Best location for solo diving and snorkeling?

[scoutlover]

I have a weekend trip to Ginnie Springs planned for the weekend of June 5th-7th. I was wanting to go there again because my four year old son just learned to snorkel, and I liked the shallow area around the devil's system. I also liked how there was a lot for the family to do while my buddy and I were in the cave system. I just got the dreaded phone call that my buddy can no longer make it, so now I'm trying to find a location that allows solo diving and would have enough to entertain the family (or at least a good place in the shade while they wait on me), as well as give my son something to look at while snorkeling. Any advice on where to go? Thanks in advance.

[Michael F]

Solo diving is permitted at Ginnie, have at it and enjoy.

[scoutlover]

I have been reading that it wasn't allowed anymore and that they were turning people down for it. Is that not the case?

[jj1987]

I have been reading that it wasn't allowed anymore and that they were turning people down for it. Is that not the case?

Where did you read that? Solo diving had never been allowed at ginnie, but they don't monitor it. I think that's their way of limiting liability

[MarkR]

What level of diving are you planning? I don't think its too hard to round up a dive buddy with a little effort.

One of my favorite quotes that I often relayed to scouts:

"Swimming with a buddy reduces your chances of being eaten by roughly 50%...."

[scoutlover]

Where did you read that? Solo diving had never been allowed at ginnie, but they don't monitor it. I think that's their way of limiting liability

I searched through some old threads on this board as well as the cave diving section of Scubaboard.

As for level, I'm Full Cave but if solo I would really scale it back to mostly swimming around the basin with my son as he snorkels, and slight penetration and staying on the gold line. Maybe going in the Eye and out the Ear and back.

[cmint]

I was told by staff that solo is allowed only if you are full cave. That may have changed, but it was less than a year ago.

[rickthompson]

I'd reckon on a busy weekend or typical weekday evening a decent proportion of divers at Ginnie are solo.

[Kelly Jessop]

I was told by staff that solo is allowed only if you are full cave. That may have changed, but it was less than a year ago.

Staff seems to be inconsistent at best. Ask Rose Meadows for the official rule.

[Brent]

Where did you read that? Solo diving had never been allowed at ginnie, but they don't monitor it. I think that's their way of limiting liability

This is correct. I worked there many many decades ago and if you look over the top of the "Original Front Door" ( campground side of the building ) you'll see a sign with the Ginnie Rules. If I remember right, rule # 8 says no solo diving and yes that does limit their liability ( somewhat )