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Snorkel & Dive at Vortex Spring

Ponce de Leon, Florida

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Description

Added by Josh & Michele

A mecca for diving, snorkeling, and swimming enthusiast alike. If you love the water this is the place for you.

SCUBA & Free Diving:

Established in 1972 by Doc and Ruth Dockery, Vortex Spring is home to the Red & White "Diver Down" Flag and is one of the largest diving facilities in the state of Florida, with 28 million gallons of crystal "gin" clear water daily at a year round temperature of 68 degrees. 

The spring basin is 50 feet deep at the mouth of the cavern. Surface lit during the day and inhabited by Koi, Gar, Catfish, American Eels, Redhorse Suckers, Blue Gill, and Bass to name a few. These will surely be your constant companions, and are tame enough to eat right out of your hand, an underwater photographers dream. The cavern continues another one hundred yards, to a depth of 115 feet at the cave system security gate. The white sand bottom and shimmering air pockets make for a breathtaking experience! 

SCUBA and Free Diving in all aspects is a very dangerous sport. You must be properly trained and equipped before you attempt.

Dive Shop:

The Dive Shop is conveniently located close to the spring basin, and offers a complete line of

  • Diving and Snorkeling Equipment
  • Diving and Snorkeling Rental Gear
  • Air Fill Stations (Air and Nitrox)
  • Swimming Gear and Toys
  • Camping Supplies
  • Basic Groceries and Snacks
  • Tee Shirts, Stickers and Much More...

Amenities:

Vortex Spring offers beautiful campgrounds and lodging facilities and is equipped with bathroom and shower facilities.

Vortex Spring also offers SCUBA diving classes for those who are not certified.

For more information, visit their website at: http://www.vortexspring.com

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Features

Canoeing
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
Diving
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Swimming Hole

Snorkel & Dive at Vortex Spring Reviews

I went with my Fiance to vortex to free dive and snorkel around. They had plenty of wildlife such a Koi Fish, Brim, Bass and Glow Minnows as well. The water was 68 degrees and it stays that way all year around. We camped out at the rest area near it, and got there very early and water felt warmer than outside lol. The cave I believe were man built, but were still very cool and pretty to see. Look out for eels if your down there! Their awesome! The freediving is pretty cool, alot to see if you know how and are able to. Overall it was great, I wish I would of brought the kids because it would of been a blast for them. There a bunch of slides and jumps into the springs.

excellent spring to work on freediving. a little string cheese will draw the eels out. the caves are get when training scuba as well! good fun year round!

I'll forever remember this place because its where I got certified to SCUBA dive! Its about 40 feet deep to the mouth of the cave, and there are lots of different fish to identify and photograph.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Paddle to Cypress Spring

Freedive at Cypress Spring

Hike the Flatwoods Trail

Topsail Trails

Rocky Bayou Campground

SCUBA Dive Air Force (Eglin) Barge

Escape to the Sunshine

VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.

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