We are having our annual trip to Crystal River, Florida to play with the manatees! If you are unfamiliar with this trip, this is a NON-diving trip! On this trip we get to interact with the West Indian Manatee on snorkel gear only; no SCUBA! Therefore, this is a great trip for kids, and non-diving family members or friends. We will be snorkeling down the Rainbow River on Saturday. CLICK HERE to view a video. We have two pontoon boats reserved for Sunday to go out and find some manatees!

Accommodations are for the Best Western Crystal River for Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. The motel is conveniently located and the dive shop is at the motel. There is a wonderful gift shop at the motel, with lots of manatee souvenirs to choose from! We have reserved 8 non-smoking rooms with double beds in each room. Saturday afternoon (4:00 pm) we will meet at the dive shop to watch a required film for interacting with Manatee’s and also to rent any gear for Sunday’s trip. We have two pontoon boats reserved for our manatee interaction on Sunday from 8:00 am til.5:00 pm(EST). We will come back to the dock for lunch on Sunday.

You will only need snorkeling gear and a good wetsuit. Water temperature will be around 70-72*. Here are some pictures from one of our previous trips.

COST: Includes 3 Nights accommodations at the Best Western, Rainbow River snorkeling trip on Saturday (there is $5.00 park fee not included), pontoon trip to play with the manatees on Sunday, and all motel and dive boat taxes and surcharges.

• Double Room with 2 people per room: $240.00
• Double Room with 3 people per room: $175.00
• Double Room with 4 people per room: $160.00

This is an educational experience and many school groups make this trip annually. Anyone can follow us down on Friday if they wish. Departure time to be announced. There will be $50.00 deposit for each person and the balance will be due by January 1, 2013. (no re-funds after January 7) On January 7, we must give a firm commitment to the hotel and the dive shop for the pontoon boats. We can take a maximum of 14 people. (We are allowed only 8 people per pontoon) Last year this trip was booked full within the first two weeks (We will have a stand-by list in case there is a last minute conflict) Make checks payable to: Barracuda Divers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Terry Briscoe or Phil Hutchens. A more detailed schedule will be given to all those who sign up.

Terry Briscoe
Phone: 256-352-9234
E-mail Terry.A.Briscoe@ulalaunch.com
Phil Hutchens
Phone: 256-590-9439
E-mail phil@barracudadivers.com

We are planning a trip to Marathon and Looe Key during spring break week, March 27 - 31, Wednesday through Sunday. Mark your calendar. Details coming soon!

DIVE TRIP WAIVER FORM

The printable version of the Dive Trip Waiver form can be downloaded here.