River tubing and scuba diving experiences like no other in Florida

Scuba diving is one of the most popular recreational activities. If you are not swimming and kayaking then you are probably scuba diving. The underwater world is filled with mesmerizing things that you cannot explore in one day. However, scuba diving is not just about getting into the water with some air tank strapped to your back. It can be extremely dangerous. 

This is why Ginnie Springs Outdoors of Florida is in existence. This is one of those places where you can go to get training on how to scuba dive. The freshwater springs of Ginnie Springs are amazing. There is the water of course and there are the campgrounds on-site. Whether you want to go camping in a tent, or a modern RV, you can do this in this part of Florida. 

Other activities that people engross themselves in while at Ginnie Springs Outdoors include river tubing and the aforementioned diving. River tubing is an experience that few have gotten to try but the moment you do, you just want to do it over and over again. 

Cave diving is also an activity that you will wish to repeat at least a couple of times. Ginnie Springs has what you need. The waters are impossibly clear and the underwater caves with their charming beauty are teeming with marine life and caverns for you to explore. 

Ginnie Springs Outdoors is a PADI-certified diving location. It is also ideal for beginners in the sport of scuba diving. As above mentioned, scuba diving is not just a matter of tossing yourself into the water. Some training is necessary and you can get it here at Ginnie Springs Outdoors.

A few river tubing tips to keep you safe and comfortable in your trip

River tubing is an exciting way to experience various attractions. It provides enough fun and adventure and allows room for teams, kids and even the elderly. The first step in ensuring you enjoy your experience is picking the right river tubing site. Get a site that is licensed and offers a range of water activities including diving and snorkeling. A good site should be accredited and should offer PADI certification to scuba divers. This way you are assured of high level facilities and the availability of professionals should anything happen in the river. Other tips include:

1.       Get the little ones fitted with life-jackets. Given the changes in river current, you want to be prepared should the kids slip off the tubes. Life-jackets also allow your kids to have safety confidence hence enjoy the trip too.

2.       Avoid letting the current push you through narrow passages or under rocks and trees.

3.       Drink lots of water to remain hydrated throughout and you can also take snacks for the trip. 

4.       Avoid negative effects from the sun by applying sufficient sun block. You can also get a hat and a pair of sunglasses.

5.       Remember to get good water shoes for the trip for both comfort and safety. Equally important is an extra pair of changing clothes.

6.       If you are bringing your own tubing gear, get yourself a rechargeable DC air pump to allow you to inflate and deflate the tube as you want.

How to make your river tubing adventure more memorable

River tubing is a fun adventure for both adults and children.  There are innumerable awe-inspiring places that you can enjoy this activity. Whether you are river tubing on your own or with family and friends, you will enjoy a day full of memorable events.

Bring snacks

Ensure that you carry food to eat during your trip because you will definitely feel hungry during the river trip. It is important to think about the snacks that you will pack for the day because the snacks are bound to get wet, soggy and waterlogged. Good options to carry are string cheese and fruits. Plan on packing out your own trash.

Life vest

Ensure that kids who are going tubing have a life vest. This is important because even professional swimmers can sometimes have difficulties swimming especially in areas that have fast moving waters. Life vests will always make kids more confident and secure. It's also good to have a helmet if you are going into fast moving water or rapids.

Cooler

Ensure that you have a cooler for your tubing or Florida scuba diving trip. You can have one that is secured with its own tube, or you can buy a floating cooler. This will help you enjoy your snacks and beverages throughout the trip. Be sure to also carry a bag for keeping the trash. You don't want to litter the rivers as you enjoy your snacks.
It's important for you to ensure that your body is hydrated. Therefore, you should drink lots of water as you will be dehydrated when you spend your day in the sun. You should also carry sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun rays.

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Florida Scuba Diving or Cave Diving

If you belong to the school of thought that believes the age of exploration has died, then you have not discovered scuba diving. As you begin, it is a commitment – to gear and training. Do you want to know the next biggest surprise? Well, instructors are not particularly generous when it comes to passing scores – given the greater risks; it is surely a good thing. Whether you are cave diving or open-water scuba diving, apart from knowing how to do it, you also need to know the ‘why’ part, in order to succeed.

The following are bad habits that you should avoid when cave or scuba diving:

Habit #1: Skipping the buddy check

When you forego a buddy check, you simply take a shortcut on safety. Additionally, you increase chances of having to solve problems inside the water. Whenever you go scuba diving, the best precaution to take is preventing problems before they start.

Habit #2: Shooting fish butts

An expensive camera or photo equipment does not guarantee excellent photos. This is especially true when you are clueless about underwater photo basics or fail to adhere to marine life etiquette. Shooting down on your marine subjects produces uninteresting and flat images. Therefore, whenever you are on a Florida scuba diving escapade, avoid this habit altogether. Know your camera gear before you go underwater.

Habit #3: Putting on incorrect amounts of weight

Having heavy or extra weight only means one thing – your body has to work extra. This means that your breathing will also be heavier because of excess air consumption. This is very risky when cave diving.

Avoid the above habits like the plague whenever you go for scuba diving or cave diving.

Things to Consider When Planning a Camping Trip In a Florida Campground

Planning a camping trip especially for a large group of people can be daunting. However, with a few guidelines you can make a solid plan in no time at all.

Start by booking the Florida campground. It is best to book your site well in advance so that you can get one of the better camping sites. If you and your group are able to camp during the week, you will have a better chance of getting some great camping sites out there. Most people camp on the weekends, which can make weekend availability rather tight.

