denise
11-30-2011, 07:17 PM
Snorkel Dive Plan for Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River, Florida
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/threesisterssprings_111.jpg
Site Summary
Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River area of Florida was threatened by the prospect of development for many years, but thanks to alot of hard work and effort, it recently became a protected, national wildlife refuge, now under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Three Sisters Springs is a very popular area for manatee encounters. Manatees are very abundant here, but there are some very strict rules for interactions with them (no-go areas where manatees can rest without being disturbed; strict no-touch policies). Scuba diving is NOT a good way to see manatees, as they are scared away with scuba gear and the bubbles. Snorkeling gear is a must if you would like to get up close with them, and they will usually approach the boats and snorkelers.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/divermanateefws_22.jpg
Site Description:
Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three springs, and a series of vents and sand boils that feed the headwaters of Crystal River, Florida. There is an abundance of life in the springs, both fresh and salt water fish reside here. These springs are also one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/manateefws_555.jpg
The mouth of the Three Sisters run is blocked by concrete posts to prevent boat access, kayaks, canoes and swimmers can enter this area. The land surrounding the springs is privately owned property and there is no landfall or boat tie up permitted.
The area outside the "main" headspring area is where most of the activity (and manatee encounters occur). The waters around and downstream from the springs are crystal clear, with a light white sandy bottom. Depth ranges from 3 to 18 feet, and the area is best explored by snorkeling.
Three Sisters Springs was used by Jacques Cousteau to help rehabilitate a manatee called "Sewer Sam," that became trapped in a Miami sewer system and was subsequently rescued. Cousteau, his crew and several volunteers transferred Sam to the Three Sisters Springs until he had acclimated to the area. After his release, Sewer Sam swam out into Kings Bay, where he joined the other manatees gathering there.
Location:
The GPS location of Three Sisters Springs is N 28.53.28 and W 82.35.36
This map shows Three Sisters Springs in relation to the other springs in the Crystal River area:
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/mapofmanateearea_.jpg
Access:
Access to Three Sisters Springs is by boat.
It is HIGHLY advisable that you make prior arrangements before you get there! The closest air fills and gear rentals are in Crystal River. You need to organize any gear you need, and your boat ride ahead of time.
Some operators in the area are:
* Bird's Underwater
320 N.W. Highway 19
Crystal River, FL 34428
1.800.771.2763
* Crystal Lodge Dive Center
525 NW 7th Ave,
Crystal River, Florida 34428
(352) 795-6798
After locating and confirming your transportation to the springs, please allow adequate time to load the boat and sign forms etc. Load all your dive gear on the boat. Make sure you have everything before the boat takes off.
Water Temperature, conditions and Depths:
The temperature of Three Sisters Springs is 72F/22C degrees year round. A 5mm wetsuit (or thicker) and hood is recommended.
Remember this snorkel dive can be as long as the boat will allow (usually 60-90 minutes), don’t let cold be the limiting factor to leave the water :)
Depth in the area ranges from 3-18 feet, it is quite shallow in most areas.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/threesiserspringsfws222.jpg
Visibility in the area usually starts as pristine, but as the day progresses it deteriorates. Swimmers, snorkelers and boat traffic mess up the visibility...so early morning visits are recommended.
Weather conditions:
Current weather conditions at Rainbow River can be found by clicking here (http://www.weather.com/weather/today/USFL0099)
Route:
Entering the water is done directly from the boat. The crew will give detailed instructions of the area to be toured. Pay particular attention to allotted time in the water, safety instructions, and Manatee Interaction Rules.
Wildlife you can expect to see at Three Sisters Springs:
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/manateefws_666.jpg
Manatees (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?398-Manatees) are in the area year round, but are most common and plentiful in the colder months. January and February have the most sightings. Mornings are best for manatee (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?398-Manatees) viewings, as the day progresses, the area gets busier, siltier, and often the manatees move out to other areas. There are some strict rules that must be obeyed for interacting with manatees (no-go areas where manatees can rest without being disturbed; strict no-touch policies, see below for full list of rules).
There is an abundance of other fresh and salt water critters also living in the area, bass (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?406-Bass), sunfish, turtles (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?873-Freshwater-Turtles), mullet (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?396-Mullet), gray snappers, sheepshead and tarpon to name a few.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/SuwanneeCooterTurtle.jpg
Recommended Dive Gear:
Normal snorkel gear, and a thick wetsuit, is sufficient for this snorkel dive.
By law each diver pair/team MUST carry a diver's down flag! If diving from a boat, they will have this on display when their snorkelers are in the water.
