Natural Spring diving

[sommos1975]

The misses and I have finally decided to take the spring diving circuit in April. We will be diving for three days. We definately will be diving Ginnie and maybe Blue, but after that we are lost. Where should we go? What springs are a must when diving in Central Florida? I'll take any advice on dives, lodging, food, or anything else you find important. Thanks in advance.

 

[BusterDive]

Devils Den and Paradise Springs are both in the same area, I prefer Devils Den, but Paradise is a pretty nice dive as long as you keep from kicking the bottom up(silt,silt,silt). Ginnie is nice, but unless you're cave certified it's a very limited dive. Blue Grotto is decent but it's getting rather expensive (I'll be there Sunday, maybe I'll see you there).

 

[BusterDive]

Devils Den and Paradise Springs are both in the same area, I prefer Devils Den, but Paradise is a pretty nice dive as long as you keep from kicking the bottom up(silt,silt,silt). Ginnie is nice, but unless you're cave certified it's a very limited dive. Blue Grotto is decent but it's getting rather expensive (I'll be there Sunday, maybe I'll see you there).

 

[pickens_46929]

40 Fathoms, King's Spring, Manatee Springs, Rainbow River are some good places.

Make a deal with Sean at American Pro in Crystal River for some training - like boat, night, cavern or drift -- heck even multiple certs and he can make it fun and reasonably priced.

If nothing else, call American Pro and ask him or Ron where are some good places to dive beyond these ones mentioned here.

 

[H2Andy]

make sure to check out Ned Deloach's Guide to Underwater Forida

in the High Springs Area, Ginnie is a good bet.

Then head south to Williston, and you can do Blue Grotto and Devil's Den
(literally across the road from each other)

Going west, check out Peacock Spring in Luraville. Orange Grove is now
open to open water divers.

Going south, Manatee Springs near Chiefland is a good place.

Then, towards Ocala, is Paradise Spring. this is a cavern dive open to OW divers.

Head on towards Daytona Beach, and near Orancy City you will run into
Blue Spring.

 

[Tom Winters]

...and of course, there's always unnatural spring diving, but not on this board.

 

[eandiver]

I thought it was a thread about nudist diving in springs.....note to self, lose the crotch strap before the dive. and the scooter ring.

Seriously, Ginnie, Alexander, Blue Grotto ($$$) and Devils Den are great. Early time on weekdays are the best.