Florida cave info

[curtschu]

No violation if manatees come to you. You can pet them. You can't pursue or harass them.

That is the federal stance as I understand it but the state takes a dimmer view I just stay away in state waters.

[Superlyte27]

That is the federal stance as I understand it but the state takes a dimmer view I just stay away in state waters.

I've been diving Hospital Hole for nearly two decades for manatee. I've never had a bad experience with the manatee or the state. Obviously, I'm not trying to ride the manatee, but FWC and Sheriff's deputies never give us a hard time. Most of the time they're just interested in talking to us about scuba.

[Diverlee]

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.

I remember that! We did an hour dive in 6-10 feet of water on CCR! It was awesome!


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[Webmaster]

As far as I can think of, I believe that experience is pretty much unique.

I don't know of any other instances of being able to consistently have that kind of interaction with large wildlife without being eaten, trampled, or evaded. Just hanging in the water and having them come up behind and bump you, then swim up and roll over so you can scratch their belly is a pretty cool thing.

[Sludge]

I've been to Homosassa Springs three times. They have a habitat area and we've seen dozens there every time.

[tomhauburn]

I went to Blue Springs before they would kick divers out. The rule then was not start interaction with them and was told they were afraid of scuba. We did the hole but by far and away the interaction with them was the very best part of the dive. They approached us while we just laid down on the river bottom in 3 ft of water. They would come face to face and play with your fins. They were not afraid of scuba in the least and very interactive even with us being hands free. I had just gotten a digital camera and was waiting on a housing to arrive so I did not have my own photos but thank goodness a friend had one. Even before we went down one swam up behind me and stuck his head inbetween my legs. Everyone in the group got a big laugh out of it as they saw him swim up and waited for my reaction.

[phillip1]

Awesome thanks