Vortex Spring

This large natural spring stays at 68 degrees all year long and is a great place to snorkel, scuba dive, camp, and float in the Florida Panhandle.

Located in northwest Florida is Vortex Spring, an outdoor playground where the whole family can swim, play, camp, and laze under the sun. The crystal-clear natural spring is fed 28 million gallons of water daily from an underground aquifer and stays a cool 68 degrees year-round, so this is a wonderful spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Certified scuba divers can explore the expansive underwater cave system, which boasts incredible rock formations and fish. There are also various installments scattered around the spring floor outside of the caves to have fun with, such as a sunken boat and floating rings to swim through.

The Vortex Spring complex also has slides into the water, rope swings, and tubes for rental if you’d rather just relax and float. Beyond diving, Vortex Spring offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The park features picnic areas, playgrounds, and a campground with 40 water and electric sites, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. There are also lodge and cabin options to choose from if sleeping outside isn’t really your speed but want to extend your stay and maximize the fun.

Even though the Florida heat can get intense, a day spent at Vortex Spring will have you refreshed and connected with your adventurous side. Ideal for families and anyone wanting to get into some underwater exploration, Vortex Spring is a wonderful spot for getting outside and soaking up the sun in the Florida Panhandle.