March 30, 31 and April 1st

[soltari675]

I am going to be in Florida for Spring break. I have already chartered a boat for earlier in the week, however I was looking at the Crystal River packages for diving. I was looking here: Manatee Vacation in the Florida Springs
I was wanting to do the 3 day package modified. Days 1 and 3 like the package says, but on day 2 I want to do Devil's Den and Blue Grotto. I had the idea of doing it the three days above since I am limited on choices. (Darn college schedule! )

Here is my problem however. The manatee dive is not a problem, but I will be traveling to do this alone. I am not a trained solo diver, nor do I want to be. I am a novice diver. The shop above who is handling these dives is not sure they will have a dive master or guide available those days. They want to charge $60 a day per site for the last 2 days (about $180 extra total). It is reasonable, but a bit expensive.

So my question is, are there other shops I could check that go to the same locations? Or, is there anyone in the area wanting to do dives those days, is interested in those sites, and doesn't mind a newbie tagging along? Thanks a bunch for the help!

(On a side note, I am not just a vacation diver. I certified in September 2010 and just haven't had a chance to do more yet. I am nitrox certified and I am taking the peak performance buoyancy course next Saturday. )

 

[bamaskubacat]

Check our Birds Underwater (birdsunderwater.com) in Crystal River. I did my OW cert. dive with them. Great shop!!
Just FYI - if you want to see the manatees it's going to be on a snorkel. From what I've been told they don't scuba on the manatee tours because it scares off the manatees. But of course there is still great diving there in the springs.

 

[soltari675]

Thanks a bunch. I did contact them this morning. Unfortunately the only dives they are doing those days is Rainbow River. Which still sounds fun. Still eager to see the other places too though. And you are right. The manatee tour was a snorkel with the animals, and then a dive in the springs after.

 

[bamaskubacat]

I just checked out the website you mentioned. It looks to me that other than the manatee tour (which you need a boat) you don't really need to use anyone to go to the Devil's Den and Blue Grotto. They say that transportation isn't included and if they don't already have a guide going there then what are you paying them so much for? You could just pay the entry fee for the two springs and forget the dive shop. The springs are generally easy to explore on your own - just stay out of the caves. If you can find a buddy I don't think you need a guide. Just my opinion.

By the way, where in Missouri are you? I recently moved to the gulf from Kansas. Best decision EVER

 

[soltari675]

There is a thought. Never been there so I thought the sites were only open to shop tours. I do prefer a buddy though. Only because of my limited experience. I will see if I can find some local divers that want to go. I live in southwest Missouri near Houston and Rolla. As soon as I finish my degree I am moving closer to the ocean. I promise that!

 

[bamaskubacat]

I'm a fairly new diver too, so I understand wanting a buddy! I found a couple websites divebluegrotto.com and devilsden.com. Looks like entry fees are around $37 for each. You don't have to go thru one of the tours. Usually the springs will have a dive shop or office on site that you pay the fees to. You could try calling each of them directly to see if they would have any buddies you could hook up with. Maybe locals that dive there a lot or off duty employee????
If you go that route I would still highly suggest Bird's Underwater for your manatee tour.

 

[mselenaous]

Hey bamamskubacat, since you'll be somewhat near try to come to the Scubaboard Megadive event at Ginnie Springs. It's a blast and you'll meet many Scubaboarders. The Galaxy dive in the ballroom at night is awesome.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...ools-april-megadive-april-1st-3rd-2011-a.html

If you are interested, there is also a cavern class scheduled you might want to check out.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...639-megadive-april-1-2-2011-cavern-class.html

Do enjoy your dives in FL and post a trip report.