2 (reef)
Betsy Ross Reef - 175 Ship YO-224 (reef)
Betsy Ross Reef - 430 Liberty Ship (reef)
Betsy Ross Reef - Bridge 1 (reef)
Cape Romain Reef - 5-20m (reef)
Capers Reef (reef)
Capers Reef - Caisson (reef)
Capers Reef - Coast Guard Buoy R8 (reef)
Capers Reef - Concrete Reef Balls 1 (reef)
Capers Reef - Landing Craft 1 (reef)
Capers Reef - Tug Boat (reef)
Capers Reef - Unknown Barge - 10-20m (reef)
Charleston Nearshore Reef (reef)
Charleston Sixty Reef - 240 Barge (reef)
Charleston Sixty Reef - Army APCs 1 (reef)

Other Dive Centres in Florida Springs

Atlantic Pro Divers - ["PADI"]
Blue Grotto Dive Resort
Carolina Dive Locker
Island Dive Center - ["PADI"]
Scooba Shack - SSI
Scuba Station - ["PADI"]
Sea Daddys Adventures and Dive Center - NAUI

Best Time to Dive in Florida Springs

The warmest water temperatures in Florida Springs occur in August, averaging 31.3°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 15.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 15.9°C
February: 16.7°C
March: 20.4°C
April: 23.4°C
May: 26.8°C
June: 29.5°C
July: 30.9°C
August: 31.3°C
September: 29.4°C
October: 25.6°C (air: 22.4°C)
November: 21.3°C (air: 18.1°C)
December: 17.6°C (air: 14.8°C)

Marine Life in Florida Springs

Home to 145 recorded species including 122 reef fish, 8 other, 4 sharks & rays, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Marine Life

Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) - Reef Fish
Prodigal Son (Rachycentron canadum) - Reef Fish
Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) - Reef Fish
Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) - Reef Fish
Rainwater Killifish (Lucania parva) - Reef Fish
Freshwater Flounder (Trinectes maculatus) - Reef Fish
American Gulf Pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) - Reef Fish
Bream (Lagodon rhomboides) - Reef Fish
Sheepshead Minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) - Reef Fish
Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Florida Springs

Based on average water temperature of 24.1°C, currents 1 cm/s.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°C water needs minimal exposure protection
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories