Rainbow River & Crystal River?

[RDRINK25]

Heading down New Years day to dive Rainbow River. The op I had talked to said all they do is take you up river and drop you off as you dive down river. Has anyone else done this? They said to meet at the K P hole and a boat would take us up. How long does it take you to drift down? Can you not hire the boat to stay with you? We are somewhat new divers and not to comfortable being on a river with nobody around.

 

[metaldector]

Rainbow River is a very clear spring fed river with lots of fish, crabs, and turtles to view. Normal procedures is to meet at KP Park and take the pontoon boat up stream just shy of the State Park. Here you get off in about 3 1/2 feet of water and start your drift back to KP Park. It takes a little more than an hour to make the drift. Deepest area is 22' and most is at 4 to 5 feet. I've always towed a dive flag but I've seen others who don't. You might inquiry with the dive op as to safety procedures. I've always used my own boat to get up stream and have never used the pontoon boat.
Crystal River is a different place with different procedures. Google Birds Underwater for details about diving with the Manatees.

 

[Lee Taylor]

Our local scuba shop uses those sites to take people starting out. It looks fun to me. I have seen the photos. It appears the river has a very mild current. The water is very clear so there is little to be concerned of in that regard. The water is not very deep. In fact it is quite shallow. In some places all you would have to do is stand up if you became uncomfortable.

The boat will not be very far away and they will be watching you very closely. The boat will likely drift along, in front of, or behind, the group of divers. They are experienced bubble watchers and will be quick to pick you up when you need to get back on the boat.

The boat captain has probably done it over a 1000 times and has it down to a fine science. It very routine for him (and maybe boring). He knows what to expect.

 

[cdreamer]

It's a very easy dive in gin clear water. You will have a dive flag and will hear it if any boats are above you. Just make sure to look up before you surface. There are tall grasses, alligator gar, turtles, diving cormorants and a nice little cavern. There are areas where the hot springs bubble up too. It's a nice dive - you will enjoy it.

 

[RDRINK25]

thx everyone my worry is I have hp 119 and I am an air hog just wanted to make sure I would have enough air to make it the way down.

 

[Wayward Son]

FL law requires you to have a dive flag in navigable water, which this obviously is. You can rent one, but the rental fee is about what it costs to just buy one before getting there.

It's a fun & easy dive. Be sure to go slow & take you time, or you'll be back at the boat ramp in 20 minutes or so.

 

[Wayward Son]

also keep in mind that sharks teeth can be found in sandy areas. Some of the guys in my club have found quite a few by stopping & digging a bit near the boils.

 

[krawlings]

I think you will realy like it. I reached 32' at a couple spots.lots of things hiding in the long grass, So take your time look around. your looking at a drift between 1 hour to 1 hr. 20 min.
if you do run out of air time it is a real nice drift on the surface

 

[moneysavr]

RD
(my worry is I have hp 119 and I am an air hog)

,You will be fine,a water heater is over kill on a dive like that- a steel 72 would be fine!
remember this is a basic drift dive as you need not to really work at all.make sure your leaded right for your wet suit and don't waste air on buoyancy control set it and forget it have fun! waters about 72 Deg
Brad

 

[Lee Taylor]

Here are some photos of Rainbow River. They are compliments of Charleston Scuba in Charleston SC.

Rainbow River looks really fun to me personally. It looks like an excellent place for those divers trying to get comfortable with being underwater.