After one too many snowstorms, a few of us local divers headed down to Florida for a week of diving.  The first stop was Crystal River to see the Manatees.   I joined the group, with my first dive with these gentle giants.  I must admit to being a bit intimidated at first.  Some of them are over 1200 lbs.   I’m a big guy, but that’s over 5 times my size!  Like Sea Lions and Seals, these creatures are much more agile in the water than we are.

There are procedures in place to protect the Manatees, and after spending only a few minutes with them, I understand why.  While they seem to be intelligent and curious, they also have stress in
 their lives.  In our attempt to interact with them, we should not add to this.

 The divers in our group were very experienced, and the Manatees seemed to enjoy interacting with us.  As with most animals, fast erratic movements frighten them.  If they are curious, a slow moving, calm diver is not threatening, and they readily interact.    By interact, I mean they swim right up to you, look you in the eye, and may even roll over to get their belly rubbed. Ok, so they are not as intimidating at this point.

The water in this area is only 3-10 ft deep, and apparently bubbles from SCUBA seem to scare them, so everyone is just snorkeling with them.  However, the Manatees don’t quite seem to understand this.  Often they will engage, then drop down to the bottom.  Obviously we can only stay there a few moments on snorkel, and they pop up again to see what happened.

If you have ever considered diving with the Manatees, I highly recommend it.  Winter is a great time, and the cold ocean water encourages them to congregate in the warm spring water.  I hope to run another trip down there next year, so keep watch the calendar for the dates.

New Classes Added-  Class Schedule

Basic Open Water in March and April

Basic Open Water Fast Track Class in March

 

Ultimate Advanced Class

 

Rescue Class

 

First Aid /CPR

 

Dan Oxygen Provider

For more information about training, click here Class Schedule or call the shop  610-279 3700! 

"Bring a Buddy" Program Remember your first SCUBA experience?   Why not give a friend or family member that same experience!  We have classes starting in March, click here for more information - Class Schedule

To say "Thanks" for referring someone to a Basic Open Water class, Adventure Scuba will give you a $ 50 discount on your next level certification class.  Why not introduce a friend to SCUBA and advance your skills at the same time.If you are not a diver, why not give yourself a gift!  Better yet get, your friends together and take the class as a group.  For every friend you bring to take the class with you, Adventure Scuba will credit $ 50 towards the cost of your class.

 If you have an Island Vacation trip planned, this is a great way to experience the underwater world with family and friends.

There is no prettier river than the St. Lawrence in the 1000 Islands region separating upstate New York from Ontario Canada.  There is constant commercial shipping traffic up and down the river between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic and therefore plenty of shipwrecks to dive.  During this time of year the water is still relatively warm-it was in the low to mid 60s.  The visibility was 40 to 50 feet.  There is a constant current which is the challenge of river diving.