Dive operator in Crystal river

[Flamebug818]

Hi i am going to be in pensacola flordia this summer and am going to go to crystal river then what is a good dive operator down their to dive with mantatees
cheers
Flamebug

 

[herman]

I have used Birds several times for manatee tours. They have the rep of being one of, if not the best at finding manatees. They have never dissappointed me and I have not heard any bad comments on them here on the board. They would be my choice. You do know that the manatees tend to spread out in the warmer weather so seeing them in the summer is a lot more iffy than in the winter when they migrate to the springs for warmth. You may also want to consider diving some of the springs and caverns in the area. They are different and worth doing a time or 2.
http://www.birdsunderwater.com/

 

[del_mo]

We "dove" with http://www.manatee-central.com/

We rented a Jon boat ($12 per hour), got to the manatees before the crowds arrived and had close to a dozen between my wife and me. It was an incredibly wonderful experience.

Understand you do not dive with the manatees. You snorkel with them. While diving is available in Crystal River, diving with the manatees are a no-no. They don't like it and it'll cost you $$ if the marine patrol catches you!

As herman said, there are other sites in the general area to dive. They are all either springs or spring fed rivers. The ones I've been to are more for beginners and students (though I'm sure some would disagree).

If you really have some time and want to try something really unique, about one hour south of Tampa is Venice. In Venice is a dive operation that specializes in fossil hunts...and in particular megladon and other shark teeth, whale and manatee bones. http://floridawestscuba.com/

 

[Sideband]

I really like American Pro dive shop. My LDS uses them when we take trips down there as well.

Joe

 

[Flamebug818]

thanx u for the info what is good diving down their as well as snorkeling with mantatees

 

[pickens_46929]

Hi i am going to be in pensacola flordia this summer and am going to go to crystal river then what is a good dive operator down their to dive with mantatees cheers
Flamebug

Have gone to Crystal River now more than half a dozen times. American Pro Diving and the folks like Sean Bradley there are super. You can't ask for a better outfit to dive with.

You can't "dive" with the manatees... only snorkel. American Pro offers a snorkel with the manatees and a dive in King's Spring for one price. It's a nice little trip.

Other dives in the area I really enjoy are Rainbow River and Ginnie Springs.

American Pro http://www.americanprodiving.com
800-291-3483

Tell Ron or Sean that Dan Jordan or Dave Pickens sent you... then again...


Dave