Located on the western coast of Florida, Crystal River is a town largely built up around the shores of Kings Bay in Citrus County. Perhaps the prime attraction the area offers is scuba diving. Within a short drive, throughout Citrus County, the recreational scuba diver will find a number of opportunities to enjoy open water diving, spring diving, off-shore trips or even a relaxing opportunity to ditch the tanks and see some wonderful sites simply snorkeling.
Crystal River is located on the western coast of Florida about an hour off of Interstate-75. The town has a number of diving operations that can provide essentially anything a recreational diver would need. In fact, it is completely possible, with adequate time, to show up with a bathing suit and a towel and at the end of your stay leave a certified scuba diver.
The various diver operations can provide pontoon boats, john boats, group boat transportation, equipment, air fills, training, maps and can even assist in arranging diving at other locations outside of Crystal River.
Diving for All Ages in Kings Bay
The main location people go to dive in and around Crystal River is Kings Bay. Kings Bay is a calm and spacious bay that contains a number of fresh water springs that make for interesting dives. In the main springs in the bay there are large caverns, rock formations, numerous fish and other interesting sites. Depths can reach 60 feet. It is not unusual for the visibility to be upwards of 80 feet; however, it is also not unusual for the visibility to be under 10 feet so be prepared. Generally in the winter months the visibility improves. Any of the diver operations will be able to provide directions to the best springs on the bay and will be able to offer information to the diving conditions. All of this makes Kings Bay a perfect destination for divers of all ages.
Crystal River, Home of the Manatees
In addition to the main springs one of the most appealing opportunities found in Crystal River is the opportunity to experience the manatee in the wild. Manatees are large, plant eating marine mammals sometimes know as "sea cows." In the winter months manatees congregate in Kings Bay to take advantage of the warmer waters. As a result Kings Bay is a manatee protection area. This means speed limits for watercraft and also means restrictions on the use of scuba around the manatees. However, in the months from November to March it also means the opportunity to be in the water with these creatures.
Manatees can grow up to 12 feet and can weigh over 1500 pounds. To have the opportunity to be in the water with one of these animals is truly an experience not to be missed. If you are planning on traveling to Crystal River to swim with the manatees, make sure to plan to come in the winter months and unless you have been to Crystal River before, work with a local dive operation to ensure the most success during your stay.
Kings Bay Lodging
There are a number of locally owned hotels in Crystal River, as well as a number of chain hotels. Since it is a popular destination, plan in advance before coming. Of the hotels there are an abundance of properties located on Kings Bay and most hotels have dive shops associated with the property. A number of the hotels even have marinas allowing the opportunity to dive from where you are staying. There are also a number of dining options in the area.
Crystal River provides a great opportunity for the recreational diver to enjoy a number of diving opportunities in a central area. Plan ahead, be safe and, most of all, enjoy.
Sean Keefer - I am an attorney and a writer living in the Charleston, South Carolina area. I write about current events, legal issues, photography, ...
