Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 123336h ago)
Max Depth
60 ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Forty Fathom Grotto
40 fathoms deep, spring water, good viz. Platforms to take a break every 15 feet.
40 Fathom Grotto<br>9487 NW 115th Ave<br>Ocala, FL 34482<br>
(352) 368-7974
Access
shore
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(2)
Joseph Dobransky
Nov 16, 2010, 12:00 AM
scuba
The 40 Fathoms Grotto is a commercially owned and operated sink hole in Ocala, FL. They specialize in commercial diver training and as such, the location is set up for that. They have everything you could want including decompression chambers and trimix support, or surface support diving. The only way you are allowed to dive the 40 Fathoms is with a guide (like myself, or one of their instructors / staff members) taking you, just because of the potential depth of 240 feet. You just can't show up and expect to dive it. Advanced planning and arrangements is a must. There are lots of things to see like boats, planes, radar arrays, subs, and small objects for you to eyeball underwater. Visibility is about 30' at most and the temps are 72degF on the surface year round. It's a fabulous training location for all divers and skill sets. The price is not cheap and although the entrance fee is $50.00 you end up having to pay whatever your guide is charging. Usually, it's $100 or less. Parking is ample, and they have full bathroom and shower facilities. Http://40fathomgrotto.com --- Captain Joe Dobransky http://www.divers-inn.com http://www.tampadivers.com
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Dave K
Feb 2, 2007, 12:00 AM
scuba
Third time to the Grotto. This is a premier training site with a premier staff. You must be accompanied by an instructor. It really is 40 fathoms (240 feet) deep! The Narcosis Management training program here is First Class! I plan to make this an annual training site.
Originally posted on shorediving.com