Dive Procedures:
Maintain visual contact with your buddy at all times. If in a large group, be sure to regroup and make sure that all divers are accounted for prior to exiting onto the boat.
Environmental Interaction Suggestions:
Manatees are an Endangered Species. There are laws that protect them, stating "It is unlawful for any person, at any time, by any means, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass or disturb any manatee." Anything that disrupts a manatee's normal behavior is a violation of law, punishable under federal law up to a $50,000 fine, one-year imprisonment, or both.
The following rules need to be adhered to when interacting with manatees:
* Do not approach the manatee before it approaches you.
* Do not actively swim after, chase or corner a manatee.
* Do not poke, probe, or stab a manatee with any object, including hands and feet.
* Do not separate the cow from it's calf, or the calf from the cow.
* Do not separate one animal from the herd.
* Do not hook, hold, reach, grab or ride a manatee.
* Do not feed or give (fresh) water to the manatees.
* Avoid excessive noise and splashing when swimming with the manatees.
* Never interrupt a sleeping or feeding manatee.
There are special no-go areas, where manatees are allowed to rest without being disturbed....do NOT enter these areas.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/manateenogofws_33.jpg
If you are driving a boat, pay attention and abide to the local signs. Spots where manatees congregate are marked, "no entry", "no wake," "caution zones" and "idle only zones". Wearing sunglasses makes it alot more likely to see beneath the surface of the water so you can spot manatees near the surface. Look for fins, tails, and snouts protruding from the water and avoid the area. Stay in deep water whenever possible. Manatees prefer shallow areas so you are more likely to avoid them in deeper waters.
Always Call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), *FWC or #FWC on your cellular phone to report an injured manatee, or violations of manatee rules.
Aggressive pursuit of manatees by swimmers, divers or boaters, may alter their normal behavior, and cause injury to them by exposing them to cold water temperatures, or a lack of food if they are forced to flee the area.
Emergency Information:
Calling 911 will activate EMS in the area.
Always call DAN after 911 in the case of a dive emergency which may require medical attention. They can be reached at 1-919-684-4326.
DAN should be called in the case of any diving medical emergency. They will refer you to the correct chamber, if necessary.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_feb_14/DSC07742.jpg
Enjoy your snorkel dive, be safe, and have fun!
Crystal River, Florida
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/threesisterssprings_111.jpg
Site Summary
Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River area of Florida was threatened by the prospect of development for many years, but thanks to alot of hard work and effort, it recently became a protected, national wildlife refuge, now under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Three Sisters Springs is a very popular area for manatee encounters. Manatees are very abundant here, but there are some very strict rules for interactions with them (no-go areas where manatees can rest without being disturbed; strict no-touch policies). Scuba diving is NOT a good way to see manatees, as they are scared away with scuba gear and the bubbles. Snorkeling gear is a must if you would like to get up close with them, and they will usually approach the boats and snorkelers.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/divermanateefws_22.jpg
Site Description:
Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three springs, and a series of vents and sand boils that feed the headwaters of Crystal River, Florida. There is an abundance of life in the springs, both fresh and salt water fish reside here. These springs are also one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/manateefws_555.jpg
The mouth of the Three Sisters run is blocked by concrete posts to prevent boat access, kayaks, canoes and swimmers can enter this area. The land surrounding the springs is privately owned property and there is no landfall or boat tie up permitted.
The area outside the "main" headspring area is where most of the activity (and manatee encounters occur). The waters around and downstream from the springs are crystal clear, with a light white sandy bottom. Depth ranges from 3 to 18 feet, and the area is best explored by snorkeling.
Three Sisters Springs was used by Jacques Cousteau to help rehabilitate a manatee called "Sewer Sam," that became trapped in a Miami sewer system and was subsequently rescued. Cousteau, his crew and several volunteers transferred Sam to the Three Sisters Springs until he had acclimated to the area. After his release, Sewer Sam swam out into Kings Bay, where he joined the other manatees gathering there.
Location:
The GPS location of Three Sisters Springs is N 28.53.28 and W 82.35.36
This map shows Three Sisters Springs in relation to the other springs in the Crystal River area:
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/mapofmanateearea_.jpg
Access:
Access to Three Sisters Springs is by boat.
It is HIGHLY advisable that you make prior arrangements before you get there! The closest air fills and gear rentals are in Crystal River. You need to organize any gear you need, and your boat ride ahead of time.
