Drift Dive Environments.

 

Drift diving takes place in many environments and in different kinds of currents.

Some drift diving requires a boat, and some is done from shore. You can even drift in inland rivers.

In the ocean, the earth’s rotation and the wind cause major offshore currents that flow virtually non-stop.

In locations like Cozumel, Mexico, Palau or off West Palm Beach, Florida, USA,

You almost always have these currents, thus making drift diving one of the most common dive techniques.

Other coastal areas may experience longshore currents, which are caused by waves.

 

Longshore currents are temporary and run parallel to the shore, making drift diving possible from boat,

or simply by entering the water at one point and getting out farther down shore.

 
Tidal currents flowing in and out of sounds and bays as the tides change offer drift dive opportunities.

A unique aspect of drift diving in tidal currents is that you can visit the same dive site drifting in different directions, depending on the tide.

Inland, fresh water divers drift dive down rivers and streams either accompanied by a boat, or with a car left downstream for the drive back.

A few locations have services for driving rafters back upstream that divers can take advantage of.

Regardless of the environment, however, currents have a characteristic that you need to keep in mind while drift diving:

Currents don’t flow uniformly, but tend to be faster at the surface and slower near the bottom where they encounter resistance.

If you must swim against the current for any reason, the easiest place to do so would be on the bottom.

In rivers where the flow frequently rounds curves, the location of fast and slow moving water can vary (depending on river topography).

Before diving in a particular river, reference experienced divers for specific information about how current flows along the area you plan to dive.