Manatee Springs State Park
Join our King of the Springs, John Mowrey as you explore the crystle clear waters at Dive Catfish hotel and Manatee Springs, located near Chiefland in Manatee Springs State Park!
Catfish Hotel is the main dive site for open-water divers. It is an offset sinkhole approximately 125 feet across at its widest point. The north side is a slightly overhanging wall that drops to depths of around 50 feet at a large cavern entrance. The top of the sink hole is covered in lily pads, but you are in for a spectacular view once you descend into the clear water!
Availability: In Stock
Manatee Springs State Park is located six miles west of teh town of Chiefland (11650 NW 115th St, Chiefland, FL 32626). Once you arrive to the park, there is a ranger station at the entrance where you will ned to stop, sign in and show proof of certification.
- When entering the park there is a Park entrance fee is $6 per car (up to 8 people) or $4 per car for an individual (not included, pay on site)
From there you will drive to a large parking area at the very back of the park where you will meet up with John!
Make sure you take the speed limit signs seriously; they sure do! From the parking lot, it is about a 400 ft walk to either the main spring or Catfish Hotel.
- We will be doing two dives
- Dive lights are required for these dives
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Water temperature at Catfish Hotel is 71 to 75 degrees F. The Springs have a constant water temperature of 72 degrees F.
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make sure you plan your thermal protection appropriately for you.
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There are restrooms on site.
There is no gear rental or tank service so you need to bring all your equipment including a tank with you when you come.
Remember to swing by the shop to rent tanks, weights, and any other gear that you will need for the trip!
