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Looking for some Florida advice!

Posted: January 27th, 2017, 9:45 pm
by bryceman
Hey everyone! Headed to Florida from California Feb 4-7 to do some underwater alligator photography via free diving. I was out there last August near the central part of the state photographing them in the springs. This time around I wanted to give the everglades and big cyrpus areas a try. I know that it is illegal to swim or dive in the actual parks, so I will be driving around scouting for some place just outside of them with clear enough water for my photos. I planned on doing some hiking into the areas. I know neither area is super clear, but I have no idea which would be more clear in general. I only have two days to scout and dive so I am trying to gather as much info on that subject as possible. Do you guys have any advice on which area might have the clearer waters of the two? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Re: Looking for some Florida advice!

Posted: January 30th, 2017, 12:23 pm
by Noah M
Ya know, I really have no clue. The springs are known for their water clarity. It seems like they would be better than any of the other options.

Re: Looking for some Florida advice!

Posted: January 30th, 2017, 3:37 pm
by bryceman
Thank you for the reply! I went to a couple springs last time and they were gorgeous! I did manage to find alligators there, and photographed a few underwater. However, for the distance I covered on jetski I didn't find as many as I was hoping. I am trying to find a spot with a larger abundance of gators for more photography opportunities then I had on the springs. This time, I will just be hiking and diving from shore. I appreciate the advice though!

Re: Looking for some Florida advice!

Posted: January 30th, 2017, 4:15 pm
by mtratcliffe
I don't think many of us have spots besides the springs. You could try the Deep Hole at Myakka River State Park as there are probably 100+ gators there right now, but honestly it might not be safe with the density, plus you'd probably have to clear it through the park. And I'm not sure how clear the water is as the Myakka River is a blackwater river.

You could also try the mangroves of the Keys and Florida Bay to look for Crocodiles.

Re: Looking for some Florida advice!

Posted: February 8th, 2017, 6:55 pm
by Russ Jerome
Im gonna be in area from Wisconsin at that time, that sounds like a GREAT plan. If you get concrete plans set before heading down post them, love to photo a guy photoing Gators in water! I will be at Briny Breazes directly East of Loxahatche and on road most every day hitting parks for birds and herps with cameras.

* I will be down before you, If I get and info will post here for you.

Re: Looking for some Florida advice!

Posted: February 10th, 2017, 6:38 am
by krisbell
Hi Bryce, my apologies if this comes too late, but for future reference...I probably wouldnt recommend the deep hole at Myakka - its a long way from your chosen area, the water is permanently murky and, while I dont think the risk is massive, there are just so many gators there (depending on the time of year) that you are definitely entering into levels of risk that I wouldnt accept. A good option I would recommend is alongside Turner River Road. Loads of gators and you can just cruise along the road to quickly find the next target. The water is also very clear normally.