Hello All,
I went on a solo trip to the springs this weekend and dove Paradise Springs in Ocala. WOW! What a nice place! The owner was very nice. I had called earlier in the week, and they were very nice helpful with info and directions. Being a solo diver, I teamed up with 2 other divers from Tampa (Ron and Todd). Its truly a rare occasion when you find 2 excellent dive buddies. Anyway, The spring opening is about 20ft in diameter. But drop down underwater and the cavern opens up to a huge 75-100ft dia shaft that slopes down 95' to a danger sign. Past that, there is a narrow passage that drops down to 140ft that is open to cave divers only. A permanent line runs from the ceiling at 15ft down to the 95ft mark. Vis was ok, lights are needed, but with a small current flow the visibility drops quickly with many divers in the cavern. This day there were probably 25-30 divers visiting the springs. I bet thru the week, this is a beautiful clear dive. Millions and millions of fossilized sand dollars are stacked everywhere in the walls and ceilings of the cavern.
There is supposed to be a whale bone in the wall somewhere, but we never found it.
Admission to the springs was $30. Tank rentals are $8.
I stayed in Gainesville, and for a scenic drive on the way back to G'ville, I drove US 441 North. Way more interesting than I-75.
On Sunday, I went to Devil's Den in Williston and had to hook up with a group from someplace so I could get wet. After the torrential rain Saturday night, Sunday started out sunny, clear and warm. 10-12 people were diving the Den. Water temps were around 70F. Water levels seemed about 2-3ft lower compared to last year. The depth gauge read in the 4ft range. The sun shone thru the opening and shafts of bright sunlight illuminated the water. Really Pretty!
I went on a solo trip to the springs this weekend and dove Paradise Springs in Ocala. WOW! What a nice place! The owner was very nice. I had called earlier in the week, and they were very nice helpful with info and directions. Being a solo diver, I teamed up with 2 other divers from Tampa (Ron and Todd). Its truly a rare occasion when you find 2 excellent dive buddies. Anyway, The spring opening is about 20ft in diameter. But drop down underwater and the cavern opens up to a huge 75-100ft dia shaft that slopes down 95' to a danger sign. Past that, there is a narrow passage that drops down to 140ft that is open to cave divers only. A permanent line runs from the ceiling at 15ft down to the 95ft mark. Vis was ok, lights are needed, but with a small current flow the visibility drops quickly with many divers in the cavern. This day there were probably 25-30 divers visiting the springs. I bet thru the week, this is a beautiful clear dive. Millions and millions of fossilized sand dollars are stacked everywhere in the walls and ceilings of the cavern.
There is supposed to be a whale bone in the wall somewhere, but we never found it.
Admission to the springs was $30. Tank rentals are $8.
I stayed in Gainesville, and for a scenic drive on the way back to G'ville, I drove US 441 North. Way more interesting than I-75.
On Sunday, I went to Devil's Den in Williston and had to hook up with a group from someplace so I could get wet. After the torrential rain Saturday night, Sunday started out sunny, clear and warm. 10-12 people were diving the Den. Water temps were around 70F. Water levels seemed about 2-3ft lower compared to last year. The depth gauge read in the 4ft range. The sun shone thru the opening and shafts of bright sunlight illuminated the water. Really Pretty!
