Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 17891h ago)
Max Depth
Unknown
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Rainbow River
Spring fed river, incredibly clear. In addition to abundant underwater wildlife, see springs bubbling into river (looks like bubbling sand). Easy snorkel since you get taken upriver in a boat and "float" down.
Biology interest is based on both land and water creatures, especially birds and large freshwater fish. Week-end frequency based on holidays and summertime, otherwise not too bad in the early morning when the best animals are active.
Very quiet setting, recommended to get there EARLY, 8am when the park opens, to beat any crowds and big dive classes (they arrive around 11:30 or 12 usually). Gentle current allows good introduction into handling your buoyancy on a drift dive. Gentle sloping landscape underwater, worst thing you'll run into is tall grass or a sunken log.
In various spots the spring feeding the river bubbles up from the sand, and from small caves, which is quite interesting the first time someone experiences it (seeing the sand "boil," feeling the temperature differences). Large alligator gar and turtles may come by to say hello
You can easily access the first entry point by going to the main gate for the park and hopping a boat, or simply taking the short trail down to the water's edge. The docks and walkways are brand new, either paved or wooden depending which you choose. Very easy access either way.
Paved parking, small fee to enter park.
From Orlando - Approximately 83 miles ( time 1 hour & 40 min) 1. Take I-4 East or West or Florida Turnpike North exit #77 2. Go North on the Florida Turnpike approximately 55 miles 3. Turnpike will turn to I-75 North 4. Take I-75 North for 10 miles to Hwy.484 exit # 341 turn left 5. Take Hwy. 484 West to Dunnellon Fl. Approximately 20 miles to Hwy 41 6. Go right , North 3 miles to SW 99th Place. Turn right at light go 1 mile cross RR track then go left after crossings, 1 mile on right is KP Hole County Park
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UWdigger
Mar 27, 2011, 12:00 AM
scuba
As with others previously reviewed this was more of a boat than shore dive but we were required to stand on shore as the boat drifted down so I counted this as a 'shored boat dive' in my log. Our Pro boat dropped us off upriver and we were instructed to drift down to the pickup point. Overall a very enjoyable dive. Vis was unlimited/limited to the topography of the riverbed, even when the bottom is stirred by yourself or other divers. Plenty to see on this dive, friendly fish, freshwater plant life and a little fossil sight-seeing to bring out the inner prehistoric geek diver. Not deep enough to worry about dive tables (deepest recorded was 19' sticking my computer down the 'hole'), a perfect last chance dive before flying back home. Most of us in a 3mil and comfortable for a 1hr+ dive, one in our group in a dry suit and he complained about being too hot. Personally recommended for all levels, very easy drift dive but refreshing enough for advanced levels, unsure about night dive however. Haven't been yet, but is on personal list for another round. Happy Diving! K