Actually there is alot of nice diving in the gulf. It is true that the vis can range anywhere from 5ft to 30ft depending on the time of the year, the amount of rain we have had, the water temp and how far off shore you go. As mentioned diving for fossills in Venice can be fun and easy if you are into that. Depths range is about 30ft max. For that Scuba West would be your best bet. In the Sarasota/Venice area "off shore" from about 5 to 12 miles you will find alot of limestone ledges usually full of sealife. Just check out some of the local dive shops for boat trips. The gulf has alot to offer as long as you do not expect it to be as clear as the east coast of Fl. There are alot of artifical reefs on this coast that draw alot of attention also. The water temp here varies alot more than on the east coast. That time of the year expect the water temps to be in the mid 60’s, but on the up side the colder the water the better the vis here. Try it you will enjoy it.