SFL Class Guide

This guide is for students doing classes in South Florida.

Dive Sites

South Florida Diving HQ

101 N Riverside Dr # 111, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The dive shop has a small parking lot (1) and there’s not usually a spot available. Parking next to the boats is permitted but all parking on the retail side is a tow away zone. Most of the time we will pull up, drop gear, and go to the city parking lot across the street (2). This lot uses the “Passport” parking app. I suggest downloading it and entering your car’s info before arriving. We will check in at the shop before loading gear on the boats.

Please fill out their waiver before getting to the shop. You need to do this every day before arriving: https://www.southfloridadiving.com/diver-waiver/

AM trips typically depart at 0830, PM trips at 1330. We need to be at the dock ready to board 1 hour before departure. Please don’t be late. Recreational trips are typically 4 hours, tech trips are usually less.

2901 NE 14th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The boat ramp has parking with a paid parking app. We will coordiante on where to drop the gear as a team.

Please complete their waiver before arriving.

580 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004

I will send a waiver link the day before our dive.

Dive Shop

Force-E Pompano Location
1312 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Please visit their website for information on fill pricing.

Sea Sickness

If you have gotten sea sick before or aren’t sure if you get sea sickness you should take sea sickness medicine before arriving at the boat. Some work best if taken the night before. Getting sick often means missing a dive which can delay your course. There aren’t refunds for getting seasick.Talk to your doctor with questions about which medication to take.

Weather

Boat trips are weather-dependent. If the wind causes heavy seas, the boat staff may have to cancel the trip for the day. This call is typically made the morning of and has your safety in mind. No-one wants to cancel a trip, but if they do, we will adapt as best we can. Another dive may not be possible, though. I try to schedule a weather day for training classes, but that’s not always possible.

Packing List

Please be efficient with equipment and use as few bags/boxes/etc as possible. We share the boat with others and we need to be able to keep items within our space

  • Drybag/case for personal items
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sun protection – hat, reef safe sunscreen, etc.
  • Towel
  • Snacks
  • Save a dive kit and spares.
  • Sea sickness medicine

Double check that cylinders are analyzed and labeled before getting on the boat. Test regulators and gear before the boat departs the dock. 

Travel and Lodging

I suggest flying into Fort Lauderdale airport. Miami is also appropriate.
Hotels and Air BnBs in the greater Pompano area will give you the least travel time. The North side of Fort Lauderdale, East Hollywood, Pompano, or Oakland Park are all reasonable. I suggest something close to the dive boats or dive shop – where we’ll start or end the days.
Traditional car rental companies or Turo are both options.
Whether you fly or drive, please arrive in time to get a good night’s sleep before our first day. For safety reason,s I have had to cancel day 1 diving because of divers who were up all night – please don’t do that. I also encourage you not to start driving the second we’re out of the water. Please follow Divers Alert Network recommendations for flying after diving.
Shipwreck

Grub

For lunches at the dock I suggest snagging a publix sub or something equally portable the night before the trip. There are coolers on the boats you can store it in while we’re onboard. I’ve listed a few suggestions for dinner if you’re traveling in for your course.

Publix – Pompano

2511 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Flannigan’s

2500 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Classic Floridian sports bar.

Gianni’s

1601 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Great Italian food

Beach House

270 N Pompano Beach Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Fun bar on the water with great food.