AdvancedShore entry

Vortex Spring

Florida, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested2–35 m depthShore entry

Vortex Spring at a glance

Vortex Spring is an advanced shore dive site in Florida, United States with depths of 1.5–35.1 m (5–115 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Channel catfish, Koi/carp (introduced), and Bluegill. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 1h ago

—

Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Cavern entrance at 58 ft leads to a gated cave (full cave certification required, staff unlocks the gate; cave open to 115 ft for certified cave divers, barricaded beyond); colder than peninsular springs at ~68°F; training-class crowds; multiple fatalities historically in the cave section.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun

Fri13:00–19:00

Sat7:00–19:00

Sun7:00–19:00

Mon7:00–19:00

Tue7:00–19:00

Wed7:00–19:00

Thu7:00–19:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:01 · Sunrise 6:26 · Sunset 18:54

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 1h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Channel catfish, Koi/carp (introduced), Bluegill

Best time: Year-round at a constant 68°F with reliably clear water; weekdays avoid open-water class crowds; unaffected by rain except after major storms.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan92% 9 kn
Feb82% 9 kn
Mar84% 10 kn
Apr91% 9 kn
May89% 8 kn
Jun94% 8 kn
Jul100% 7 kn
Aug99% 7 kn
Sep94% 7 kn
Oct96% 8 kn
Nov94% 8 kn
Dec95% 8 kn

July hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life recorded at this site, by month

Recorded observations — evidence of past sightings, not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Ariosoma balearicum recorded here Feb (2 records)
most recent 2013
Ambloplites ariommus recorded here Aug (1 record)
most recent 2013
Anguilla rostrata recorded here Aug (1 record)
most recent 2013
Cyprinus carpio recorded here Feb (1 record)
most recent 2013

Counts are occurrence records near this site from public biodiversity datasets (GBIF), grouped by calendar month across all sampled years. Sightings vary — past records are context, not a prediction.

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

Vortex Spring is the largest commercial dive facility in Florida, a privately run spring resort in the Panhandle near Ponce de Leon producing about 28 million gallons of 68°F water daily. The 200 ft diameter basin slopes to a cavern entrance at 58 ft, with a gated cave continuing to 115 ft for certified cave divers (measured passage ~1,640 ft). Resident freshwater fish and even introduced koi make the shallow basin a favorite for open water training and check-out dives.

caveshore

Cavern entrance at 58 ft leads to a gated cave (full cave certification required, staff unlocks the gate; cave open to 115 ft for certified cave divers, barricaded beyond); colder than peninsular springs at ~68°F; training-class crowds; multiple fatalities historically in the cave section.

How deep is Vortex Spring?

Vortex Spring ranges from 1.5 to 35.1 metres deep (5–115 feet) — a deep dive at its limit. It is a freshwater site rated as advanced difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Vortex Spring a shore dive or a boat dive?

Vortex Spring is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as an easy walk-in. The entry area is recorded as sheltered from surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Vortex Spring?

Vortex Spring is rated as advanced difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 1.5 to 35.1 metres (5–115 feet). Access is from shore, with the entry recorded as an easy walk-in. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Vortex Spring?

Year-round at a constant 68°F with reliably clear water; weekdays avoid open-water class crowds; unaffected by rain except after major storms. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Vortex Spring?

Divers at Vortex Spring in United States commonly report sightings of Channel catfish, Koi/carp (introduced), Bluegill, Freshwater eel, and Crayfish. Channel catfish, Koi/carp (introduced), and Bluegill are recorded as common sightings, while Freshwater eel and Crayfish are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Vortex Spring?

Reviews

No reviews yet — this site is waiting for its first. Dived here? Your rating and a few lines help the next diver.

Spot something off?

Help keep this listing accurate for the next diver.