Florida Springs
December 10-12, 2011: North-central Florida is renowned for its crystal clear, fresh water springs, its year-round 72-degree water and its population of cute and cuddly manatees. This is your opportunity to experience the best north Florida has to offer on a trip that is both convenient and affordable.
Our primary goal in setting up this trip was to provide our November and early December beginning students with a low-cost way to complete their open-water training dives which did not involve waiting until May and going to the rock quarry. It is the kind of trip, however, that divers of any experience level can enjoy.
As part of this trip, we’ll dive such well-known sites as Devil’s Den, Ginnie Spring, Blue Grotto and Rainbow River — culminating with the opportunity to snorkel with the manatees in Crystal River.
Who is This Trip Ideal For?
This may be the perfect trip if you:
- Are looking for an affordable,long-weekend vacation that’s within driving range of Calhoun.
- Need to complete your open-water training dives before years end.
- May be traveling with one or more snorkelers.
- Want to be able to combine a dive trip with a visit to nearby attractions such as Disney World.
- Are looking for the value associated with staying in condo-style accommodations.
- Have always wanted to see a manatee.
When Does It Take Place?
Here is the schedule:
- You need to arrive at the Holiday Inn Express in Gainesville, Florida, some time Friday evening, December 9.
- On Saturday, December 10, we will dive Devil’s Den in the morning and Ginnie Spring in the afternoon, followed by dinner at the Great Outdoors in High Springs.
- Sunday morning we will check out of the Holiday Inn Express and drive back to Williston to dive Blue Grotto. That afternoon, it’s down to Rainbow River for a drift dive, followed by checking in to the Best Western in Crystal River and dinner at Charlie’s Fish House.
- Monday morning we get up very early for a snorkel dive with the Manatees.
- After that, you are free to drive back to Calhoun or stay and explore the rest of what north-central Florida has to offer.
How Much Does it Cost?
Pricing is as follows:
- $600 per diver, double occupancy.
- $550 per nondiver, double occupancy.
- $750 per diver, single occupancy.
Deposit and “balance due” requirements are:
- $100 due at sign up
- Balance is due November 15, 2011.
- No refunds after the “balance due” date unless we can find someone to take your place.
What Is and Is Not Included?
The trip price includes:
- Three nights accommodations.
- Dive site admission and boat fees.
- Use of tanks, weights.
- Air fills.
Travelers are responsible for:
- Transportation to and from dive sites (bring or rent a car).
- All meals.
- Personal dive equipment other than tanks, weights.
- Tips/gratuities.