You're going to be on the wrong side of the state.  Sanibel has almost
nothing to offer divers.  The bottom is mostly sand and tapirs off quite
slowly.  Other than an occasional rock ledge, rarely more than a few inches
in height, there's not a lot to see . . . except, on occasion, shark teeth
and shells.

There may be a few wrecks in the area, but be prepared for along boat ride
to those that are at depths normally associated with Scuba, ie 30 feet or
more.

The diving the Florida is best known for is all on the East Coast.  If you
get a chance, head across Alligator Alley, also known as I-75 at that point,
until you get to I-95.  Turn north and head up to Boynton Beach and take a
trip with either Lynn Simmons (Splashdown Divers) or Leo Sand (Deeper).  If
you do, tell them I sent you.  If you're given the choice, ask to go to the
Horseshoe.  It's one of the best moderate depth dives in the area.

Lee

I dove 15 miles off shore of Venice, FL last June 03 w/ a shop called
www.floridawestscuba.com.  Owner's name is Steve Thacker.  For a 1 day 2
tank trip, we went out to the army tanks and a ledge area.  Depth of 50'
+/-.  BIG jewfish, 4 M60 US Army tanks were dropped out there some years ago
and is a fun little wreck site.  The ledge is so-so with a typical fish a
few big jewfish here and there.  Their big site is a wreck but it's deep and
is quite a ways out.  Steve is a nice guy, runs a good little shop and boat
w/ a freshwater spray hose to desalt you after coming out.  His boat is a
little small so he can't hold many divers, about 6 to 8 max.

Chris