Vortex Springs

[inletsurf]

Believe it or not, Vortex was pretty much my stomping grounds as a kid...a favorite local hangout for all the local kids.

Yes the water remains around the same temp yr round, because it is a spring. About 65-68 deg. if I remember right. Ponce de Leon springs is right down the road.

Lake Cassidy to the north-west is a spring fed lake that is very very clear.

enjoy.

 

[cstreu1026]

I just found out out actual location will be in Destin and I am not too familiar with the geography of Florida. So what dive spots will be with in about an hours drive?

 

[Aquamaniac]

Send a PM to Genesis, he is from Destin.
He also has a VERY nice boat, maybe he will offer you a trip!

Dave

 

[inletsurf]

Vortex is just over an hours drive from Destin, maybe 1:15.

 

[spaz]

are the ponce de leon springs diveable? Is there a cave?

 

[inletsurf]

Yes, Ponce de Leon springs has a cave, and a very nice swimming area for a spring.

Several people have died in the cave while I was growing up there, at one point they finally but bars up to the entrance. I think it can be unlocked, though, but I don't know who the person or contact is. I had a buddy who dove it in the 80's and said its pretty cool.

 

[scubanole]

inletsurf, are you from Ponce de Leon? My dad lives there now, about 1/2 a mile from Vortex on 81.

 

[kf4hax]

Dove at Morrison Springs yesturday and at Vortex Springs two days ago...
Water temperature was 66 degrees at Morrison and 68 degrees at Vortex. Air temperture two days ago was 25 degrees and 35 degrees testurday and I was wearing a 3mm Farmer John, so 6mm in the torso area. A hood and gloves and it was very comfortable.
Morrison Springs is a good place to dive....it is connected to a river also. You'll enter from the shore...near the shore there is a good bit of silt but the rest of the spring is sand and some rock. Visability is pretty good even with the silt. Some cool eels and some great looking freshwater fish. Mostdeffinately worth the money.

Vortex Springs is very much more commercialized and very small. You can see all there is to see in one or two dives...but visability is excellent. Also some large eels and giant carp also.

Cypress Springs is closed and is now being bottled as drinking water.

 

[ScubaScott]

This thread is a few months old, but was wondering if anyone had been to Vortex or Morrison and what conditions were like?

I will be in Destin in March, and having some difficulty getting any charters to commit, so the springs are looking like a good option right now....

SS