Cavern Dives - Recommendations

[Trixxie]

Will be in the Ocala area June 6-8. Some friends are doing their Adv Nitrox checkouts at 40 Fathom. There are about 6 of us going to do some cavern dives. We're thinking about Blue Grotto one day, maybe 40 fathoms one day and hitting Ginnie on the way back or maybe on the way there...

Would appreciate any input..... other places, better places. We have a place to stay in Crystal River for free and that is one influence on the places mentioned here.

Thanks!

 

[Dive-aholic]

Unless things have changed you need a guide to dive 40 fathoms. So count that one out. Check out Paradise Springs. It's definitely the best of the ones in the area. I don't think the entry fees are worth it at the other places. If you're looking for good dives in the area, head to Rainbow River with one of the local shops one day and do a drift dive down the river. Lots of stuff to see, shallow, <25', a couple of holes to poke your head...or body into. Well worth it.

 

[Trixxie]

I did the paperwork(knowledge reviews) it takes to be a 40 fathom guide, was going to try and get that done on our trip as well.

The only thing that may be an issue is they don't show as an additional insured on my professional liability insurance. That's not due until the end of June but will be adding them. Wonder if I can do everything else needed and then send them my insurance info 01 July.


Thanks

 

[LiteHedded]

if you dont mind the drive, manatee is a great cavern dive

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I'd take Devils Den over Blue Grotto, Paradise over either. Alexander doesn't have much of a cavern, but its a pretty dive regardless. Buford if you want to drive a bit further and walk a bit more.

 

[xxMACxx]

Another vote for Manatee/Catfish. A great cavern dive and much cheaper than Grotto/Devils den. Paradise isn't bad either.

 

[Trixxie]

Thanks for the ideas. Any hope for Morrison this year? Not near Tampa or Ocala but we'll be in that area (Destin) Memorial Day Weekend

found this website for which place allows cavern dives:
TampaDiving.com :: Florida Cave & Cavern Systems

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Morrison wont' be ready by Memorial Day, but I'm hoping by later in the year...

 

[TSandM]

Manatee's a beautiful site to visit, too. The main spring is a beautiful pool, and there were manatees in it when we got there. Catfish is covered in duckweed, and you have no idea what the extent of the cavern is until you get underneath it. When you get that far, the cave is really cool, too

 

[scubafool]

I have never been in it, but King's Spring in Crystal River has a cavern.

Manatee is nice. Catfish Hotel is an offset sink. In the cavern there is a springing side and a siphon side. Ask jeandiver about the siphon side.

Paradise is probably your best bet, but is the longest drive. Plenty of room for all 6 of you, lots to see, lots of little corners to explore. Depths approach 100' in the deepest area of the cavern, but there is a lot of cavern that is much shallower. Don't count on getting HP (3500PSI) fills, though. Unless his booster is back up & running, he has trouble going much over 3000.