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Plantation Inn Dive Shop (Visit this link)
Crystal River is one of the most popular freshwater dives in the world. Divers from around the world have enjoyed the fresh water springs unique to this part of Florida. The springs flow from underground and boil to the surface pumping millions of gallons of water, daily. The force of the water opened caverns that vent in the floor of the river. The water is pure and temperature is a constant 72 degrees F, creating ideal DIVING conditions year round.
The most popular dive site is Kings Springs just a few hundred yards from the Plantation Inn DIVE SHOP. The spring is 75' across and drops straight down 30' to two entrances to cavern which goes to a depth of 60'. Sunlight filters through the water creating breathtaking sights. The photographer will be in paradise with rocks, caves, fish and sunlight. Dolphins in the channel like to hunt smaller fish in the springs... You can never predict what will be there.
Crystal River is also the "winter home" of the largest concentration of manatee's in North America. In their book: "Manatees, on location", Kathy and Tara Darling describe Crystal River as follows. "Each winter hundreds of giant gray mammals migrate from the Gulf of Mexico up Florida's Crystal River to the warmth of its hot, fresh water springs. The massing of the manatees is a world class wildlife spectacle... While some locations were interesting study sites, none even came close to Crystal River as a photo location... in this pocket wilderness only a few yards from the edge of town, the wild manatees allow humans to swim among them to observe or photograph eating, playing and even mating behaviors."
We work together with Local, State and Federal Governments and Specialized Fish, Game & Wildlife Organizations to consistently maintain the best quality for the area Manatee Tour Program.There are many restrictions that apply to our dive area. We ask that you abide by all Federal Enforced Manatee Protection Programs. Awareness Instruction is conducted in all our Tour Programs.
The Diving Experience in the Crystal River, Rainbow River and King's Bay area is World Famous and every year many people from all over the world visit with us to SWIM WITH THE MANATEE! We are very proud to be a senior member of this professional dive community.
http://www.crystalriverdivers.com