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Diving with… Seminole Scuba, Florida, USA

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In this ongoing series, we speak with the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer


What is your name?

Paul Shepherd

What is the name of your business?

Seminole Scuba

What is your role within the business?

Owner

How long has the business operated for?

16 Years

How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?

27 Years, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer

What is your favorite type of diving?

Coral Reefs

If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?

Florida has an amazing Spring network which offers us lots of crystal clear fresh water diving. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other we are perfectly positioned to offer an experience to both as well.

We also offer a lot of International trips that are all guided by our team of experts and that allows us to travel safely to some of the most remote locations in the World. We have recently dived Raja Ampat, Komodo, Africa and Fiji. Soon we are off too Micronesia, Africa, Antarctica, Galapagos, Philippines, French Polynesia and South Africa for the Sardine Run.

What is your favorite dive location and why?

Indonesia, for the diversity.

What types of diving are available in your location?

Florida Springs offer clear water for recreational diving and caves for the more adventurous.

Then the Gulf of Mexico is popular with spearfishermen.

The Atlantic Ocean has fantastic reefs and wrecks all up the coast.

What do you find most rewarding about your current role?

Introducing new divers to the other 70% of our planet and introducing people to new experiences in various parts of the world.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

Nudibranchs

Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?

The new trip schedule:

  • Truk Lagoon October 2017 (5 Spots available)
  • Africa November 2017 (Sold Out)
  • Antarctica January 2018 (2 Spots available)
  • Africa November 2018 (Sold Out)
  • Philippines Malapascua and the Visayas January 20th – 30th 2019 (14 Spots available)
  • Arctic May 2019 (6 spots available)
  • Galapagos July 2019 (Sold Out)
  • Africa October 2019 (14 spots available)
  • Galapagos March 2020 (14 Spots available)
  • French Polynesia September 2020 (22 Spots available)
  • Raja Ampat January 2021 (14 Spots available)
  • Sardine Run June 2021 (8 Spots available)
  • Maldives October 2021 (22 Spots available)

As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?

Keeping people interested in diving. There are lots of options out there for people and keeping them diving is becoming more and more difficult.

Is your center involved in any environmental work?

We work a little with Project Aware and then on our big trips we try to work with a charity/conservation company in country to make a donation or try and help in other ways. For the Africa trip we are working with the David Sheldrake Wildlife Trust.

How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?

It’s improving! The industry was always run by hobbyists who generally had no clue about business. That is slowly changing. The fiscal crisis helped remove some of them but there are some still remaining. Just because someone has been diving for a long time does not mean they know anything about business… I think newer companies like Huish are beginning to work that out where as some of the older companies need to bring in fresh blood.

What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?

We offer a great escape from Disney to those travelling to the Orlando area as well as some world class diving.

Where can our visitors find out more about your business?

www.seminolescuba.com or email Dive@seminolescuba.com
Tel: 407-333-8856
If in the Orlando area come by the fully stocked shop: 3869 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary, FL, 32746.

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The ‘Big Scuba Day Out’ – The Ultimate Day for Water Lovers!

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Big Scuba Day Out

Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and all things scuba and watersports! Oyster Diving’s Big Scuba Day Out is taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at Mercers Park, near London —and best of all, entry is completely FREE!

Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a total beginner, or just looking for a fun day out by the water, this event has something for everyone — including lovely walks around the lake with your four-legged friends!

Come and experience the latest dive gear from some of the world’s leading brands, including Santi, Suex, Apeks, Aqualung, Garmin, GoPro and XDeep. Get hands-on with dive scooters, cutting-edge dive computers, and high-performance gear designed to take your underwater adventures to the next level.

Take part in fun dives with expert guides try out other exclusive demo kit. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, try out new equipment, or simply enjoy the stunning underwater world of Mercers Park, this is the perfect opportunity.

A special raffle in aid of the Shark Trust will include prizes such as PADI branded goodies, Apeks 30m reel and wet notes, and Shearwater Peregrine TX worth £689!

As a special highlight for those wanting to “live the dream”, Course Director Mark Taylor and PADI Regional Manager Emma Samuelsson will be giving an exclusive talk at 12:00 PM about how to become a PADI Pro, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a career, this is the perfect chance to get insider knowledge from one of the best in the industry.

Not just for divers, the Big Scuba Day Out also offers a variety of watersports courtesy of www.aquasports.co.uk. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or other exciting water activities.

After all the action, relax on the beautiful lake terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious food and licensed bar while soaking in the breathtaking views.

Don’t miss this incredible day of diving, watersports, and fun for the whole family. For full details and to register your interest, visit Oyster Diving’s website. https://oysterdiving.com/diving-club/uk-diving-trips/the-big-scuba-day-out-4th-may/.

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Experience a night Dive at the West Rock Shipwreck with Euro-Divers

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shipwreck

There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.

Here’s why:

Setting the Scene

The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.

Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.

shipwreck

The Dive Begins

Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.

As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.

We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.

Underwater Galaxy

As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.

Post-Dive Bliss

Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.

Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.

For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.

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