Orlando Area Suggestions

[JRRKAR]

We have a small group heading down to Orlando for a long weekend dive trip. We have two days planned at the West Palm Beach area (boat dives), a day at Crystal River (manatees and diving) and we have an extra day to kill.

What are the best areas in and around Orlando to dive for a day? I know Ginnie Springs and Blue Grotto look cool but are also 2 hours away. We heard Blue Springs State Park is good and close.

Any suggestions?

Jeff

P.S. None of our group has dove any springs.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Alexandar Springs in the Ocala National Forest is one that people reccomend. It's like, $5 to dive, and it's a pretty nifty dive. Not too deep, about 27 feet? Still, I'd dive it again! I think it's an hour or so from Orlando but not sure, I've only driven there from Gainesville.

 

[LiteHedded]

word is the vis at blue springs is crap

 

[Louma]

As an Instructor I'm at Alexander Springs and Blue Springs all of the time. Recently, I think because of the rain, Blue Springs vis was bad - about 5ft. (it's 60 ft before the cave system), funnels down to get pretty small at the bottom, lots of ledges and a fallen tree in the way. About 1 hour away from Orlando.

Alexander Springs nice and wide open, clear dive, 27 ft. deep OK to dive a few times (gets tiresom if dove too many times). It has an alagator - Alex who occasionally makes an appearance (prob. about 8 ft or so), an otter, a few fish and blue clawed crabs. They started a new policy there the last few weeks, if your "C" card dsen't have a picture you must show picture ID along with your diving credentials. If you dive this area during the weekend it can be packed. Saturdays are more crowded than Sundays. A/S is about 1 1/2 hour away from Orlando in the Ocala National Forrest.

Seeing that you are from PA you should be fine with either one of these dives with a 3mm wet suit and about 6 to 8 lbs of weight. The water temp is 72 degrees. Nothing near the temp of Dutch in November

 

[JRRKAR]

Louma.....We have an excuse for Dutch in November, what's your excuse....?

We are dry suit divers so we do hit the quarries all year long.

 

[Louma]

I dove in the North Atlantic for 14 years ....... then I got smart! Oh, by the way, I also have over 20 ice dives so I know cold.

 

[JRRKAR]

I guess you paid your dues.....then got smart. I have an instructor friend who lived in Florida, then moved up to Central PA. It didn't take him long to get a dry suit. Obviously we question his sense of direction. But he moved back for his wife to be closer to her family, so he has a decent excuse.

 

[GoodDeedDude]

Crystal River towards the west of Orlando is good. Maybe 30-40 ft. and normally great vis. The main spot has a manatee monument and a cool rock formation to see. Its been a while since I've been there but it is real nice! Good luck!

 

[JahJahwarrior]

I'll second Crystal River. You'll need to take a boat to the main spring, King's Spring, though. You can rent a kayak for $20 or so, or pay $40-60 to go out with American Pro dive shop. Very cool dive, I think it's about 40-50 feet deep actually, and it's a cavern. Vis on surface is maybe 5 feet, but as soon as you are about 6 feet down, it's more like 30-40 feet of vis, and it's a very cool dive. You'll pretty much need a light....you can get away without it but you can see so much more with even a small light!