New ATV/motor cross track is one of the new features at Vortex. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Enhancements to include racetrack, airstrip, new lodging

Lowell Kelly, owner of Vortex Spring, has big plans for the popular diving and swimming facility located in Ponce de Leon. New enhancements to the park include an ATV/motor cross racetrack, paintball course and a 3,000 ft. airstrip located on newly acquired acreage adjacent to the facility.

“People will be able to fly in, take scuba lessons and stay at Vortex,” Kelly said.

Future plans to the park include upgraded lodging and expansion of the educational facilities.

Diver training is offered at Vortex Spring. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Vortex Spring has been a popular dive spot and recreational spot since the mid 1970s. The spring is popular with cave divers offering clear dives into the spring’s limestone rock cavern. The spring produces 28 million gallons of water daily at a year-round temperature of 68 degrees.

Vortex offers scuba dive training, rentals and a complete dive shop supplying dive suits, masks, gauges and accessories.

The recreation area is popular with swimmers during the warm weather months. A diving board, two high jump platforms, zip line, 2 slides, and a rope swing provide fun-filled launches into the cool spring water. Picnic tables and grassy areas surround the spring.

Vortex offers lodging with 2 bunk-bed lodges, cabins and camping with electrical hookup available.

Vortex Spring is located approximately 4 miles north of Hwy. 90 on SR81 in Ponce de Leon, Fla. ::MAP::

Hours of Operation: 7 days a week from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Diving fees are $19.00/day
Swimming $8.00/day
Pets are not allowed.

For more information about Vortex Spring and its facilities, go to: www.vortexspring.com

Diver Mark Anderson from Indiana shares this video of diving Vortex: