New Port Richey, Florida

Bill Jackson's is a family-owned outdoor sporting goods retail store in Pinellas Park, FL, established in 1946, offering products, classes, and equipment for scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, camping, snow-skiing, archery, backpacking, and more. It features unique facilities like an indoor heated swimming pool for scuba training, a ski slope, and a shooting range, with a focus on expert staff and customer service for outdoor adventures.

A Crystal River Kayak Company offers kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), canoe rentals, and guided kayak tours including clear kayak adventures, manatee swim tours (November 15 - March 31), sunset tours, and dry tours to explore Crystal River's waterways, Three Sisters Springs, and Kings Bay for wildlife viewing like manatees. They provide the largest selection of boats (single/double sit-on-top, sit-inside, paddle boards, canoes, clear kayaks), closest dock to Three Sisters Springs (10-minute paddle), life jackets, paddles, rentals for masks/snorkels, wetsuits, accessories, gifts, apparel, changing rooms, restrooms, and water cooler. Reservations required for rentals and self-launches; welcomes all experience levels.

Manatee Tour and Dive is a charter business in Crystal River, Florida, specializing in manatee tours, swimming with manatees in their natural habitat, scuba services, scalloping, and adventure expeditions. They provide expert guidance, personalized small group experiences (2 to 12 people, max 6 per vessel), and handle all details for stress-free travel with 24/7 support.

Located in Crystal River, Florida, this locally owned and operated dive center specializes in manatee tours with a strong emphasis on small group sizes and the protection of these gentle marine mammals. Certified and permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of Crystal River, the center offers a unique opportunity to experience manatees in their natural habitat at Three Sisters Springs, a renowned wildlife sanctuary. The consistently warm, spring-fed waters provide an ideal environment for manatees, especially during colder months when they migrate to seek refuge. The dive center’s commitment to safety and comfort is evident through amenities such as sanitized wetsuits and indoor heated showers. The center offers a variety of tour options including shared and private boat tours that allow guests to swim with manatees, as well as dry boat tours for wildlife viewing. Additionally, visitors can explore an on-site aquarium featuring both invasive and native species, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience. The tours cater to nature enthusiasts and families seeking an intimate and respectful encounter with manatees, guided by passionate local captains who bring extensive knowledge and care to each excursion. Free parking and shuttle services further contribute to a convenient and enjoyable visit.

Located at the Plantation Resort on Crystal River in Crystal River, Florida, the Adventure Center offers an immersive experience on Florida’s Nature Coast. With direct access to the Kings Bay Estuary and nearby freshwater springs, the center provides a unique gateway to explore the region’s natural waterways. The staff’s expertise and well-maintained equipment ensure a safe and authentic adventure, whether guests are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts or first-time visitors. The center’s reputation is bolstered by its feature appearances on several fishing and outdoor television programs, highlighting the quality of its fishing and boating experiences. The Adventure Center specializes in a variety of water-based activities including guided snorkeling tours, swimming with manatees, fishing charters, boat rentals, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can enjoy personalized fishing trips with experienced captains or independently explore the scenic waterways by renting boats and paddleboards. The center also hosts an annual Redfish Classic fishing tournament, attracting anglers of all skill levels. With a focus on family-friendly and educational experiences, the Adventure Center caters to those seeking both relaxation and adventure in a protected natural setting.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Letts Dive is a well-established dive center with over 60 years of combined experience in scuba instruction and underwater exploration. Founded in 1985 by Capt. Joe Letts, a USCG OUPV, the business has grown into Tampa Bay’s premier dive center, distinguished by its majority women ownership and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The center offers a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced divers, emphasizing quality service and expert guidance. Its long-standing presence and dedication to the diving community make it a unique destination for those interested in exploring the underwater world. Letts Dive provides a comprehensive range of scuba diving courses and services, including beginner programs like the SDI Scuba Discovery and Open Water Scuba Diver certification, as well as advanced training such as the SDI Advanced Adventure Diver and Deep Diver courses. The center also offers specialized trips and charters to various locations, catering to divers seeking new adventures and skill enhancement. Customers can expect professional instruction, access to high-quality equipment, and opportunities to participate in unique diving experiences such as shark tooth charters and international excursions. The business serves a diverse clientele, from hobbyists to those pursuing diving as a career, ensuring an engaging and educational experience for all.

Located in Gulfport, Florida, Gulfport Dive Center offers comprehensive scuba diving education and charter services with over 40 years of combined instructor experience. Recognized as a Diamond Dive Center through SSI, the center specializes in high-quality Open Water Diver courses completed over two weekends. Its unique location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico’s diverse marine life, including encounters with goliath groupers on shipwrecks and ancient riverbeds, making it a distinctive destination for both novice and experienced divers. The dive center provides a range of offerings including local two-tank dive charters, deep dive specialty trips, and equipment servicing for major brands such as Aqualung and Mares. Targeting divers of all skill levels, the center emphasizes affordability to make scuba diving accessible to a broad audience. Customers can expect well-organized trips departing early morning or midday, with all necessary tanks and weights included, ensuring a seamless and engaging underwater experience in Florida’s rich aquatic environments.

