Down Under Surf & SCUBA

Information may not be reliable

Join us this January for what is always one of our most popular trips! Each January we make a pilgrimage to the Crystal River, near the gulf coast of Florida. During this time of year the relatively warm, spring-fed Crystal River provides sanctuary for hundreds of endangered West Indian manatees. After a day with the manatees we've added two drift dives down the Rainbow River. Participants can either snorkel or dive the river. We'll conclude the MLK-holiday weekend Sunday with a full day of unlimited diving at Blue Grotto.Particulars:

We'll make the drive down to the Crystal River on Thursday, January 13th. We'll travel on our own, but can arrange carpools for those who wish to share the drive. We'll take advantage of the holiday on Monday, January 17th (MLK Day) for our return, thus allowing an extra day in Florida!
While we're at the Crystal River, we'll be staying at the Best Western Resort. In addition to nice, clean accommodations, the Best Western is ideally situated on King's Bay and only 100 yards from Bird's Underwater. Thus it's only a short walk from the room to the dive center. The large Jacuzzi is always a favorite after a day of snorkeling with Manatees. In Williston we'll be staying at the Quality Inn, convenient to the springs, the interstate, and most importantly, close to Sonny's BBQ.
Forget the crowded 30+ passenger pontoon boats on the Crystal River since we'll have our own boats provided by Birds Underwater Inc. It means we'll be able to set our own itinerary and avoid the crowds. On Saturday we'll perform two drift dives (or snorkel) the Rainbow River exploring the underwater river sights and wildlife. Finally on Sunday we will visit the freshwater springs at Blue Grotto near Williston.

2 Airfills at Blue Grotto
2 nights (double occupancy) at Best Western Crystal River*
2 night (double occupancy) at Quality Inn Gainesville*

Transportation from Raleigh (typically we are able to help arrange carpooling among the group)

Is cabin fever getting to you? Do you need to burn off some carryover vacation time or just want to get out of Dodge for a few days? Well, weve got the solution! Join us on a trip to Floridas famous spring diving country, where youll find fresh, crystal clear water, at a consistent 72 degrees. With surface temperatures often approaching 80 degrees, this is the perfect cure for the midwinter blues.

Devils Den has one of the most dramatic topside settings of any dive site in Florida. A circular opening, approximately 40 ft across, allows sunlight to
illuminate a large pool of crystal clear water 30 ft below. The cavern pool is reached by descending through a narrow rock tunnel. Once underground the dry cave mushrooms to nearly 100 ft and extends even farther under the waters surface. Depths average 45 ft with a maximum of 65 ft under the ledge. Rumor has it that the
worlds largest catfish lives here too.

Blue Grotto is a large limestone sink with an 80x20 ft cavern opening, creating a breathtaking underwater vista. (Maximum depth 100 ft.) It offers an entry pool, floating dock, and a guide rope around the caverns interior. Surface
amenities include hot showers, changing rooms, covered set-up areas, and the always popular hot BBQ sandwiches! Divers enjoy using the underwater air-bell to talk amongst themselves while remaining at 30 underwater.

xSide Mount Diver (PADI Distinctive Specialty)
Find out more about this new specialty by clicking here.