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Dive and snorkel with these gentle
giants in the cool, clear freshwater springs in Crystal River, Florida.
Near the middle of Florida's West Coast, a tributary called the Crystal
River flows for about seven miles into the Gulf of Mexico. At the
headwaters of the river are several major springs, from which hundreds of
millions of gallons of clear, 72 degree water flows year-round. When
winter begins, and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico turn colder, two
hundred or more manatees migrate up the river to Kings Bay, where they
expect to find shelter in the relatively warm, fresh water.
We start our
adventure in Zephyrhills, home of Diving With Doris staff. Here, we will
go over the academic sections of the PADI Open Water Diver Course
(instructor lectures, Knowledge Reviews, and quizzes). We'll get
familiarized with the SCUBA equipment and practice the diving skills in
the swimming pool or in the shallow (pool-like) waters of Crystal River.
After going through the required confined water skills, we can do all
four scuba dives here in Crystal River. The dive depths range from 20 feet
in the shallow Three Sisters springs to 50 feet in the large King Spring.
The calm, clear waters in Crystal River provides an ideal setting for
beginning divers (no rough ocean waters to contend with, no rocking boats
or hard-core schedules to attend to). Generally, we pack some snacks, rent
a pontoon boat and head out for a day on the water. After our dives, we
dry off and head for the Ale House and celebrate the day's accomplishments
with a nice cool drink and great food! Snorkelers are welcome to join us!
Time: 2-3 days
Cost: $375 p.p. all training and
equipment included
(Private courses available for $475)
Time: 1 day
Cost: $175 p.p. all equipment and boat
fees included
If you are up for some ocean diving
after your freshwater excursion, we can plan a day of diving in the Gulf
of Mexico. Coral ledges, shipwrecks and tropical fish await you! Ask about
our Tarpon Springs dive charters. |
