Why Dive Locally?

Deep Seekers promotes local area diving as an important part of being a safe diver. We find that many divers dive all too infrequently to maintain the diving skills at top level. Therefore, we have sought out diving locations that are generally close by and interesting to dive. Although some of these spots may not offer Caribbean type conditions, most offer very good diving. We have tried to highlight some of the better sights and attractions in hopes we can encourage divers to stay more active. We have dove all the sights mentioned personally and many on a regular basis so that we can offer first hand knowledge of the diving conditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have a favorite site or would like more information on the sights mentioned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Lake Jocassee

Located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, this stream fed lake is a great spot for local diving. Created by Duke Power Company, the lake is surrounded by the undeveloped National Forest with mountains rising from the waters edge. Waterfalls abound, most notable Whitewater Falls and Laurel Creek Falls.

The lake has a major body then splits into three forks. It covers an area of 7,565 acres with 75 miles of shoreline and depths in excess of 400 feet. The lake extends into North Carolina.

Access to Lake Jocassee is at the south end at Devils Fork State Park, which includes boat ramps, restrooms, and a store for refreshments and other goods.

Lake Jocassee provides adventure for any diver level. There are platforms for training in 15 and 30 feet. A wooden Chinese Junk sits on the edge of a wall at 60 feet. She’s about 40 feet long and on good days you can see the entire deck. You can swim through the cabin, down into the hold, or check out the head. Large openings allow for safe access. Off the starboard bow lies a fiberglass boat. You can take a 90 degree heading from it to the Basketball Court which lies in 35 feet. Close by is The Trench. This site is a gouged out area that creates a deep trench which is often loaded with fish and has a maximum depth of 60 feet. We can visit another site we call Fish Cliff. This is where a mountain slides straight into the water and you can see huge bass and yellow carp that will follow you throughout your dive. An observant diver will see trout, bream, and hatchlings that swarm around massive stumps.

For deep and technical diving, there is The Wall. This area was created by the excavation for the dam and stair steps down from 70 feet to beyond 400 feet. This area is for advanced divers only. There is a permanent guide line to 130 feet with a warning buoy at 100 feet. The Cemetery is located on a hilltop a few hundred yards offshore and is marked by a bouy usually about 10 feet underwater. A permanent descent line places you on top of the hill at 145 feet (high water). From here, lines fork in different directions to guide you through a tour of open gravesites, many with tombstones still in place. The church foundation is not far away. Be carefull because some lines fork again. Visibility is excellent below 80 feet and the water temperature averages in the low 50's. For those that are trained in mixed gases the Girls' Camp Bridge is in over 300 feet of water.

Water temperatures in the summer through October are 75-78 degrees down to about 70 feet. A 3mm suit is suggested for those who limit their dives to these depths. Deeper depths require a full 6mm suit or dry suit. Depths below 80 feet offer excellent visibility year round. A good dive light is helpful. You will enjoy the magnificent scenery and relaxing nature of this beautiful lake, Jocassee.

Lake Jocassee Schedules and Fees

It takes about 2 hours to reach the lake from the 285/85 intersection. Plan your drive to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. We usually plan a wall dive first and then after a safe surface interval dive the Junk shipwreck. During the surface interval we can tour the beautiful scenery, swim, visit a waterfall, or just hang out and watch the activity. After the second dive we can have you back at the dock by around 2 p.m. Those who wish to stay longer can enjoy the rest of the day touring, sunning on a secluded beach or hiking on one of the many trails. Special arrangements can be made for night diving and camping out. Camping sights are extremely limited and must be reserved before the weekend so plan ahead. Private weekday and weekend excursions are available. Our basic trip fee is $65.00 for the 2 dive day. We can furnish tanks and weight belts for a nominal fee. Full payment is due at time of reservation. A full refund is available up to 2 weeks prior to the trip date.

Mountain fresh air and clean water! Couldn’t ask for more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at 1,071 feet above sea level. It is fed by two rivers, the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers and covers 38,000 acres with a shoreline of 540 miles. It is the most visited lake in the United States with a year round boating season.

The diving at Lake Lanier can be good at times. The visibility may reach 25 feet, but is usually averages 5-10 feet. The lake is very good for training search and recovery divers and rescue divers. Treasures are found if you know where to look, and we do. We never come back from Lanier without finding something of value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Florida Springs

The springs located throughout Florida are noted for the crystal clear waters and year round mild temperatures. Each spring has it's own unique character which makes them great to dive anytime.

 

  Panhandle

Vortex Springs-Vortex Springs is a 360 acres recreation area for divers and campers. The property includes campgrounds, a complete dive shop, restaurant, and two lodges. The spring basin is 200 feet wide and 50 feet deep at the start of the cavern. Two dive platforms are located in 20 feet for training and an inverted metal container provides air space for conversation. The cavern's garage sized tunnel travels back for a hundred yards to a depth of 115 feet where it grated off at this point. A permanent handrail extends throughout the length of the cavern for safety. Fresh water eels, bass, catfish, and Redhorse suckers all can be seen here.

