Vortex Springs is a Premier Destination within 2 hours of Pensacola. The site is a professionally run diving facility with easy in/out to the spring. Parking is abundant and a very short walk from car to water. Bathroom & Changing facilities are available as well a full service Dive Shop with Air and Nitrox available.

The site is not dependant on Tides or weather and is commonly used as a training facility for new Open Water Divers.  Diver parking is a short distance from the four walk-in and one floating docks, which provide maximum control of water entry. Vortex Spring is free from both weeds and hydrilla with unlimited visibility giving you a clean, controlled surrounding perfect for day and night diving. There are no motorboats to worry about. Student training platforms are provided for instruction at the 20-foot level along with a "talk box," (a large inverted container anchored to a concrete base providing air space for conversation). The spring basin is 50 feet deep at the mouth of the beautiful, ledge-like cavern. There are two artificial caves that are open at both ends, providing training and fun for divers who are not yet cavern/cave certified. River catfish, harmless American Freshwater Eels, Redhorse Suckers, and a school of very rare, exotic "Shadow Bass" will be your constant companions. There is no thermocline because water flows directly from the aquifer.

Vortex Spring produces 28 million gallons of crystal clear water daily at a year-round temperature of 68 degrees with no thermocline. It is one of Mother Nature's most extraordinary creations! Vortex waters flow out to create "Blue Creek," an excellent opportunity for photos while snorkeling &/or canoeing. Blue Creek flows over one half mile before entering another northern Florida waterway. Vortex provides drinking water to surrounding communities and has been used for emergency firefighting needs.

For the certifed cave divers, the natural cavern is the real deal. It is 58+ feet deep and continues through a garage-sized tunnel into cave diving. The cave meanders gracefully another hundred yards or so to a depth of 115 feet, with a penetration depth of 310 feet. The tunnel is blocked by a steel grate at this point. The white sand bottom is gently rippled by the outflow from the underground spring. Pockets of air randomly collect at the ceiling, creating a sound like gentle piano tones. Guided by a permanent safety hand rail, certifed cave divers may explore at their leisure along the beautiful limestone confines of this wonder of nature, confident of their way back to the surface. Penetration into any confined overhead areas is only for divers with the proper training!

Directions:

The Spring offers easy access, located just 50 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and only five miles north of the I-10 expressway on what is now exit 96 (exit 15 on maps printed before 2002)

The address is: 1517 Vortex Spring Ln., Ponce De Leon, FL 32455

Phone Number: 800-342-0640

Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Thursday 8:00-5:00
Friday 8:00-7:00
Saturday 7:00-7:00
Sunday 7:00-5:00
* Diving fees are only $19.00
* Pets, 4 wheelers, and golf carts are no longer allowed in part due to insurance restrictions
* Public displays of alcohol or intoxication will not be tolerated and all under aged drinking will be reported

Camping/Lodging:

Vortex has accommodations for 4, 6 or 26 persons. While reservations are not required, they are recommended.

Grandview lodging units overlook the spring basin and 2-4 person and/or 1-6 person units are available. These sites offer queen beds and sofa beds, full kitchens, television with VCR and the very best view of the diving facility. Each unit has a private lock-up area for wet dive gear.

Pinewood lodge consists of two large rooms on the ground floor separated by a hallway. It is equipped with male and female restrooms and showers. Each air conditioned/heated room has 26 bunk beds with comfortable mattresses. Eight 4 person rooms on the second floor offer private bathroom with showers, climate control, and a balcony which overlooks the campground.

Otter Creek Lodge is nearest to the swimming area, and is nestled in the quiet wood just east of the Spring. Private parties like the drive bridge entry because it allows traffic control to your event. The air conditioned dorm lodging downstairs are arranged and priced the same as the Pinewood dorms. The upstairs six person, fully carpeted units are equipped with bunk beds, and kitchenettes consisting of a counter with a single basin sink, 2 burners on the countertop, a microwave and mini-fridge. Dishes, pots and small appliances are not equipped. The balcony units offer a breathtaking view overlooking the Otter Creek cable suspension bridge leading to Vortex Spring and Blue Creek.

Camping options at Vortex range from our secluded wooded, "outer" sites to those with creature comforts that provide water and electricity. Shower and bathroom facilities are available to all campers. Please call ahead to reserve a location as the campgrounds sites go fast, especially on holiday and event weekends.

Because all accommodations are "camp ground facilities", guests are required to furnish their own linens. Simply bring sleeping bags, your pillow, and a beach towel.

Both lodgings have large double-sided barbecue grills located in front of the covered porch that runs the length of the building. An extra long picnic table is provided at each end of the porch.

Large groups needing the 26 person accommodations will find 4 separate dormitories, two in Pinewood and two in Ottercreek Lodge. These rooms are furnished with bunk beds and divided male/female bathroom and showering facilities. Heated and air conditioned, these "dorms" are a cost effective way to bring groups of all ages. Whether planning a reunion, company retreats, counseling retreats, or a church group, these dormitories will fulfill your large group needs. Parking is just outside your door and there are large covered front porches, lots of grilling facilities and campfire areas in the front yard.

Reservations with a major credit card, can be made by calling from 7 am. to 5 p.m. CST daily.Reservations for rooms require a valid credit card number and at least one person staying over night be 21 years of age.

For more information please visit: http://www.vortexspring.com/index.html