Good to knowthe questions we get asked most

A constant 68°F year-round — refreshing in July and surprisingly swimmable in January. Divers usually wear a 5–7 mm wetsuit; swimmers are fine in a suit.

The basin is 50 feet deep at the cavern mouth. The cavern then runs about 100 yards to the security gate at 115 feet, where the cave system begins. No cavern or cave entry without the proper certification.

Yes. Day admission is $15 per person, $10 for kids 12 and under, and free for 4 and under (plus sales tax), purchased at the dive shop. It covers the swim area, slides, jumping platforms, rope swing, beach and public areas. Diving needs a separate $25 diving pass, and snorkeling the cavern is a $6 add-on.

Vortex Spring Adventures is a very unique property with plenty of overflow parking, but overnight camping and lodging may be limited. If you have already purchased a valid daily admission pass, you may come and go as you please throughout the day, even if the property reaches capacity after your arrival — simply keep your valid wristband or proof of admission with you when you leave and return.

Please plan to swim at your own risk and keep an eye on the kids — call (850) 836-4979 if you’d like to confirm current staffing before your visit.

Not on your own — divers must show proof of certification from a recognized agency or be under the supervision of an instructor. If you’re not certified yet, Discover Scuba ($150, gear provided) puts you in the water with an instructor, and NAUI Open Water certification is $605.

10 years old, regardless of supervision or certification, and every minor dives with a certified adult. Junior Open Water certification is available for ages 10–14.

Yes — the full-service dive shop rents complete packages (from $45/day on multi-day rentals) and individual items like BCDs, regulators and wetsuits, plus air and nitrox fills. Masks, fins, boots and snorkels aren’t rented individually. Rental gear is a 24-hour rental. Tubes and paddleboards are available too.

Check-in is 1 PM for camping and 4 PM for lodging. Check-out is 10 AM for camping and 11 AM for lodging. Campers arriving before 1 PM are charged for the previous night.

Yes — each of the 40 water & electric sites has a picnic table and a grill.

Yes, at campsites and cabins — in a metal-sided fire pit with a metal or mesh cover, fire bay no bigger than 2 ft × 3 ft, burning wood, coal, artificial logs or propane. Keep it away from tents, RVs and shrubs, keep water nearby, attend it at all times and fully extinguish it before you leave. Outdoor activities including fire pits can be restricted without notice depending on conditions. Never attach lanterns to trees, and never cut or nail anything to trees or vegetation. Full details are on Policies & Rules.

Park admission for two (rates are based on two-person occupancy), a picnic table and grill, water and electric hookups (no sewer — a dump station is available), and room for up to 8 people, 2 vehicles and 2 tents. Extra guests are $10 per person per night; personal golf carts and ATVs are $10 per day plus daily admission.

Campers must be 21 to camp without a parent or legal guardian, and you must be 21 to make an on-site lodging reservation.

Full payment is due at booking. Cancel with at least 72 hours’ notice for a full refund minus processing fees. Inside 72 hours, or on a no-show, the first night is forfeited.

Pets are welcome in designated campground areas only, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and you’re responsible for cleaning up after them. They’re strictly prohibited near the spring, swim areas, water attractions, decks, docks, slides and platforms, and in lodging, restaurants and retail areas. Qualifying service animals are permitted wherever guests are otherwise allowed to go. Full details are on Policies & Rules.

Personal alcohol is fine for guests of legal age, but bartending or selling/serving alcohol to other guests is strictly prohibited. Divers must never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and admission may be revoked without refund for misconduct or violating park rules.

The dive shop has snacks and drinks, and every campsite has a grill. Call for what’s currently available on the property, and there are restaurants a short drive away in Ponce de Leon and Bonifay.

Horses are welcome, and side-by-sides and UTVs ride the trails too. Trail access changes with weather and events, so call before you come. SXS passes are subject to increase for special events.

Yes — Rustic Ranch Farms seats 299 indoors with unlimited outdoor seating, and your guests can stay on property. Email Reservations@vortexspring.com with your date and headcount for pricing.