VORTEX SPRING TRIP: 1/30/26 - 2/1/26

JAN 30-Travel day, optional dive day
JAN 31-Dive day
FEB 1- Dive day, travel home

Vortex Spring is a cold freshwater spring that produces approximately 28 million US gallons (110,000 m³) of water daily. The spring consists of a 200 ft (61 m) basin with sloping sides and a cave which links the spring to the Floridian aquafier. Water temperature is steady at 68 °F (20 °C) with no thermocline, and is typically very clear. The spring runoff flows into nearby Otter Creek, which joins Sandy Creek a short distance upstream of Ponce De Leon Spring. There are many fish in the spring; large carp swim in the basin while freshwater eels live in the cave. The cave has been measured to a total of 1,642 feet (500 m).

Vortex Spring is a popular diving area both for experienced and novice divers.  There are two underwater training platforms at 20 feet (6.1 m) which are often used for Open Water certification dives, and an inverted metal "talk box" that traps air, allowing divers to remove their regulators and talk to each other while under the surface. The cavern entrance is at 58 feet (18 m) below the surface, and has an opening of 9 by 12 feet (2.7 m × 3.7 m). A handrail is mounted along the wall of the cave. The cave is accessible to 310 feet (94 m), further passage is blocked by a steel grate. Experienced divers are allowed to dive to 115 feet (35 m).