Morrison Springs-The large spring basin is line with cypress trees covered with spanish moss. The shallow basin covered with eel grass and sand slopes down to two caverns. The first one starts in about 40 feet, goes back about 40 feet to a depth of 50 feet and is filled with fresh water eels. The larger cavern starts in 30 feet and appears to be a large hole with a huge tree trunk stretched across it. At a depth of 85 feet against the strong flow of the spring, a cave opens up to a large room. All passages from this point on are closed off. Life in these waters consists of pike, bream, catfish, and carp. Year round water temperature is 68 degrees. The property has a dive shop with rental equipment, restrooms with hot showers, and snack machines.

Central Florida

Blue Grotto-Located in Williston, this spring is one of our favorites, which we visit several times a year. The property has a dive shop with Nitrox fills, restrooms with hot showers, picnic tables, and a place to rinse your gear. After you don your gear you walk down a small flight of stairs onto a dock that has steps into the water. First you'll come up onto two training platforms that are swarming with fish waiting for a handout. The huge cavern opens and a bell is attached to the ceiling at 30 feet. Fresh air is pumped into the bell and allows for conversation. Descend into the cavern to Peace Rock (a large limestone rock with a peace sign drawn on it) at 50 feet. To go further into the cavern you'll need a good light. A large rope is tied from the dock and runs down both sides of the cavern to a depth of 100 feet. (Depths may vary with local rains.) Water temperature is always 72 degrees. The entrance fee into Blue Grotto is $27 and you can stay and dive all day. Opens at 8:00 am.

Devils Den-Also located in Williston, this is a dark spring, due to the surface overhang, which gets silted out quick. Not much to see and don't even think about diving in the manufactured slime pond. Admission is $27.00.

Suwannee River-The River has several springs located throughout its run but the listings included are the ones we have visited. Royal Springs is located about 14 miles upstream from the US 27 Bridge in Branford in a county park. The spring has a cavern and two caves in about 50 feet. Stay out of the caves, they silt out quick. Outside the cavern is a big clear pool with grass on the bottom and bright green algae dangling off the limbs of trees that have fallen to the bottom. A real pretty spring. Troy Spring is located about 6 miles from the Branford Bridge and is on private property. The only way to get here is by boat through a 4-6 foot deep wide run off the main river. The run contains the remains of a Civil War era steamboat-the Madison. The spring is 80 feet deep and has a small cavern. The flow coming from the small cave is very strong and keeps the spring somewhat clear.

Ginnie Springs-Located in High Springs off the Santa Fe River, which contains Ginnie Springs, Devil's Eye and Devil's Ear, is a privately owned resort. A large deck area steps down into the water to Ginnie's large shallow basin lined with cypress trees. The sand floor is covered with eelgrass and has a maximum depth of 18 feet. The cavern, with an entrance of about five feet, slopes down to 60 feet and has permanent guidelines. A grate shuts off the entrance to a cave at the bottom. Devil's Eye and Devil's Ear are only for those trained in cave diving. Devil's Eye starts as a shaft in five feet and drops down to 25 feet. The cave entrance is located on the north side of the shaft. Devil's Ear is located about 30 feet away with the entry through a narrow shaft. The dive shop on the premises offers the best selection of technical and cave diving gear and the training to go with it. Air fills and rental gear is also available. Other amenities include a country store, hot showers, and campsites.

West Coast Springs

Homosassas Springs-At the end of the Homosassas River are the springs that some manatees spend their winter months. The area is a wide shallow basin where you can observe baby manatees suckling from their mothers. Other manatees sleep, eat, or come to you to get their bellies rubbed. On the trip to the springs by boat you will see manatees throughout the river. Posted signs declare the area as Manatee Zones and speed is limited to 5 m.p.h.

Crystal River-One of the most popular springs in Florida, the main area of interest to divers is Kings Bay area. King Springs has a depth of about 50 feet and a horizontal cavern that goes back about 50 feet. In the winter, the manatee population explodes. You'll see manatee larger and more playful than those at Homosassas which will come straight at you and run you down. Other springs in this area are Idiot's Delight, Grand Canyon Spring, and Mullet's Gullet. Idiot's Springs is vertical shafts about four feet in diameter and a depth of about 75 feet. Enter the shaft at the bottom and you will come out almost at the surface. Grand Canyon Spring is a long crack in the rock and is west of King's Spring. Depths are 25 feet. Mullet's Gullet, east of Kings Springs, is actually several small springs in 20 feet of water. Throughout the Kings Bay you can see tarpon (up to four feet!), mullet, sheepshead, snapper, and many others.

Rainbow River-This is a shallow drift dive with many different types of wildlife. As you glide up and over grass beds, homes offering protection to the smaller turtles, through the contours of the crystal cleat waters of the river, you will see healthy populations of the river's life, large gar and basses everywhere and several species of turtles. Some springs boil the sand on the bottom, others flow from holes in the limestone rock. During warmer days, you may spot an alligator sunning on the banks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Favorite shipwrecks off Panama City Beach

Black Bart-The Black Bart was sunk as an artificial reef site in the early 1990's and rests in 77 feet of water. She sits upright with her bow pointing due south. Her cargo holds are open for exploring along with the head and the galley, which still contain sinks, toilets, and several appliances. The bridge is only 40 feet from the surface. The main deck sits at 66 feet. Already fish have been attracted here in great abundance and an occasional turtle may be seen. This is one of our favorite dives and we recommend you bring a light and a camera. We often do our Advance Wreck dive on this site.

