One day at Ginnie Springs for out of towners?

[TravisD]

Wife and I are making the trek to Disney over the week of Thanksgiving, and planning on making a couple of stops along the way. We already have reservations at the Ginnie campround for 11/25, with plans to dive on 11/26.

What's the best approach to a day of diving Ginnie? Any idea what the crowds will be like that week? We're hoping it's not the legendary spring break crowd that the spring/summer holidays get, but is this something to worry about?

Most of our diving is in the local quarries up here. 72° water will be heaven. We are *not* cave divers, so just talking about the open-water parts of Ginnie here

So, any tips on what to see, how to manage gear, etc? Is it reasonable to expect to gear up at our campsite and just walk to the water, or are the distances not good for that? We'll be in an RV, and in theory we chose a camp site that's somewhat reasonable to the water (not at the far end)

Along those lines is it reasonable to plan on hitting Crystal river in the afternoon for snorkeling? Assuming we get in two AM dives at Ginnie and get moving, is Crystal River an all-day attraction, or do things only happen in the morning?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

--Travis

 

[j2s]

Ginnie during the week is usually quiet....Weekends, holidays it's a zoo !!!!.....Plenty of 'set-up' stations and picnic benches close to the water, so it depends on how close to the water your RV is....DO NOT leave things laying around or your RV open......Water is 72 degrees but feels like 68-70 (especially if you're under long or do second dive soon after first....7mm suits, boots etc. or better if you get cold easily.....Water clarity is always excellent........

 

[TravisD]

Thanks, j2s.

I'm hoping that being there on a Monday/Tuesday will keep the zoo aspect to a low roar And thanks for the heads up on security - will make sure I have an extra in-water key so we can lock things up tight.

 

[Doppler]

Crystal River is within driving distance, but you are making a VERY hectic day for yourself. You might have a more relaxing time putting a half-day for diving at Ginnie and the rest of the day for travel. Do CR the next day. Several excellent places to eat in Crystal River including several very good fish restaurants. Have fun.