Freediving in Central Florida

[loupitou]

Hi all,

there's a warning that the swimming section of blue springs might be closed due to bacteria (thanks Greg/Dustin for the hint), I'll call tomorrow for the latest and greatest news and let you guys know.

Welcome to Florida State Parks

 

[loupitou]

Good news everyone,

Blue Springs is open again. For those interested, I'll be there tomorrow !

Dive safely

Pierre

 

[Zooom101]

Hey guys,
I've dove at Crystal River multiple times, mostly on a hookah rig. There are several springs to see on the river. The Kings Head spring is the main attraction. It's a fairly wide spring with a floor I would guess about 40 feet down. The water is usually clear, but I have seen it silted by too much commotion. There are also some smaller springs on the river such as the Three Sisters springs. These are fairly shallow at about 20 feet. They are beautiful though. If you're lucky, you'll encounter some manatees back there.

The downside to Crystal River is you need a boat to access the springs. We usually rent one from a local dive shop that is located on the river. Last I checked it was about $60 for a five person jon boat.

I would recommend the dive to anyone interested. Get there early though to minimize the chances of the crowds churning up the water.



EDIT: I now realize that the inquiry was about Crystal Springs, not Crystal River springs. I have not been to Crystal Springs. What I write about above is referring to Crystal River Springs.

 

[paulr]

Im really glad I found this forum! I have recently become very interested in freediving, I havent taken any classes though. I have dove in blue springs several times, I would love to go with some more knowledgeable people than myself.

How deep can you go down in Blue springs?

 

[Dartfisher]

If anyone is interested in going to Crystal River(King Spring), I have a 18' boat and I love diving there. My brothers and I go often. I'm an amature at freediving though. I used to dive there all the time with SCUBA.
Crystal River Springs
I really want to try Crystal Beach spring. I've never been there but it sounds cool.
Crystal Beach Springs

Nic

 

[SpringDiver]

To answer a few questions above:

Blue Springs (state park) goes down about 60ft to the cave entrance and then an additional 60ft inside the cave. So, 120ft total to the very bottom. There are some interesting side caves to check out though.

Dartfisher (aka Nic),
If you ever go to Crystal Beach Spring one day then let us know because I think a lot of us are curious about it. Perhaps having a boat would be an advantage there, but I've read that you can see the boil from shore.

Everyone,
I'm planning a freediving trip to Devil's Den in a few weeks on a Friday. Saturday is not a good day to go because it's too crowded with scuba divers. When we set a date I'll let everyone else know if they want to join our group.

 

[paulr]

I really wanted to let you guys know about an awesome spring I visited today. Its a place called Troy springs, northwest of gainesville. It was about a 3 hour drive, but I had to go up there for something else and decided to bring my mask and suit. Holy crap it was incredible. The spring is about 80ft deep, and maybe 40 feet across. It is the largest open cavern, hole in the ground I have personally seen. There were 5 scuba divers and I still had plenty of room to do my thing.

Also there is the remains of a large wooden boat near by, sitting in a few feet of water, and a short under water tunnel to swim through.

The floor slants, starting at about 20 feet deep, going all the way down to 80, so you can aim at any depth in between and stop on the floor.

Super highly recommended. Worth the drive from cfl.

http://www.floridacaves.com/troy.htm

 

[Dartfisher]

Very cool.

 

[TicoDiver80]

Just joined this site, very excited and looking foward to getting with central florida free divers, are there any meetings for local spots. If there are please post them so I can see if I can make it, thanks!

 

[WillUnderwater]

We have a group set up on here under social groups and on Facebook for postings

DeeperBlue Forums - Florida Freedivers
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[erik_briggs]

I live in Zephyrhills and would like to meet up if your willing to take on a new freediver. Are the springs good for learning?

 

[WillUnderwater]

Troy Springs is great for training. Wide open, no flow, and I always set up a float and line when we go. I don't always post here - but my website will always have any trips we make.

 

[blusky]

Blue springs sunday

Anyone planning on FD Blue Springs this Sunday?? lmk- I'm heading up there, possibly Sat but for sure Sunday

 

[DustinHFD]

Hey Blusky, this might be late but a few of us usually show up saturday afternoons for an hour or two.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[cheetah chrome]

Anyone going to Troy this Sunday (5.22)? I'll be in that area and will bring my gear for an AM dive.

 

[SpringDiver]

I'm going freediving this Friday at Blue Hole Spring (in Itchetucknee Springs State Park). Anyone is welcome to join me for a short dive around 11:00am.

 

[Juturna]

I'm at Blue Springs at least 2x a week and would be happy to meet up with you guys. For identification purposes, I'm a woman in my late 30's with short brown hair always swim in black shorts and a black UV shirt, blue mask. Although I don't usually see other female freedivers so if you see a woman diving, it's probably me. Looking to either join up with a group or start my own. I just returned from a trip to many springs along the Withlacoochie, Santa Fe, and Suwannee Rivers including; Troy, Lafayette Blue, Madison Blue, Little River, Royal, Cow, Peacock springs and would love to do it again with a group of 4-6 freedivers. Beautiful cabin at Lafayette Blue as a base and day trips to dive.

 

[Juturna]

Wow, you guys got my club rolling and I missed it altogether!! LOL

Anyone interested please email me at wildflower_naturelover @ yahoo

since I obviously don't check this often lol.

Thanks

 

[laurenkey]

Do you guys still meet at blue springs park to freedive?

 

[DustinHFD]

My buddy and I dive a blue springs a few times a week. I usually go saturday mornings before the crowds but he goes whenever. You can find me on facebook as Dustin Hamzehloui