Ever wondered if there is a refreshing alternative to sand,
saltwater and hot swimming pools when vacationing on the Emerald Coast of
Northwest Florida?
(I don’t knock sand or saltwater as a rule, as they are
primary reasons I choose to live here.
However, I have long deemed that steamy pools are highly overrated.)
Last week I was challenged with the task of finding
entertainment for my 9 and 6 year old sons.
My wife had been out of town for two weeks, the boys and I had endured
all of the G-rated movies we could stand, and it was a rare double-red flag day
at the beach – strong currents making it illegal to swim in the Gulf. It was dreadfully hot, and I refused to get
the three of us poached in any of the stifling community pools we frequent.
I decided to venture 45 minutes north to a place I had been
meaning to check out for years: Vortex Spring.
Gads, why did I not venture to this place sooner?!
Here are the Top 5
Reasons you should visit Vortex Spring:
1. It is the largest scuba diving facility in
Florida.
I have been scuba certified for over 25 years, but in my 10
years living on the Emerald Coast I never thought to submerge in this fresh water
mecca so close to home. Diving is very
affordable ($19/day), convenient, and they boast an exceptional scuba diving instruction center. Those
with cave diving certification can explore the spring outflow caverns to depths
of 100+ feet.
2. The water is clear, cold and refreshing.
The year-round clear water temperature is 68 degrees. Yep, that’s nippy, but when the mercury hits
90° plus on land it is simply
outstanding. The boys initially shrieked
when they entered the water. My 6 year
old’s mantra that day was “it’s cold, it’s cold, it’s cold” – then he would
jump in for the 100th time.
Most divers wear wetsuits, and some (wimps!) even wear dry suits. I like to swim and dive as close to naked as
modesty and the law permit, and the boys and I were just fine in mere bathing
suits.
3. The place is a water park extravaganza.
The boys found no shortage of entertainment, and this too is
affordable ($8/day for non-divers). Away
from the deep water divers’ platforms are familywater park facilities to keep kids (of all ages) active for hours: canoes, water
slides, diving boards, rope swings and zip lines. My kids have been swimming basically since
birth, and many suspect they have gills.
Though I would not recommend this
for kids who are novice swimmers, I felt safe letting them play unsupervised
while I blew bubbles at the “deep end”.
4. There is plenty of underwater wildlife.
The spring is teeming with bream, bass, freshwater eel and
other species, all of which are harmless.
My sons snorkeled with me and fed a variety of critters; fish food is
available at the office for just 25¢
a bag. Fishing is strictly prohibited,
and as a result there are some mighty big specimens in residence.
5. They offer a variety of overnight
accommodation options.
The facility offers campgrounds,cabins & dormitory lodges. My
wife does not camp – never has, never will.
She can, however, enjoy “rustic” lodging, and she has done so over the
years on vacations usually booked by, well, uh … me. (Please, please do not ask her about our 1988
Jamaica honeymoon.) That said, the boys
and I plan to go pitch a tent up there sometime soon, and we’ll reserve a cabin
when Mom opts to join us.
The Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida has long been known
as “The Best Kept Secret of the South”, and Vortex Spring may well be “The Best
Kept Secret of Northwest Florida”. For barefoot
fun, invigoration, refreshment, and a wide variety of wholesome family
recreational activities one can do no better than to plan a day or more at
Vortex Spring.
For more information or to ask about scuba diving, swimming
and lodging, call 800-342 -0640 or visit the Vortex Spring website: www.vortexspring.com.
(originally published 2012)