In order to make a great plan, you will need to incorporate lists. Keep a list of those who have confirmed that they will be going. Put together a menu and create a shopping list of the food you will need to buy. You don’t want to have too much luggage, so plan well and carry only the food that you will use. Make lists of other supplies that you will need. Take note of the activities you will be involved in and pack your clothes for the activities. If you will be swimming in the Springs in Florida, carry your swimsuits.

A meal checklist is critical. Ensure that you have every ingredient you will need for each meal.  Then pack according to your list to ensure that you have all the food you need. Consider snack times as well to avoid eating unplanned meals which could leave you short. Don’t forget to factor in drinks and lots of water to keep everyone hydrated.

The Benefits of Having PADI Certification

The planet is covered with 70% water and an exceptional way of exploring these waters is through scuba diving. Acquiring a scuba certification is a valuable asset for individuals who love diving and exploring the beautiful oceans. Below are some of the benefits of having a PADI certification.

Scuba divers are taught by experienced instructors. This ensures that each student gets proper training. The knowledge and skills involved in this sport are taught in different environments such as classrooms, open water environments and pools or pool-like conditions in any Florida Campground. This ensures that divers acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical diving experience.

Scuba gear is the life support equipment that is necessary for exploring the ocean environment. Therefore, ignorance of the use of different devices can be fatal for any diver unprepared. However, with scuba diving accreditations such as PADI certification, users can learn how to set up and even use scuba diving gear safely. This lowers the probabilities of suffering serious or fatal accidents. This makes the diving experience more fun and easier for the divers.

A scuba accreditation can make it easier for divers to rent scuba gear. This is because Scuba rental shops must ensure that their equipment will be safe in the hands of the diver. Furthermore, they want to be guaranteed that their gear will be back in perfect condition. Some stores do not rent their kits to unlicensed divers, and others will take divers through rigorous tests before they are allowed to rent gear. Regardless of the regulations, your certification can help you get gear from any Florida campground dive center.

Reasons why springs provide an amazing outdoor experience

Having a family gateway is a great time to reconnect with one another. Freshwater springs offer a relaxing and calm environment that provides you with the perfect way you recharge your batteries. Additionally, springs are the best places to visit for individuals who like water. The springs have water areas perfect for snorkelling, swimming, River Tubing and scuba diving.

What is more interesting is the fact that some springs have Cave diving opportunities for the more experienced divers. Some springs have scuba diving trainers who offer dive training from open water to the caves. Some springs also offer excellent campgrounds.  A family can enjoy camping in the wilderness or on sites with electricity. Laundry and bath facilities are usually located throughout the campgrounds for your convenience.

If your family members enjoy playing football and volleyball, springs are an excellent go-to vacation spots. The serene nature and the ambience guarantees that you will have fun and the games make the afternoons shorter and more engaging.  A lot of people enjoy fishing and springs provide a relaxed environment for fishing with your kids. If you are looking to spend some quality time with your family then this is the perfect place to bond and get to know each other. Hiking enthusiasts are not left behind. Springs provides an escape from the busy real world.   Taking hikes with your family is a great way to reconnect as you enjoy the calm and tranquil nature of the trails.

Have Fun in Ginnie Springs Florida

Ginnie Springs located on the Santa Fe River in Florida is one of the clearest springs in all of Florida. Visitors from all over choose this location as the ideal camping site due to the clear springs, which provide for fun activities.

Under the clear surface is an amazing water life loaded with huge grottos, fresh water gushing off the Aquifer and colorful fish to see.

The main reason that people choose to visit this place as a vacation destination is mainly due to the springs. They get a lifetime opportunity to experience Florida scuba diving. The springs have actually been referred to as the “world’s favorite fresh water dive.” Diving is a risky activity, therefore there is the need to first register for scuba diving lessons and be certified. There are also very critical rules and regulations stipulated that must be strictly adhered to by every diver.

The complication becomes inherent since it is not possible to foresee the dangers as they are uncontrollable. Some of the risks are caused by unpredictable weather changes, thunder and lighting, fallen limbs and trees, rocks, shallow waters, snakes and other natural hazards.

Cave diving or cavern diving is another activity to take part in, though it’s not for everyone. This is because cave diving requires one to have special skills and knowledge, and an advanced certification.  It is crucial that one goes through a cave diving course to learn the essentials to remain safe in an overhead environment.

Where to spend an exceptional camping and scuba diving vacation this summer

Are you wondering where you are going to enjoy a fantastic vacation this summer? America has many places where you can go vacationing but Florida’s Ginnie Springs stands out from a crowd. Ginnie Springs, unlike many other vacation hotspots, is packed with activities and at the same time it is quite affordable. 

Ranked among the world’s clearest waters, Ginnie Springs is famous for being the best place to go scuba diving. Nothing spells a beautiful water experience than clean and clear waters. The waters here are unparalleled and the picturesque underwater grottos will keep you going back for more. 

As a beginner in scuba diving, you might be wondering exactly what you will need to get into the waters for a great dive experience. Well, among the many things you will need to get is a certified trainer to instruct you. Ginnie Springs can help arrange for your PADI certification through an expert trainer to provide your instruction.

 

There are places where you cannot go scuba diving if you are a beginner. Ginnie Springs is definitely not among these places. It is a fantastic scuba diving site for all levels of scuba divers, whether you are a seasoned diver or it is your first time.

It would not be fair to close without mentioning that if you are looking for the best Florida campgrounds then you will find them here as well. Whether it is a vacation with family or with friends, there is always something for everyone at Ginnie Springs.