Manatee Trip

Southeastern Divers, Inc.

2720 Governors Drive SW, Huntsville Alabama 35805 - Phone: 256-536-8404

"Training the best divers in North Alabama since 1980."

Sean Davis - PADI IDC Staff & Master Instructor

A Manatee Adventure for ALL

One of the cool things about scuba diving is that the adventure never stops. From the warm waters of the Caribbean to the serene ice laden waters of the Arctic, there is always some new and exciting underwater world to explore and preserve. Throughout the year, we try to keep divers and non-divers alike excited about participating in our monthly adventures. Let me tell you about an adventure which we have been going on for the last several years… Drift Diving and Snorkeling with Manatees.

Click here for trip details.

Each year a group of excited divers and non-divers migrate south to participate in the annual gathering of Manatees and Snorkelers in Crystal River, Florida. The manatees’ purpose is to rest, relax, play and hopefully get some of the barnacles, which have attached themselves to the manatee over the years in open water, removed by some helpful snorkeler. The snorkelers’ purpose is to interact with one of natures’ most docile aquatic mammals early sailors often mistook as “mermaids”. I think the sailors may have been drunk but manatees are cool creatures (a long way from the mermaids in my mind). The water temperature is @ 72-74 degrees in the springs of Florida which makes it a much better place for these wonderful ocean bound mammals since the ocean temperatures are much colder this time of the year. The ideal time of the year is…. January!!! Come join us January 15-17 or February 19 - 21 and let the adventure begin for you and your family.

Sometimes, our trip starts with a detour to Vortex Springs (Ponce de Leon, FL) in order to conduct open water dives for our December and January open water classes. After the class, we head to Tallahassee where we get dinner and stay the night. The next morning, we get breakfast at Shoney’s and hit the road for the first stop in our adventure. K. P. Hole County Park (Dunnellon, FL). The park is located on the Rainbow River which is always flowing, crystal clear and is home of some of the best Drift Diving. For those who may not know about Drift diving, imagine riding a boat up river, hopping off and floating or soaring for a couple of miles while watching the underwater scenery go by. It is the most effortless type of diving or snorkeling you can do. In the river, you’ll sail over popcorn springs where the water is bubbling up from the white sandy bottom causing small shells and stones to be lifted and turned over and over resembling popcorn cooking in a skillet. There are also numerous creatures including, turtles, garr, bream, aquatic birds and plants making it a great environment to become an Underwater Naturalist as well.

After leaving the river, we move a little further south to experience the highlight of the trip. It’s what we have been waiting for all year… MANATEES!!!!!

We usually have dinner together, get a good nights’ rest and the next morning we get up bright and early, load the pontoon boat(s) and tool up the river to where the manatees meet and play. If you look off the port and starboard side of the boat you may see the manatees passing the boat heading to the same area. Once we anchor, everyone enters the water and plays with the manatees until their heart is content (usually after a couple of hours, everyone’s heart is content). We bid the manatees farewell until next year, putt back to the marina, shower, check out of the hotel and hit the road towards home. Just think “another adventure down and many more to come”.

Come join us. If you have never done this trip, you will not regret it. Whether you are a diver or not it is a great adventure. It is such a great trip that we have divers, non-divers, families and friends who come back year after year to continue the adventure. Hope to see you soon.

Sean :)

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