Chickasaw-Built in 1908 for the U.S Corps of Engineers in Pensacola, this twin engine steam tug helped in the building of the St. Andrews Jetties. She was 107 feet long with a beam of 20 feet. The Chickasaw was sold after WW II and her engines replaced with diesel. In the 1960's most of her wooden superstructure was removed. Renamed "Sherman VII" the tug worked until the 1970's when she sank at dock, then refloated. After changing hands several times she sank, for the last time, after bilge pumps failed. Located near the SAB buoy she lies in 77 feet. At times she is covered with so many baitfish that the visibility is reduced to zero. The remaining superstructure is completely gone but the inner engine compartment is accessible and interesting.

Chippewa-The USS Chippewa was a 205 foot long tender ship sunk in 1990 as an artificial reef site. Launched in 1942 as a tug she worked in the Caribbean, calling Trinidad home, until 1947. Then she was placed in the reserve until 1989. As a wreck, complete and intact, she sits upright in 97 feet. Her mast is broken off and laying on the port side. The navy and other commercial divers sometime use the wreck for explosive training dives. Good wreck for penetration so bring a light.

Grey Ghost-This ex-Navy steel tug was 105 feet and 20 feet wide. The Panama City Marine Institute Reef Program scuttled her on July 12, 1978. The tug rests on her port side and is intact in 108 feet. The tug's huge engine has fallen through the rear cabin area and is lying next to her. This wreck is out of the way for most dive operations and is used more for fishing. Make sure you have a knife because monofiliment line is everywhere. This is a great wreck dive!

Strength-The USS Strength is a large wreck with a profile of about 25 feet. This navy tender ship, a minesweeper, was sunk as an artificial reef. Originally a 184 foot long, 33-foot beam, and 650 tons, she was in service from 1944 to the middle 1960's. The Strength carried four 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and a three-inch gun. After her decommission, the Strength was moved to Washington D.C. to train divers for the Navy Diving School. The training involved repairs, surveying and refloating. There is not much superstructure left as the Navy used the wreck to test explosives. A plaque on the side tells her story. After the original sinking, the Strength laid on her side until Hurricane Opal, which left the wreck sitting upright.

Tarpon-83 year old Captain W.G. Barrow left Mobile, Alabama on his 1,735 voyage on the SS Tarpon heading to Panama City. The Tarpon was a 449 ton, 175 feet long steel hull steamer, which traveled from Mobile to as far as Carabelle, Florida on her regular routes. On August 31, 1937 heavy seas were building along with a gale that was increasing in strength. Around 8:30 am, September 1, the seas crashed over the Tarpon's decks and overwhelmed her, then sent her to the sea floor in 97 feet of water. The Captain and 13 other souls were lost. Addley Baker, an engine oiler, swam 25 miles in 25 hours and reported the incident. The Tarpon's main cargo on this route was beer bottles that still are turning up today. Before 1991, the Tarpon was a very majestic shipwreck. The wreck had collapsed on itself and had many artifacts laying about and was teaming with life. In the summer of 1991 a salvage team from California opened her up, vacuumed out the entire site and left. Our first visit after the destruction we didn't even recognize her. Now the Tarpon is getting growth back on her and the fish are back. The boiler rises 20 feet. Now the site is a historical shipwreck. Too bad Florida didn't do this before 1991.

Port St. Joe

There is only one reason we come here-it sure isn't the below average restaurants, moldy accommodations, the dead night life, or the stinking paper mill- it's the Empire Mica. The Mica, a 500' British oil tanker, is located about 23 miles out of Indian Pass. She was on her maiden voyage carrying petroleum distillate. During the midst of a storm, unable to go to port because of her size, the Mica threw anchor to wait it out. On that night, June 3, 1942, a German submarine had her in her sights and soon two torpedoes smashed through her holds. Fires could be seen as far away as Panama City. In the 1950's the Corps of Engineers blew her down to deck level for navigational purposes.

The Empire Mica now lies in 110 feet with a profile of 35 feet on the main section. This section, which is rapidly disintegrating, still supports the 18-foot spare propeller. The massive boilers lie astern and the bow and aft end are completely collapsed. A huge jewfish has taken residency and the larger grouper, snapper, and other game fish disappear at the site of a diver because they believe us all to be speargun toters. Manta rays, eagle rays, big barracuda, jacks and tuna frequent the wreck. If you spend the time and look closely, you will see octopi hiding everywhere and blennies guarding their domains. We visit this site frequently and find it to be one of favorite advanced dive. Our charter spends all day at the site and usually includes three dives, conditions permitting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Carolina Coast