For future reference, how many dives and skill is recommended for a trip like this?
I would definitely recommend AOW and Nitrox. On a full dive day, there's 5 dives, so Nitrox helps a lot to reduce your risk of DCS + gives you more bottom time. You might want to read through
CHUM's Flower Gardens Primer to give you an idea of what to expect. There's also the
Fling FAQ too. The Flower Gardens can be really easy or really challenging, depending on the conditions. And that can change within the same trip. The surface can be really rough, and the current can be very strong. You might get one or the other or both or neither. Also:
- There's about a six foot drop between the jump point and the surface of the water. You need to have everything clipped to you, or you will lose it.
- You have to descend and ascend on a line. Do not let go of this line. I know it sounds like no big deal, but if you're not used to it, and you're also managing a camera, lights, etc., it can be a lot.
- The dives are not guided, so you either need to be able to navigate or stay within sight of the line.
- Getting back on the boat is, IMO, the most challenging part. Basically, you wait on the line until it's your turn, with your fins on your wrists (so that you still have them if you get swept off the line). Then you swim in to the dive deck, and the crew will help you get back on the boat. Here's the tricky bit: the boat is bouncing up and down. You are bouncing up and down. So you kinda have to time your approach so that you don't end up with a face full of boat.
Above and beyond certifications and number of dives, you need to be very comfortable in the water, particularly with currents. You'll likely be encountering conditions and tasks that are new to you, so you need to be able to manage that without getting overly stressed out. The Flower Gardens is still probably the most challenging diving I've done. Not trying to scare anyone either, but you should have an idea of what to expect.
CHUM - Houston's SCUBA Club is the sponsor of the 