Some operators in the area are:
* Bird's Underwater
320 N.W. Highway 19
Crystal River, FL 34428
1.800.771.2763
* Crystal Lodge Dive Center
525 NW 7th Ave,
Crystal River, Florida 34428
(352) 795-6798
After locating and confirming your transportation to the springs, please allow adequate time to load the boat and sign forms etc. Load all your dive gear on the boat. Make sure you have everything before the boat takes off.
Water Temperature, conditions and Depths:
The temperature of Three Sisters Springs is 72F/22C degrees year round. A 5mm wetsuit (or thicker) and hood is recommended.
Remember this snorkel dive can be as long as the boat will allow (usually 60-90 minutes), don’t let cold be the limiting factor to leave the water :)
Depth in the area ranges from 3-18 feet, it is quite shallow in most areas.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/threesiserspringsfws222.jpg
Visibility in the area usually starts as pristine, but as the day progresses it deteriorates. Swimmers, snorkelers and boat traffic mess up the visibility...so early morning visits are recommended.
Weather conditions:
Current weather conditions at Rainbow River can be found by clicking here (http://www.weather.com/weather/today/USFL0099)
Route:
Entering the water is done directly from the boat. The crew will give detailed instructions of the area to be toured. Pay particular attention to allotted time in the water, safety instructions, and Manatee Interaction Rules.
Wildlife you can expect to see at Three Sisters Springs:
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/manateefws_666.jpg
Manatees (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?398-Manatees) are in the area year round, but are most common and plentiful in the colder months. January and February have the most sightings. Mornings are best for manatee (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?398-Manatees) viewings, as the day progresses, the area gets busier, siltier, and often the manatees move out to other areas. There are some strict rules that must be obeyed for interacting with manatees (no-go areas where manatees can rest without being disturbed; strict no-touch policies, see below for full list of rules).
There is an abundance of other fresh and salt water critters also living in the area, bass (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?406-Bass), sunfish, turtles (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?873-Freshwater-Turtles), mullet (http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/showthread.php?396-Mullet), gray snappers, sheepshead and tarpon to name a few.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/SuwanneeCooterTurtle.jpg
Recommended Dive Gear:
Normal snorkel gear, and a thick wetsuit, is sufficient for this snorkel dive.
By law each diver pair/team MUST carry a diver's down flag! If diving from a boat, they will have this on display when their snorkelers are in the water.
Dive Procedures:
Maintain visual contact with your buddy at all times. If in a large group, be sure to regroup and make sure that all divers are accounted for prior to exiting onto the boat.
Environmental Interaction Suggestions:
Manatees are an Endangered Species. There are laws that protect them, stating "It is unlawful for any person, at any time, by any means, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass or disturb any manatee." Anything that disrupts a manatee's normal behavior is a violation of law, punishable under federal law up to a $50,000 fine, one-year imprisonment, or both.
The following rules need to be adhered to when interacting with manatees:
* Do not approach the manatee before it approaches you.
* Do not actively swim after, chase or corner a manatee.
* Do not poke, probe, or stab a manatee with any object, including hands and feet.
* Do not separate the cow from it's calf, or the calf from the cow.
* Do not separate one animal from the herd.
* Do not hook, hold, reach, grab or ride a manatee.
* Do not feed or give (fresh) water to the manatees.
* Avoid excessive noise and splashing when swimming with the manatees.
* Never interrupt a sleeping or feeding manatee.
There are special no-go areas, where manatees are allowed to rest without being disturbed....do NOT enter these areas.
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/2011/manateenogofws_33.jpg
If you are driving a boat, pay attention and abide to the local signs. Spots where manatees congregate are marked, "no entry", "no wake," "caution zones" and "idle only zones". Wearing sunglasses makes it alot more likely to see beneath the surface of the water so you can spot manatees near the surface. Look for fins, tails, and snouts protruding from the water and avoid the area. Stay in deep water whenever possible. Manatees prefer shallow areas so you are more likely to avoid them in deeper waters.
Always Call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), *FWC or #FWC on your cellular phone to report an injured manatee, or violations of manatee rules.
Aggressive pursuit of manatees by swimmers, divers or boaters, may alter their normal behavior, and cause injury to them by exposing them to cold water temperatures, or a lack of food if they are forced to flee the area.
Emergency Information:
Calling 911 will activate EMS in the area.
Always call DAN after 911 in the case of a dive emergency which may require medical attention. They can be reached at 1-919-684-4326.
DAN should be called in the case of any diving medical emergency. They will refer you to the correct chamber, if necessary.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_feb_14/DSC07742.jpg
Enjoy your snorkel dive, be safe, and have fun!