Crystal RIver LDS and lodgings.

[crazed_dolphin]

I'm planning a trip to the Crystal River area in late December. I have been doing some research on LDS and lodgings in the area but I was wondering does anybody have any recommendations for a manatee snorkeling/diving? I'm driving up from Orlando and want to stay close to Crystal River. The place can be basic as long as it is clean.

Thanks

 

[Wendy]

Use Bird's Underwater and there is a hotel within walking distance, i think its a best western.

 

[hambleto]

You might also want to consider Crystal Lodge Dive Center their URL is http://manatee-central.com/ They are located in a best western.

 

[aihfl]

I think the Best Western is about the only option in Crystal River. I seem to remember the AAA book having only two entries for lodging in Crystal River, and I remember the Best Western being by far the cheaper of the two.

Last time I shopped for a dive operation around there, American Pro was the only one that would do a manatee snorkel and a King's Spring dive on the same trip. Something to consider, though that's not to say that things couldn't have changed since last winter.

AH

 

[aihfl]

There's a pretty fun open-air Cuban restaurant on the water at the Best Western. Another plus.

 

[aihfl]

I CAN'T GET MY THOUGHTS ORGANIZED TONIGHT!!!

American Pro Diving Center:
http://www.americanprodiving.com

 

[herman]

The Best Western is a nice place to stay and the Crystal LDC is a good place to rent a boat if you want to head out on your own but if you want to see the manatees, use Bird. He is located a few miles away from the BW. He will have you up at 6am and on the water by 7 but if there are manatees to be found he knows where they are at. Last feb we went with him and spent at least 2 to 2 1/2 hrs in the water with a dozen or more all around us. The manatees were about to move on and we were about to leave before any of the others tour operators started to arrive.

 

[cardzard]

I used American Pro Diving
Trip was snorkel with Manatees first half and 1 tank dive into King Spring.
Price was 39.50
Nice folks , Good dive

hope this helps