![]() ![]() The Cave The cave at Vortex Spring, Florida. The dive store has apparel and gear for sale too. Daily entrance fees apply, and the park hours depend on the season. Tubes, snorkeling equipment, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards may all be rented on-site. Walking trails and picnic tables are throughout the land, ideal for having a picnic before or after splashing around in the spring water. Inner tubing down the spring run is often done and a lot of fun, especially on a hot summer day. ![]() A tree house with a slide to the water, toys, swings, and diving boards are set up in this space. The swimming and snorkeling areas are downstream from the diving section and are great for families. Diving training classes are offered for a cost but will give anyone the necessary skills for enjoying the park and the sport. There are some on-site instructors who can teach novices and two underwater training platforms that are utilized for Open Water certification dives.Ĭertification is required to go into the depths of the cave. Scuba diving is one of the top activities in the park, and it’s set up for all skill levels. Scuba Diving and Other Activities Scuba Diving at Vortex Spring, Florida. Many types of fish live in these waters, including eels and carp. The spring outflow runs into Otter Creek, which connects with Sandy Creek just upstream of Ponce de Leon Spring. Producing about 28 million gallons of clear water daily, the 68℉ spring fills a large 200-foot basin with a cave below. Since 1972, the establishment is still run by the same family but has been taken over by a new generation. The couple is responsible for designing the red and white “Diver Down” flag, one of the most recognized scuba diving symbols. Navy and took on the spring area as a retirement project after learning a new hobby, scuba diving. Denzel Dockery was newly retired from the U.S. Historyįormally known as “Blue Spring,” Vortex Spring was purchased and renamed by Denzel and Ruth Dockery in 1968. With 520 acres to explore and plenty of instruction available, this resort is also one of the safest and most family-friendly attractions for those who enjoy being in the water. Swimming and floating– have fun swimming or just floating around on a raft or tube.Located in the town of Ponce de Leon, Vortex Spring is the largest diving facility in The Sunshine State.Thankfully, while it is recommended that you go feet first, the water is deep enough if you take a head first plunge! I wish I had captured on camera the look on his face. Shawn’s first turn down the zip line had him doing an accidental perfect head first dive. Zip line– this is what my husband and son looked forward to and they took quite a few trips down it.Rope swing-the rope swing is still available for the older kids.Play castle– this castle keeps the young children entertained in between swimming.Slides– there are three slides set up in the water for children and adults.Cave certified divers especially love Vortex Spring! There are plenty of fish and even some eel to look at near the entrance to the cave. This is still a great place for scuba diving. ![]()
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