Vortex Springs

[cstreu1026]

I am heading to the panhandle between Xmas and New Years. I will be staying the Ft. Walton Beach area. I was Planning on doing some diving while I am there so I can use some of my new gear. It looks as if Vortex Sprrings isn't too far and I know the water temps are always the same so it seems like a good choice. Are there any other sites to try?

Thanks.

 

[Aquamaniac]

Morrison Springs is pretty close, and pretty nice too!

http://www.floridacaves.com/morrison.htm

 

[cstreu1026]

I was looking at that site and it looks as if morrison springs are closed? And to clarify things, I am not a cave diver. I am just looking for good conditions and nice facilities.

 

[Aquamaniac]

Try looking at it from this view....

http://tfn.net/Springs/Morrison.htm

It is open (well it was last weekend)

Good open water dive.

 

[cstreu1026]

what can I expect there? Is there much life to see under water. My fiance is getting her first camera for Christmas and I am sure she will want to try it out. Also, what kind of exposure protection are we going to need?

 

[Aquamaniac]

Not a great deal to see, some rocks, A Big ass Log hanging over the cave entrance, alot of eels though. Its a very picturesque scene , the spring is surrounded by trees with overhanging "stuff".
If your close its a worthwhile trip. Its not too cold, 5-7mm full suit though, I Think its about 65 in there at the moment.

Looking into the cavern will get you all keyed up to go the next step in your training.............But PLEASE dont go in.

Dave

 

[cstreu1026]

You don't have to worry about me or my fiance venturing in to the caves. I still get nervous when I start to go deeper than 50 feet....I only have about 8 dives under my belt, and she has stated before that she has absolutely no interest in that kind of diving.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Cypress is the one that closed.
Vortex has more in the way of facilities; Morrison is more interesting and cheaper. If the water's just right at Morrison it'll be high enough to get up amongst the cypress but not so high as to have the river ruining the vis.
Lately Morrison's had a serious silt problem, so care in finning is a must.
If you want to try it, I think Harold (used to own Cypress before the water company bought it) has opened Ugly (calls it Magnolia) spring to diving. Just north of Vernon.
Don't write the gulf off either, though this time of year it can get a little bit interesting...
Rick

 

[cstreu1026]

I think the gulf will more than likely be out of hte question. The water seems to be pretty cool and if the conditions are anything like that picture then forget it.

 

[rmediver2002]

Here are some photo's from our open water dives at Morrison, I love the place...


http://www.adp.fsu.edu/pics/PENMorrison021020/index.html

http://www.adp.fsu.edu/picarchive/MorrisonFall2001/index.html


Jeff Lane