Diving near Disney, Orlando

[idmuff]

I'm after some help about finding dive clubs and sites near to Orlando, Florida. Ive already succumbed to the commercial claptrap and booked the Disneyquest thing but want to do some real diving. Im taking family so only really have one or two days and dont want to be in a car for three or four hours.
I'm a rescue diver and physically fit so can probably get to most sites.
I don't want to read brochures or fancy websites, I want to hear from real divers who have dived real sites. ALL HELP IS APPRECIATED.

Cheers

 

[eandiver]

The folks who live on the east coast can hook you up with some saltwater diving and there are a couple of reasonably close springs. Blue Spring, Blue Grotto, Devils Den and Alexander to name a few. The west coast is a bit far and this time of year there is very little to see at Crystal River (few or no manatees)

 

[stairman]

Volusia Blue is just east of Orlando and a good place for the family to swim while you dive it.Its in Orange city near Deland.

 

[K Mejean]

I think you should go hit Paradise spring. Its in the southern part of Ocala and it won't take more than an hour to get there. It is a really cool dive. It was my favorite of all the springs I have done and it is close to the Disney hotels in comparison to the other dives.

 

[idmuff]

Top stuff - Thanks. That should keep me busy and out to the Mouse's House for a few days.

 

[robandliza]

Hi idmuff....brilliant name...just overtaken warmwater wank as my fave

I'll be over the pond in August and would be interested to hear how you got on with whatever you choose. I'm in the same situation with non diving wife and kids in tow and don't want to be more than an hour or so in the car

I did go to Clearwater last May and that was about 1.5 hours from Disney...about 20-30 mins past Tampa.The wife and kids stayed on the beach whilst I did a boat trip. You will be away for a long time though as the dive sites are about an hour boat trip away

If you do go to one of the springs what will you do about a buddy?..or will you dive solo?

I'm sure others on here can give dive op recs for the Clearwater/St Pete's area