Home of the Diver Down Flagscuba diving at Vortex Spring
One of the best and safest dive resorts in the country: 520 acres, 28 million gallons of gin-clear water a day, a 50-ft basin, and a cavern with 300 ft of horizontal penetration to the 115-ft cave gate. All of it at 68° every day of the year.
Fifty feet to the cavern mouth, then 300 feet to the gate
The spring basin drops to 50 feet at the mouth of the cavern. From there the cavern continues roughly 300 feet of horizontal penetration to a security gate at 115 feet, where the cave system begins. The cave continues past that point, but full cave certification is required to go any further. Expect a white-sand bottom, shimmering air pockets along the ceiling and remarkable visibility.
You’ll share the water with koi, gar, catfish, American eels, redhorse suckers, bluegill and bass — most of them curious enough to come say hello.
- Approximately 28 million gallons of crystal-clear water every day
- Constant 68°F — a 5–7 mm wetsuit is the usual call
- Platforms, slides and the swim area are included with your diving pass
- Night diving available by advance request — submit a night dive request
Two worlds, one spring$25 gets you in the water
Purchase your pass at the full-service dive shop when you arrive. It covers the diving area plus the swimming area, platforms and slides. 10% military discount on diving passes.
The Spring, top to bottom
- Register at the dive shop, pay pass fees and sign the waiver — minors need a parent or legal guardian’s signature
- Diving passes expire at 11 PM
- Minimum age to dive is 10, and every minor dives with a certified adult
- Bring your certification card — no cavern or cave entry without the proper certification
Courses & certification
From your first breaths underwater to Rescue Diver, training at Vortex runs year-round in 68° water with NAUI certification. Rental gear is free during your class, and every course includes instruction, air and certification.
| Course | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Discover ScubaNo experience needed | An all-inclusive introduction with an instructor — gear provided, no certification required. The easiest way to find out if diving is for you. | $150 |
| NAUI Open Water DiverEntry-level certification · 2–3 days + e-learning | The world’s most recognized certification. E-learning ($251) first, then confined-water skills and open-water dives ($354). Includes all gear, air, certification and underwater photos. | $605 |
| Junior Open WaterAges 10–14 | Same skills as Open Water with age-appropriate depth limits (40 ft for ages 10–11, 60 ft for 12–14). Converts to full Open Water at 15. 10% off when a parent and child enroll together. | Call |
| NAUI Advanced Open WaterE-learning $240 + in-water $344 | Five adventure dives including deep and navigation, plus three you choose — night, wreck, photography and more. | $584 |
| NAUI Rescue DiverE-learning $249 + in-water $311 · ages 12+ | Problem prevention, self-rescue and helping other divers. 1–3 days. Divers say it changes the way they dive. | $560 |
| Specialty CoursesNight · Deep · Nitrox · Wreck · Search & Recovery · Buoyancy · Photography | Go further in the areas you love. Ask about scheduling and pricing. | Call |
Ready to get certified?
Email dive@vortexspring.com or call the dive shop and we’ll point you to the next class.
Sign your dive waiver
Please sign the waiver that matches your certification and age before you arrive.
Bring your own gear or rent the whole kit
The full-service dive shop has air and nitrox fills, rental equipment and everything you forgot at home. Rental gear is a 24-hour rental — if you’ll be returning after hours, let the staff know before you head out.
| Full gear packageBCD, regulator with console or computer, wetsuit, weights | $70per 24 hrs · $60/day for 48 hrs · $45/day for 3+ days |
| Air cylinder | $16 |
| 32% Nitrox cylinder | $22+$2 for cylinders over 80 cu ft |
| BCD · Regulator with console | $20each · regulator with computer $30 |
| Full wetsuit (3 mm or 5 mm) | $20 |
| Weights | $1.00per lb |
Platforms in the basinDiving rules
These keep the spring safe for everyone. Every diver agrees to them at check-in.
- All diving guests must register at the dive shop, pay the applicable pass fees and sign a waiver/release form. Minors need the signature of a custodial parent or legal guardian.
- Diving passes expire at 11 PM.
- All scuba rental gear is a 24-hour rental. If you will be returning gear after hours, make arrangements with staff before you go.
- The minimum age for scuba diving is 10, regardless of supervision or certification.
- All minors must dive with a certified adult, whether or not the minor is certified.
- Divers must show proof of certification from a recognized agency, or be under the supervision of an instructor.
- Divers must read and abide by all posted diving rules.
- Divers must follow all generally accepted safe-diving practices.
- Divers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Divers must dive within the limits of their certification.
- Divers must not enter the cavern or cave system without the proper cavern or cave certification.
Make a dive weekend of it
Grandview Lodge is the shortest walk to the water with heavy gear, and every campsite includes two park passes.