Scuba

What It Feels Like

USFWS specifically identifies King Spring near Banana Island for year-round scuba in lawful areas and Three Sisters for scuba April 1-November 14. Bird's Underwater and Crystal River Watersports advertise training and guided dive services from Crystal River. Call to verify an actual local spring departure; a dive shop's inland cave excursions are not sites in this visitor region.

Signature Sites

Start Here

King Spring (Tarpon Hole / marked keyhole)
The refuge's expressly named year-round scuba option, with buoy-defined winter access limits beside Banana Island.
Three Sisters Springs
An aquifer-fed three-spring system with scuba access only April 1-November 14 and separate land versus water entrances.

Planning Playbook

Operator Checklist

Ask the operator whether the proposed dive is actually in Kings Bay, what permission or buoy boundaries apply, whether tanks/weights and guide are included, and whether weather, tide, visibility or manatee closures could alter the route. Manatee-focused snorkel tours are a separate product. The Homosassa Springs state-park headspring cannot be used for recreational scuba. This guide does not include private cavern destinations outside Crystal River/Homosassa.

Conditions Fallback

Ask the operator whether the proposed dive is actually in Kings Bay, what permission or buoy boundaries apply, whether tanks/weights and guide are included, and whether weather, tide, visibility or manatee closures could alter the route. Manatee-focused snorkel tours are a separate product. The Homosassa Springs state-park headspring cannot be used for recreational scuba. This guide does not include private cavern destinations outside Crystal River/Homosassa.

Avoid

Do not ignore protected manatee sanctuaries advisories from local operators.

Scuba In 30 Seconds

Best Window: April to May and October to November 14 for widest spring access and generally fewer storm disruptions
Typical Level: Open Water+ for guided local open water; Try Scuba only with a qualified instructor - Many Kings Bay springs are about 6.1 m to 9.1 m deep according to the local water district; actual legal route and depth must be verified for each dive.
Start Here: King Spring (Tarpon Hole / marked keyhole), Three Sisters Springs
Risk To Watch: Protected manatee sanctuaries

Bring List

Bring

Scuba certification card and recent dive experience
Thermal protection for approximately 22°C spring water
Mask and fins with controlled kicks to avoid silt
Surface marker or appropriate surface signaling device
No cave reels or penetration plans without separately authorized site and specialty qualifications

Optional

Dive computer and buddy equipment

Crystal River and Homosassa Activity Planning

Scuba

What It Feels Like

Signature Sites

Start Here

Planning Playbook