Fla. spring diving Feb. 16th-19th?

[Land Locked]

Split off of other KPP thread,
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=125510&page=2

So who is interested in a long weekend diving at Ginnie Springs
http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/
and Devil's Den?
http://www.devilsden.com/

So far the plans are to drive down on the 16th and setup camp at
Ginnie Springs, dive Ginnie the 17th and dive Devil's Den the 18th
and of course the long drive back on the 19th.

I might add that you will need some dive lights, leave the dive knifes at home!
These are classified overhead environments, where the rules do allow open water
divers. If you have never dived a cavern and have no fear of dark enclosed places
this trip is for you!

 

[jpsexton]

For me so far it's going to be me and my son for sure.

I've got two additional people who may go but won't be able to commit untill much later.

I'm really looking forward to it, I had the same trip planned over Christmas but it fell through. This time not much would be able to stop me.

John

 

[Land Locked]

I've had 2 trips fall through in the last year, one to Little Cayman.
I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!
I'm ready for a night dive in the Ginnie Springs cavern!

We also have this choice in the mix,
http://www.crystalriverdivers.com/

 

[jpsexton]

I'm all for the manatee tour!

I was reccomended http://www.manatee-central.com/ by a freind that went down there a couple of years ago. He said the captain of the boat was very cool and very informative. Big plus is the web site says its only $15.

John

 

[crpntr133]

And what says that we dan't do all three? Not sure of the travel time but surely we can do something. Personally think that the manatees would be a cool dive. Not to mention that the GF would hate my gutts. Which is all right since she left me for Hawaii a month ago when it was truly freezing here.

I should know for sure if I am in later this week. Tentative construction project taking off sometime within the next month. Hate to pass up the posibility of missing a three month job with some OT.

 

[Land Locked]

I've got Crystal River at 1hr 44min from Ginnie.
So anyone out there dove 3 locations in 2 days? Any good ideas how
to string out a schedule to do all three? I would love to dive Crystal River
and would even be willing to drop one of the other locations!

 

[jpsexton]

If we can't do all three my vote would be for Ginnie and the Manatee tour.

I kinda see both of them as a must see.

Maybe there is another spring close to Crystal River that we could do in the same day.

John

 

[bennedc]

My family went to Crystal River in Jan. See my pics. Don't expect viz to be that great, especially later in the day as it really gets stirred up quickly. The manatees are a must-do! Water temp was 74 degrees. Plan to snorkel if you do manatees. They are quite shy when it comes to bubbles and tend to leave the area. There were a lot in King Springs. We went out at 7:00 a.m. EST close to the sanctuary area in the Port Marina. Just remember to stay out of the roped-off sanctuary. Park rangers are always there, and they do not hesitate to give fines of $500+.

Have fun and let us know how it goes!

Also, close it Homasassa Springs, which is a cool place to visit. They have a rehab area for injured animals including manatee.

 

[Land Locked]

Thanks for the advice bennedc! I've always wanted to dive with the
Manatees, looks like fun, Great pics!

 

[eandiver]

I've got Crystal River at 1hr 44min from Ginnie.
So anyone out there dove 3 locations in 2 days? Any good ideas how
to string out a schedule to do all three? I would love to dive Crystal River
and would even be willing to drop one of the other locations!

Crystal River and Ginnie are your 2 best bets. Kings Spring at Crystal is where most people go but the water is clearer and there are manatees at 3 Sisters Spring.