>

Otter

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 13

Otters are some of the cutest aquatic mammals on the planet. Their unique personalities shine through as they swim about the lakes and rivers they inhabit, searching for fish, crabs, mussels, crayfish, and frogs to eat. There are 11 freshwater otter species, referred to as river otters, found throughout the world. Getting to dive with otters is an experience unlike any other, as they are fairly elusive animals that like to hide in underground holes, dense aquatic vegetation, and underground holes. Most otter sightings occur on the surface while they slip and slide down mud or snowbanks.

© iStock-Will Tudor

Dive sites with this animal

Lake Hickory Scuba, Inc., 28681 Taylorsville

Gray Quarry (★4.3)

Gray Quarry is a 501-c3 non-profit organization that seeks to promote the sport of scuba diving by providing a safe family-friendly fun environment for recreational scuba diving and training. All money from dive entry fees goes to maintaining the quarry and making dive site improvements.
Heroes Dive Center, 34698 Dunedin

Buford Spring (★4.7)

Buford Spring is located in a swampy area of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Hernando County, FL. Divers must check in at an iron ranger at the main entrance off US 19 and pay a $3.00 daily fee. The maximum depth is about 50 mtr/165 feet at the siphoning downstream end of the main cavern/cave.
Alexis M. (#3686675)

Alexander Springs (★4.2)

Alexander Springs is located within the Ocala National Forest within the Alexander Springs Recreation Area and offers camping, picnicking (with charcoal grills and two reservable shelters), swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), and nature hiking.
Mares

Rainbow River at KP Hole Park (★4.4)

Sitting about 100 miles north of Tampa, Rainbow River is a jewel of a dive site in the middle of Florida. Crystal clear, as it’s fed from a natural spring, this river is full of unique freshwater fish, turtles, and alligators.