Annual Pass for Florida Springs

Now I have talked about a few springs accessible to divers. The best way to dive all these parks is to buy the annual pass either for the individual or for a family. The prices are as follows: 60$ for the individual and 120$ for a family(group of up to 8.) The best bargain is to get a few friends and split the family plan with a few divers. These passes can be purchased at any ranger station and some museums.

Good diving from Justin

Stuarts cove

Well I just got back from Stuart cove it was amazing im going to give everyone the low down on all the good diving and tips plus I will throw in some pictures of the shark dive I have. Working on the photos now I will throw them up later on today

Stuart cove

Ok so im going to stuarts cove starting tomorrow...Im going for their famous shark dive I will let you guys know how it goes. Expect to see many pictures. I found a few cheap deals but I wanted to give them a try before I tell anyone about it so check in, in a few days for the review!

Annual Pass Florida Springs

Now I have talked about a few springs accessible to divers. The best way to dive all these parks is to buy the annual pass either for the individual or for a family. The prices are as follows: 60$ for the individual and 120$ for a family(group of up to 8.) The best bargain is to get a few friends and split the family plan with a few divers. These passes can be purchased at any ranger station and some museums.

Good diving from Justin

Why Nitrox

Something most people do not think about. Nitrox, well it extends your No Decompression Limit(NDL.) The dive still cost the same no matter how long you stay down. So by extending your stay in the water and on the bottom, you offset the cost of the certification. Getting every second you can from a dive is the way to go in my book. Added benefits well it lowers your nitrogen intake decreasing the chance of getting nitrogen narcosis(narked.)I understand the class can be a little pricey at times but if you are flying or driving half way around the world to dive dont you think staying in the water is a more cost effective way of diving cheap.So basically get certified. Now if anyone has any ideas I would like to hear it.Thanks!

Good diving from Justin

Weeki Wachee Springs, Fl

Weeki Wachee is a dive in the headsprings. Turtles can often be found here along with some manatees and the occasional mermaid. This dive is really nice, very big area to spread out and see the wildlife. The water here is constant just like the rest of the springs, 72 degrees. It is located just off US Hwy 19. The location is close to many places to eat. The shows that are offered here are very entertaining for kids and adults. This is a dive you can make a whole day out of with diving and other entertainment. The visibility on this dive ranges from 100 ft to forever. To sum it all up, this is a must dive for all experience levels and should be on everyones to do list of dive locations.

Good diving from Justin

Brac, Cayman Islands

Now this island is a little smaller then Grand Cayman, but when it comes to underwater beauty it is just as pristine. The waters around all these islands has been protected for many years so the fish life is abundant and pristine. The water temp is a cool 83 degrees. The trick to coming to this island is to book a villa. Yes thats right a villa. It will only run you about 888$. That's 7 days with 5 days of 2 tank boat dives, which you can upgrade if you'd like to 5 days of 3 tank boat dives for a 100$ more. Now if you book it with more then 2 people you can look to save 30$ off each additional person after 2. So do I still have you? The rates are valid from January 1, 2009 - December 17, 2010. So now can you afford that special dive trip??? I thought so.Either type in Brac Cayman Islands in google or send me a message I can help guide you the right wat

Good diving from Justin

Crystal River Springs

This is a very nice dive, I really like this place. It's not uncommon to see multiple manatees on this dive. Now you can kayak and dive here very easily but if you do not have one you can all rent them from a local operator. If you really do not want to paddle you can always try a boat rental, really affordable actually. Rental rates are 25$ an hour but if there are multiple divers this is the way to go. Now another way to go. Its a little more money but it comes with a guide that is not only knowledgeable but courtesy. It usually runs at 12 and then another at 12:30. The tour at 12:30 is at the spring head which is a very nice dive. The rates on these dives range from 30 to 40$ pp.

Good diving from Justin

Little cayman, Cayman Islands

Now here is an island basically devoted to us divers (what i like to call paradise.) You can expect to have your mind blown by the diving here, also the affordability. Now in the peek you're looking at rates with 20 dives room and board(breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)That range from 1036$ to 2111$, just depending on the level of how much you want to get pampered. Those are both 6 days and over. The resorts down there are really competitive so you could snag a room in a bad month for much cheaper, depending on how well you can communicate. If at anytime anyone has any questions feel free to shoot me a comment or if you want a little privacy, a message will be fine.

Good diving from justin.

Defog

  Quick tip for the avid diver. The diving culture says, not to spit in your mask. I can agree with that for many reasons. Another option that is almost as cheap. Baby shampoo is alternative to the traditional defog. But with a price that is one third of the price and five times more product then the standard defog. Usually I go for the shampoo that says no tears, just in case. This trick is used by many dive professionals, they often refer to this as the secret ingredient. Well the secret is out. Enjoy!!!

Good diving from Justin

Cruising

This is a post I really enjoy. Cruising is like a window to far off lands. They include food, ride and the bonus of no baggage fee. This is a my favorite way to dive cheap. The way I optimize my cruise experience is I try to do everything (free) on the boat. Its not just the ports you visit that make the cruising experience its the entertainment and the food.  Port days I try to dive at every port. This is a awesome way to scope the places you want to dive and the op you choose to dive with. The way I keep the cost down and get a more customized dive; I do not book on the ship they are typically 40$ to 50$ pp more. Diving with the ship is an experience yes but you do not get to choose your dives. Now the people that book with the ship all go to the same dive spot so what ends up happening is crowding maybe not on the boat but definitely in the water. Diving with the ship has only one perk. The ship will wait if something happen, that is it. But the operators in these tropical environment know that their performance directly influences their bottom line so they do every thing in their power to make sure you are on that boat. It is vital to their business because most cruiser cruise. The biggest portion of the people that cruise are repeat cruiser they make up about 70% of the market. So basically it is safe and cheaper. Weigh out the pros and cons make your decision. I have been on a few cruises with Carnival and Norwegian so far Carnival has been my favorite but check it out their are many deals out their lets go get some.


Good diving from Justin

Manatee Springs

Manatee springs is a good dive, awesome to help you get some dives in. But make sure you check in with the park that way they have a record of who is diving. This dive is usually considered open water, cavern and cave. Know your limits and dive smart because more than likely your phone has no service. Make sure you bring your own tanks, weights, and your gear. There is no rental shop here, just a food store. Bring cash because thats all the store accepts at this time. Also do bring a wagon and a blanket. Unless you like making 20 trips back to the car. The blanket serves as a place to set your gear on. I liked this dive. This is the spring I dove; when completing my cavern certification. So just to recap bring a wagon, blanket, cash and do not forget to check in with the park that way if you went missing they know where to look. This step should not be missed. The price for a dive like this is about 30$. Also this spring is included in your annual pass. Check this site for all your questions. http://www.floridastateparks.org/manateesprings/

Good diving from Justin