Oct 15-16th trip - need advise

[Tim T]

I'm going to be in Crystal River with 3 divers on the above dates. We've done the major springs and the "driving down to Tarpon Springs and then out in the gulf" but going out 18-20 miles for 50ft is killing us. I know you feel the pain too if you live close by. We've had more trips canceled in past years due to weather than completed. I know it is not the best time of year to come but the event that brings us down is not diving. We're just diving while we're there.

Looking for some new ideas - maybe some cavern dives (two AOW and 1 newby) which would be safe and different. Maybe you know of some other salt water dives we have not uncovered. We're willing to drive a couple of hours if needed. We're also open to a private charter if everything can be worked out.

We were thinking about heading over to Daytona each day but sounds like they are more or less closed down during the week after labor day. West Palm is just too far for a day trip.

What do you suggest?
Thanks in advance.
Tim

 

[K Mejean]

West Palm is hike but I have done it as a day trip. It was well worth it I might add.

 

[427Dave]

Rainbow River is a neat drift dive near Crystal River. It is average about 8ft with a little over 20ft in the spring areas. Lots of fishes.

Ginnie springs is north of Gainsville. There are some other springs, Blue Grotto, Devils Den that are close by. Stop by Birds Underwater sports or check out their website.
http://www.birdsunderwater.com/ or America Pro Dive I have had good luck with http://www.americanprodiving.com/Default.asp some others here have had issues with American Pro.

There are some divers here on the board that go out of St. Pete/Clearwater area into the gulf. Maybe one of them will pipe up.

 

[diveman3]

Go to venice..it is awesome...I love the gulf? But im in tampa..Well tarpon springs has a really good reef and narcosis runs charters near there....Ill let you know of any trips as the date gets closer..If you want coordinates i gotta ton.

 

[Missdirected]

We have some 60, 70, and 80'+ dives! That is also where you get the better viz. Shoot a pm to "Capt. Ty". He charters and will get you some real diving in I guarantee you will be pleased with the dives.

 

[Missdirected]

Heya Tim, did you find anything out?

 

[Tim T]

I got an email from Capt. Ty but haven't had chance to talk with him yet.

I'll get with him early next week. I was hoping to stay out of the gulf but nothing better has surfaced yet. We've dove several years with Narclosis and she does a nice job, we've just had a lot of issues i.e. weather, red tide, wind, you name it.

Thanks

 

[Missdirected]

I got an email from Capt. Ty but haven't had chance to talk with him yet.

I'll get with him early next week. I was hoping to stay out of the gulf but nothing better has surfaced yet. We've dove several years with Narclosis and she does a nice job, we've just had a lot of issues i.e. weather, red tide, wind, you name it.

Thanks

Ah yes, I know them. Well if you want to get out a bit further - where the viz is typically better - go with Capt. Ty. You'll find the rates better as well. Also, if you are really going out 20m - you really shouldn't be in only 50ft :no

Now me, I love the salwater. If you really want some caverns though Shoot Eandiver or Narcosis (not the charter you know) a pm, they will steer you in the right direction.