Crystal River

[sfschwar]

I'm headed to crystal river, FL this weekend. Any suggestions on dive sites nearby. Is the night diving worth doing? Suggestions on what to do when the divings done (other sites, bars & rest). Appreciate the input.

Any comments on the Port Paradise dive shop.

 

[dant]

Diving is limited to a few spots, and candidly it is not that exciting for an experienced diver. If you are looking for a casual diving, it's fine. I would recommend this hotel which has a nice dive shop and boat rentals. The hotel has a an inside and outside bar, and nice restaurant. There is very little to do in the town.http://www.plantationinn.com/index2.html
Hope that helps.
Dan

 

[indiana*joe]

I agree with the other post. You gotta stay at Plantation. I was there just this last summer and it is really nice - especially if you have a boat. You can pull it right up next to the pool! The rate were reasonable. The water was rather murky, but the manatee was REALLY neat!

 

[squidgirlie]

Hi sfschwar!
My boyfriend has to take his open water certification dives but it's getting a little too chilly up here in Illinois. I did mine last weekend in 45 degree water and he watched from shore, assuring his bits and pieces that they would not be subjected to that frigidity. Anyway, I have been looking for somewhere interesting (and warmer) for him to do his certification dives, and then do a couple of newbie dives together. If you could, please post a follow-up on your trip, as Crystal River was one of the places that I was looking at. I hope you have a wonderful time--scratch one of those sea cows behind the ear for me!!:fruit: (that's the closest icon I could find to a manatee).
Squidgirlie

 

[Bobb]

Why not dive the springs? I went last week and dove Blue Grotto, Devils Den & Ginnie Springs....had a great time, although Blue Grotto imho is Highly overated...Ginnie was great....Devils Den was very nice.

 

[indiana*joe]

I dove Ginnie back in Feb. I really liked it. It is really clear. We were kinda rushed so we didn't get to spend alot of time. The grounds are unbelievable! You can check out some pics at http://www.decompstop.com Look under Photography/Gallery/Florida/Ginnie Springs.

 

[RSdiver]

The Blue Grotto, Devils Den & Ginnie Springs are nice and fun, but also add Manatee Springs to the list. It is a State Park so entrance fees are much cheaper and it has two springs; one is a Sink and the other is a Source. The source spring flows out and several manatees are regulars there so it isn't all Tech diving.

Crystal River is not far from all of the above and a manatee dive can round out a nice weekend trip to the area. Manatees are usually there so it's nearly a sure shot. There is a cavern which max's out at 53 feet, some baby gators and lots of b irds to see also.

 

[SM Diver]

I can't give you much insight into Crystal River. I drove through Crystal River a couple of days ago on my way to Blue Grotto. They have dive shops galore, so there must be something to dive there. I notice they promote manatee dives there a lot. See what they have to offer there, but if it's not to your liking, than either find a six pack Gulf boat there, head south to the Clearwater area for a Gulf dive, or go a little northwest for Blue Grotto, Ginnie Springs, etc.

 

[Dr. Jay]

The Den and the Grotto are great for certification dives. I got my OW at the Den, and part of my advanced at the Grotto (b/c of the 90ft. depth).

Both places have a nice platform for checkout dives and what not.
www.devilsden.com
www.divebluegrotto.com

Definately better than 45 degrees - OUCH! :whoa:

I know a good instructor (PADI) that teaches at both locations if you're interested?