Calypso Divers of Tampa Bay, located in Tampa, Florida, has been teaching scuba diving since 1987. With decades of experience, the academy offers a student-focused approach that emphasizes scuba diving as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time achievement. This long-standing establishment is dedicated to transforming lives by enabling divers to explore underwater environments that most people only see on television. Their commitment to quality instruction and passion for the underwater world sets them apart in the Tampa Bay area. The academy provides a wide range of scuba diving courses and certifications, including PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Dry Suit Diver, Enriched Air Diver, and Full Face Mask Diver. They also offer specialized programs such as Public Safety Diver and the unique PADI Mermaid courses. Suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike, their offerings cater to recreational divers as well as those pursuing professional training. The experience includes both theoretical learning and practical training, ensuring divers gain confidence and skills to safely enjoy diverse underwater adventures.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jim's Dive Shop has been a trusted provider of SCUBA services for over 45 years. With owner and manager Teresa bringing more than 35 years of industry experience and teaching SCUBA since 1994, the shop offers expert guidance and personalized instruction. The shop’s long-standing presence in the community and comprehensive knowledge make it a reliable destination for both beginners and seasoned divers. Its commitment to quality service and extensive experience set it apart in the local dive industry. Jim's Dive Shop provides a range of offerings including SCUBA instruction, gear sales, equipment rentals, air and Nitrox fills, and equipment servicing. The shop caters to divers of all skill levels, providing classes to help newcomers get started and supporting experienced divers with gear and maintenance needs. Customers can also explore upcoming dive trips organized by the shop, enhancing their underwater adventures. The combination of expert instruction, quality equipment, and access to dive excursions creates a well-rounded experience for diving enthusiasts in the St. Petersburg area.

Epic Diving is a scuba diving training and adventure company based in Tampa, Florida, dedicated to providing comprehensive education and immersive underwater experiences. With a strong emphasis on creating well-prepared and disciplined divers, the business offers a range of courses from beginner to advanced levels, including specialty certifications such as underwater imaging and rescue diver training. What sets this operation apart is its commitment to both safety and passion for aquatic exploration, led by experienced instructors who prioritize personalized attention and skill development. The company also offers expert gear consultations to ensure divers are equipped with the right equipment for their needs. The offerings include a variety of dive trips to notable Florida locations such as Clearwater and the Weeki Wachee River’s Hospital Hole sinkhole, catering to both novice and seasoned divers. Services extend beyond training to include spearfishing excursions and enriched air nitrox courses, appealing to divers seeking to expand their skills and underwater adventures. Customers can expect a supportive and educational environment where safety and enjoyment are paramount, with opportunities to explore vibrant marine environments and participate in specialized activities like two-tank dives and underwater photography. This combination of quality instruction, diverse dive options, and expert gear support makes it a preferred choice for diving enthusiasts in the Tampa area.

Located in Crystal River, Florida, the Adventure Center at Plantation Resort offers an authentic experience on Florida’s Nature Coast. Situated on the resort’s docks beside the Kings Bay Estuary and near freshwater springs, the center provides direct access to a variety of water-based activities. With experienced staff and well-maintained equipment, it stands out for its unique opportunity to swim with manatees in a safe, guided environment. The center’s expertise is further demonstrated by its feature on several fishing and outdoor television programs, highlighting the quality of its fishing and boating experiences. The Adventure Center caters to a wide range of visitors, from families to fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing charters, and boat rentals, allowing guests to explore the scenic waterways at their own pace or with expert guidance. Fishing gear is available on-site, and captains lead charters for those seeking a professional fishing experience. Annual events like the Redfish Classic tournament add to the center’s appeal, providing entertainment and competition for anglers of all skill levels. Overall, the center delivers an engaging and memorable outdoor adventure on Florida’s Nature Coast.

Located in Dunedin, Florida, Heroes Dive Center has been serving the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and surrounding areas since 2018. As an SSI Diamond dive center, it offers a comprehensive range of scuba diving certifications, from beginner to instructor levels, with over 50 SSI certifications available. The center is distinguished by its experienced team of certified instructors dedicated to providing safe, high-quality training that emphasizes both skill development and the enjoyment of diving. Its commitment to environmental awareness is reflected in its status as an official Blue Oceans Center, promoting ocean conservation alongside diving education. Heroes Dive Center provides a full suite of services including scuba courses, gear sales, and equipment servicing such as regulator overhauls, BCD maintenance, and cylinder inspections and hydrostatic testing. Monthly dive trips to local springs, the Gulf, the Florida Keys, and international destinations offer divers of all levels opportunities to explore diverse underwater environments. The center caters to a broad clientele, from novices eager to learn scuba diving to advanced divers seeking specialty courses and guided adventures. With a well-stocked retail shop and personalized customer service, the experience at this dive center combines expert instruction, quality equipment, and exciting dive excursions.