Where would the best spring/cave be to dive with Manatees?
Welcome to the Cave Diver's Forum.
Florida cave info
Where would the best spring/cave be to dive with Manatees?
Dominican Republic Speleological Society
http://dr-ss.com
Aquavista Films LLC.
http://www.aquavistafilms.com
Crystal River is probably best, followed by Manatee Spring. They sometimes get into other springs, but not every year. The best times are January and February. The cavern at Crystal River is pretty small, if you wanted to get a cave dive in while you are at it.Originally Posted by phillip1
Basically Crystal River is the only place you can really dive with them. You can SEE lots of them at Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, but the park is very strict that no one swims with them.
Hospital Hole. Usually 20+ manatees to play with. No other divers. No crowds.
Here is something to keep in mind if you are swimming with Manatees. In State Waters or a state park you may be subject to fines and arrest just for being in the water in proximity to a manatee. Hence the reason Blue Springs Orange City is CLOSED to all in water activity from early Nov until when the last manatee leaves. At Crystal River you are in Federal Waters and not under the control of FWC so far the insanity of State regulation has not destroyed everyone's livelihood there. Let one more idiot get on video riding a manatee and that will change I suspect. I really enjoyed the one time I got to take a new diver to Crystal River and how by keeping calm and quite the young manatees would swim right up to you. It was a great encounter.
Seen manatees in the Ear/Eye run several years back, probably around Jan.-Feb. which makes sense with the cold river water and warm spring water. I was on my rebreather, super cool. They were coming up to me and (I think) checking out their reflection in my mask. Spent 1/2 or more scratching their bellies) Good stuff.
It's bad luck to be superstitious.
Crystal River, no doubt. Done it a couple times. If you want a recommendation on outfitter, drop me a PM.
No violation if manatees come to you. You can pet them. You can't pursue or harass them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quq2r_-l8QI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55f107-k7mE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrhqWVYCqgc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCOxfDmQ_kM
Manatees at Crystal River in December. Went out with Bird's Underwater.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks