Jeanne and Ed's Trip to visit the
Manatees and Springs of Central Florida
January 8 through 12, 2014
Please take a moment to read our Central Florida document designed to help answer a majority of the questions you may have regarding this trip.
During January of 2015 Ed Tiedemann is running a trip to Florida for some very interesting diving. On that trip we will be snorkeling with the Manatees and enjoying the almost unlimited visibility of the beautiful Springs of Central Florida. We have four dive sites planned during our three diving days together. We will be using Gainesville, Florida as our base of operations.
Up close and Personal with the Gentle Giants...
On our first day, we will be snorkeling around the springs of Crystal River. We will go looking for the Manatees. The river has a number of different Springs (the water coming from the Springs is a constant 72 degrees in temperature and crystal clear). This warm water attracts the Manatees. The Manatees are very large mammals, which are very much like seals (but much slower). They are one of the most interesting animals we can hope to see underwater. If we are careful not to disturb them, we may be able to get close enough to have your picture taken with one.
Since the Manatees are an endangered species there are restrictions on where divers can snorkel in the river. These restrictions are making it more difficult for us to see the Manatees each year. This year could be the last year that we get the chance to dive with these fascinating creatures. After our morning snorkel with the Manatees we will visit Blue Grotto for some Spring Diving.
Ancient Rock Formations, Stalactites, Fossil Beds, and more...
On the second day we will be diving Devil's Den. It is an interesting spring dive with some fascinating formations. Here we will be doing a very exciting night dive for everyone on the trip who is certified as a night diver. If you do not have your night diver certification, you can do the night diving course we are offering and get your certification on the trip by doing this incredible night dive.
Looking through the sinkhole...
Divers entering Ginnie Ballroom - Open Water is all that is required to enjoy this spectacular dive site.
The World's Favorite Freshwater Dive!
On our third day we will be diving Ginnie Springs. Ginnie Springs is one of the largest and most interesting Springs in Central Florida. It has often been called "the world's favorite freshwater dive" and it's no exaggeration. Over the years, thousands of divers from around the world have marveled at Ginnie Springs' crystal-clear water and startling natural beauty.
They have several of diving's most notable freshwater dive sites right here on the premises, including world-famous Ginnie Spring and the Devil Spring system. These underwater sites are among the world's most used systems for certified Cavern and Cave Divers.
The Springs of the area offer almost unlimited visibility. The waters coming out of the Springs are crystal clear and diving in the Spring can give you an unreal feeling of flying through the air. This is a diving experience not to be missed.
Accommodations
We'll be spending Wednesday through Saturday evening at the Cabot Lodge in Gainesville. Right off I-75 and centrally located to all our dive destinations, the Cabot Lodge offers such a relaxing atmosphere that you'll get the feeling you never left home. Included is a complimentary continental breakfast complete with fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, bagels and a two-hour complimentary cocktail reception with free, freshly-popped popcorn.
Designed around a most hospitable concept, Cabot Lodge offers you such a relaxing atmosphere, you'll get the feeling you never left home.
The Cabot Lodge is located in the center of our three dive locations and several dive shops for those "last-minute" items. And with a dozen restaurants all minutes away, you can always find something you'll like.
The cost of the trip includes: Diving escort service of Ed Tiedemann and Staff * Accommodations for five days and four nights at the Cabot Lodge in Gainesville (double occupancy) * Continental Breakfast at the lodge *Three days of diving - four locations - Manatee snorkel boat dive, Blue Grotto, Devil’s Den & Ginnie Springs * All boat and entrance fees * All air fills * Use of tanks and weights
Group size is limited - so book early!
The fee does not include food or transportation to Florida and transportation in Florida (you will need to have a car or be in a car pool to reach the dive sites). Divers on the trip usually fly to Gainesville, Jacksonville or Orlando and rent a car. We will be helping to set up car pools to save on car rental expenses. Please contact us with your travel information so we may assist you in any of your travel needs.
One reason for planning our trip to the springs of Central Florida is that during the Winter months, the Florida Keys and East coast of Florida can be very unpredictable. High winds can make boat diving (which we have to do in the Keys or on the coast) difficult if not impossible. The springs offer almost guaranteed good diving and the visual beauty is unbelievable. Another reason for choosing this area is that it is only a couple of hours from the Orlando area. With so many great things to do in Orlando, you can enjoy some great diving and have a fun-filled vacation.
We will have a meeting at the Center before the trip so that everyone can get to know each other and review the details of the trip. The number of divers that can go on the trip is limited. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to go. A deposit of $100.00 is needed to hold a place on the trip for you. If you have any questions about the trip you can reach us at the Center, 516-796-6560.
Open Water Certifications
If you have not yet done your Open Water Dives for certification, this three-day trip is ideally set up just for that. This means a great vacation and having the chance to complete your open water training at the same time. There are not too many people who can say that they did their open water dives while swimming with the Manatees or seeing the crystal clear springs of Florida. The additional fee for certification includes all the instruction and your certification card. If you need equipment, you can rent a full set (BC, wet suit, hood, regulator, pressure gauge and "octopus") but you must transport the equipment from Long Island to Florida to get that great price.
Advanced Specialty Courses
Since we are going to dive in some very interesting areas we will also be teaching some of the most popular Advanced Specialties that we offer at Tiedemann's Diving Center. Our Advanced Open Water Diver program is a program designed to help you be the best you can. It is based on taking 4 of our Advanced Specialties and logging 24 dives. With the dives on this trip and the numerous club dives planned for Long Island, you should have no problem doing your logged dives to reach the needed 24.
If you really want to be the best you can, plan to keep going after your Advanced towards your Master Diver Certification. This is the highest level of civilian certification. Master Diver Certification is awarded to divers who have done 50 logged dives, 4 specialties and have taken Rescue Diver. A great goal that will make you the best you can be.
Here is a list of the programs we will be offering during our Central Florida trip:
Night Diver
It is a whole new world at night underwater. See what it's all about. You must have Night Diver qualifications (which you get with this program) if you wish to go on a club night dive.
Computer Diving
Have a computer and not sure how it works? Thinking about getting a computer? Then this is the program for you.
Underwater Photography
With a night in the pool, you're ready to take the challenge of taking pictures in our local waters.
Enriched Air Nitrox
All divers can benefit from the increased safety margins that Nitrox provides. Complete your lectures in New York and make your certification dives in Florida.