Manatee Dive Crystal River

[GrierHPharmD]

I agree. As to snorkeling vs. scuba, there are plenty of opportunities for both. 3 Sisters spring is best for snorkeling, but you might want to explore King's Spring (53 ffw) which requires scuba. You can always switch to snorkels on the surface and swim with the sea veal that way.

BTW, I'll echo the sentiments above about this being a great trip. I took my family there in 2002 and my kids still talk about it. I've been back with dive groups several times since then, and it just gets better and better. My family's planning on going there with the group in the fall.

Here's a little more info:
http://www.underwaterflorida.homestead.com/crystal1.html
http://www.floridacaves.com (This site is great, but the server was down this morning.)


And there's a great place to eat nearby: ;-)
http://www.sptimes.com/News/100899/news_pf/TampaBay/Wade_s_Diner_.shtml

 

[H2Andy]

You can always switch to snorkels on the surface and swim with the sea veal that way.

:lol3:

 

[GrierHPharmD]

Of course, if you like to cook for yourself...

http://www.monkeyspit.net/sites/manatee/recipes.html

 

[back40]

Work decides my schedule that time of year but if I'm free I'd love to snorkel with a sea cow.
back40

 

[cth6]

Of course, if you like to cook for yourself...

http://www.monkeyspit.net/sites/manatee/recipes.html

OK, now I'm hungry!

 

[scubafool]

Beer-fried seacow, umm umm umm! I am starting to salivate!

 

[cardzard]

The wife and I will attend unless I can't get out of work. Please post date and prices as soon as possible this will give everyone the most flexibility.

THANKS FOR YOU HARD WORK
Deepseawolf

 

[DEEPSEAWOLF]

How many divers could we expect to take per craft if we rented our own boat for the day? At 30$/person for the short tour, 5 people pay for the boat rental for the entire day!
There are a number of places that rent ponts for the day. If we decide to do that, we would have it for 8 hours. If we started out about 7am, we'd have it until about 3pm.
I just don't know the area, and have never piloted a pontoon boat before. (although I do want to own one eventually and wouldn't mind trying) We need to look at how many divers per boat, and who'd rather do that. If everyone brought two tanks. We can always head back in for air fills during lunch. Depending on down time, 6 hours seems possible, minus SI's.

 

[DEEPSEAWOLF]

Just got off the phone with Best Western Dive Shop... no deposit required for the boat, full day rental is actually by the hour,... they open at 8, boat has to be back by 5:30 comes to about $160 for the day 8-5:30. Earlier we come back, the cheaper it is.
$15 per hour til noon, $17 per hour after that. For 6 people per boat, the cost is roughly $30 for the day. We are not rushed to see everything, and can hit numerous sites. Room rental for two double beds at the hotel is roughly $90 night. Two couples sharing the room drops that to $45.

 

[H2Andy]

i'm in (for early December). i might even talk my wife into coming along