Wakulla River

[BR]

Hello,

I am new to the board and diving. My boyfriend and I dove Vortex Spring and Manatee Springs the last two weekends and would like to try someplace a little closer to home next time. We were thinking of going in the Wakulla River, but I can't find a great deal of information on diving there. Has anyone here done it? Any important information for us to have?

From what I have read, it sounds like some people enter at the bridge on 365, but I was curious about the current. I assume you don't dive into the current from 365, because that would take you into the state park. Where have you entered? Was current an issue? We have kayaked the river so I have some understanding of the set-up there, I just want to have a good plan in place.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Dive-aholic]

I can't speak specifically for Wakulla River, but I do know that river diving can be a little risky. I have seen alligators several times just heading up and down various rivers. Now if you can find any springs along the river, the water temperature is usually low enough to keep the gators away...except this time of year when the spring water is warmer than the river water. You can always head over to Marianna and check out Merritt's Mill Pond. It's not deep, but there's plenty to see for OW divers. Eventually, you may want to consider taking a cavern course. That will open up a lot more dive sites to you.

 

[BR]

Thanks for the suggestion, we'll definitely check out Merritt's mill pond at some point.

We were thinking of the river because it is close to home and our original OW instructor was going to take us there for checkout dives (we ended up doing a referral to the Keys). It didn't sound like the ideal place to do checkout dives (for a number of reasons), but still thought it might be interesting. But, I don't want to do it if we're not going to be safe.

 

[metaldector]

While this book isn't the "total" listing of "every" dive site in the state it is a good book for a new diver. Each section is listed by region, ocean, wrecks, springs, rivers, caverns and caves. Armed with this you can start to make some better decisions as to where and how to dive. The fact that you are seeking out more dive sites proves that you are advancing. I'd get a few more dives in before venturing to cavern, but once you have you'll open another neat set of dive opportunities.

Ned DeLoach's Diving Guide to Underwater Florida, available at most Florida dive shops and book sellers.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Thanks for the suggestion, we'll definitely check out Merritt's mill pond at some point.

We were thinking of the river because it is close to home and our original OW instructor was going to take us there for checkout dives (we ended up doing a referral to the Keys). It didn't sound like the ideal place to do checkout dives (for a number of reasons), but still thought it might be interesting. But, I don't want to do it if we're not going to be safe.

Wow! Checkouts in a river! Not sure exactly where it was going to be, but it sounds like you made the smart move and went to the keys...

 

[BR]

You bet .

All 4 checkout dives were going to be in rivers (2 in Wakulla and 2 in St. Marks). Found out later that PADI standards require minimum of 20 feet for training dives, which I understand Wakulla doesn't meet.

I think we'll try Merritt's Mill Pond next time. Any suggestions for where to go for OW? Do we need a boat?

 

[Dive-aholic]

Pretty much anywhere on the pond will work. Just look for the hydrilla (which is all over the pond). That's where you'll find the fish. A boat/canoe will help, but you can probably surface swim from the Day Loop access. Don't forget to bring a flag. Oh, also, the Mill Pond doesn't get much deeper than 10-12', but there is a lot there to keep you busy for a long time and the visibility is unlimited!

 

[BR]

Thank you! I hope to get out there next weekend.

We don't really have any desire at this point to do cave diving, but now that we're learning about the distinction between cavern and cave certs, I think cavern is definitely something we'll pursue once we have a bit more experience.

 

[Dive-aholic]

I may see you on the Pond. I'll be there all weekend teaching. Look for me on a boat Saturday and in the park Sunday.

 

[jviehe]

You might be able to get 20ft under the 98 bridge, but current would be a problem. You could defintely get it in st marks headspring, but vis and current would be a problem. I know people dive near the 98 bridge, and drift dive down from the upper bridge. A better option would be to kayak down the wacissa river and dive in Big Blue Spring, its abotu 40 ft deep and pretty clear. Only abotu 20 miles east of town. OTher than than you have various sinkholes, not much else to dive locally. Youre best bet is to join us in the Tallahassee SCUBA Club, and the Wakulla Dive Club. Meeting tommorow night at 6pm at Calico Jacks.