Manatee Springs

This is a must visit place for divers of all levels, the sink hole known as catfish hotel is beyond words. It may be scary for a new diver but only upon entering then amazement will take over.

Dove Manatee Springs & Catfish Hotel (2 springs within the same state park) during OWD cert dives. Manatee Springs has very high flow at the mouth of the cave(rn), but still very diveable across the odd underwater 'forest' landscape. High flow allows 'log wrangling,' which is walking across a fallen log across the entire opening, hanging on as if dangling from an airplane. Catfish hotel has more life (as name would indicate), and is deeper, but not as wide. Don't be intimidated by the duckweed on the surface: it's only a plant floating on the surface. Move it easily out of your way on entry. Bubbles clear it out of your way while you're under the water. Didn't cling to my gear, but there is a shower immediately upon exiting.

This was a good 1 tank dive. Not much wild life, but lots of snorkelers, boats. Nice picnic area and facilities. Current from the spring is like standing in a 50 mph wind! Over all not much to see through. Had to do it once.

Great fun dive, weird green lighting, and almost like a walk in the woods at the bottom. Inlet to the spring was really strong but very localized strong current to drop into and get "blown away". I'd do it again anytime!

We dove from the state park. There are great caves, and just to dive the spring was fun. Wildlife was good; we had a deer walk up to us. Plenty of deep blue water!

Lots of manatees - few crowds. Need at least a 3-7 mil suit with hood. Temperature about 72 degrees. Visibility was 10-15 feet early morning. Be aware of FL law concerning manatees. No diving, just snorkeling. No flash photography. No chasing or feeding. Must enter water from boats VERY quietly so as not to disturb manatees. Fabulous experience for everyone of any age. Winter is best time since crowds are few.

We found this place by mistake while doing a snorkeling road trip last spring break and ended up staying two nights. It isn't the biggest of springs but was very impressed and had more fun here than at Ginnie Springs (also visited that trip). At the time of going, March 15, 2005 timeframe, there were no crowds to speak of. Wildlife was great, tons of fish and turtles. Manatees closing the spring was not an issue. Camping facilities were great and the animals were almost tame, but bring your own firewood.