Diving, Dive Training and Snorkeling Sites, Crystal River Florida (Fla)

Diving, Dive Training and Snorkeling Sites

Crystal River Florida (Fla)

Sunsation Dive Charters ~ Scuba Diving, Scuba Instruction, Dive Lessons,Training, Snorkeling, Skin Diving, SDI ~TDI, MDEA, PADI, Online Training, eLearning, Manatee Tours, Encounters, Swimming ~ Tampa, Tampa Bay, Crystal River, Clearwater, Ocala, Gainesville, Orlando, Port Richey, St. Petersburg, and Tarpon Springs Florida (Fl)

"Scuba Steve" Sign on Hwy 44. Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River Sign Highway 19 Crystal River

Crystal Lodge Dive Center, Crystal River Florida

Crystal River, Florida has many wonderful diving and snorkeling sites. Located less than two hours from the Orlando and the Tampa Florida areas, it offers calm, clear, 72 degree water year round.

We choose to train here because we never have to cancel a class due to bad conditions. We dive and snorkel here because of the abundance of sea life. Both fresh and salt water finned critters reside here. Manatees are in the area year round. Crystal Lodge Dive Center (N 28.53.94 and W 82.35.92) located at the Best Western Hotel. Just off the docks of the hotel is a dive site known as Catfish Corner a small 30' deep cavern (N 28.53.89 and W 82.35.92).

Facilities at Hunter's Spring, Crystal River, Florida

Hunter's Spring

Hunter's Spring Park (N 28.53.70 and W 82.35.54) is one of my favorite training sites. It is located at the Crystal River City Park.

It has clean bathroom facilities, out door showers, a chilled water fountain, picnic tables and grills.

The swimming area has pool-like conditions with the extra added attraction of both salt water and fresh water fish to enjoy. Occasionally a manatee will drop in on the class.

A fifteen foot (15') spring is in the center of the swimming area suitable for Open Water, Advanced and Rescue Training.

Picnic Table at Hunter's Spring, Crystal River, Florida

Spring at Hunter's Spring, Crystal River, Florida

Student diving at Hunter's Spring, Crystal River, FLorida

Entrance/Exit at Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida

Student in Spring, Three Sisters, Crystal River, Florida

Three Sister's Spring

Three Sisters Springs (N 28.53.28 and W 82.35.36) are the jewel of the river. These springs are crystal clear and each is unique. Spring one is 8' to 10' deep, spring two is 15' to 18' deep and spring three is 4' to 7' deep depending on the tide.

A favorite of divers, snorkelers and bathers the surrounding flora and fauna are breath taking. Cypress trees, air plants, spanish moss,.palmettos and host of other native plants surrond the spring.

On the coldest winter days, Manatee huddle up at Idiot's Delight Springs just out side of the entrance to Three Sisters.Often at high tide they venture into the Sisters springs to sleep after a long, cold, sleepless night.

View of Idiot's Delight Springs at Crystal River, Florida

Cypress Trees at 3 Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida

Student at Idiot's Delight Springs, Crystal River, Florida

King's Spring

King's Spring (N 28.52.89 and W 82.35.69) at Crystal River is the main Diving and Snorkeling attraction at Crystal River. The spring is 30' deep, but has a cavern that drops to 50'. There is a manatee statue at 19'.

The cavern is a favorite training area for Tech divers and for testing new cave diving gear. The cavern has two entrances ~ exits that are covered with mangrove snapper. The cavern is crystal clear, 50' deep and 50' in length with lots of nooks and crannys to peer into.

During the winter months, hoards of mangrove snapper, mullet, sheepshead, jacks, tarpon and manatee are in this spring at one time. Just east of Kings Spring are Mullet Run Springs, two pretty springs, 8' in depth.

Snorkeling with the manatees, King's Spring, Crystal River, Florida

Manatee Statue, King's Spring, Crystal River, Florida

Booking

We offer Manatee snorkeling/Diving trips all year long $30.00 per snorkeler. Snorkel gear not included (rental mask fins snorkel $20.00 wetsuit $10.00). Bubble Watchers (riders young children not snorkeling/diving) $15.00. One tank dive and snorkel with the Manatees $50.00 dive gear not included (rental BCD $12.00 regulator $12.00 wetsuit $10.00 tank $8.00). I will need the heights weights and shoe sizes of all participants as well as a list of gear required by return mail. Wetsuits are required! To sign up for a guided tour please review my calendar choose the weekend/weekdays you want and send a deposit of $15.00 per person (or pay in full) to my secure server at:

SIGN UP NOW!
To sign up choose the weekend/ weekdays you want by reviewing the Dive and Course schedule/calendar and send an email to scubatampa@earthlink.net with your requests. We will send additional information and a booking form to you.

Additional Crystal River Information at: http://www.scubacrystalriver.com/manateefacts.html

Don't Drink it, Dive it!