Scuba Times Online

DIVE AMERICA: PAGE 2

Cypress Spring
Vernon, Florida
Looking up to the sky from the 20 foot depth, I can see an impressionist vision of spring-green Cypress trees forming a circular frame in the incredibly clear freshwater of Cypress Spring. The spring pool is a natural 150 foot diameter circle, dropping to a maximum depth of 30 feet. The gnarled roots of the Cypress trees surrounding the white sand bottom with green and purple grasses plus fallen trees make a picturesque backdrop for photographers. The water flow from a cavern vent is strong as 90 million gallons of water per day bubble up into the spring and gurgle their way to Holmes Creek. In the 40 foot x 14 foot cavern room, catfish and eels peek out from rocky crevices, Shadow bass and mullet mill around the entrance vent. The cavern extends downwards to a depth of 70 feet but always within sight of daylight. In the walls are fossilized shells from a time when this area was beneath the sea. Fossilized remains and Indian artifacts are on display at the rental office at Cypress Spring entrance lodge.

The resident owners and operators, Harold and Linda Vickers, work hard to preserve the area’s natural beauty for the many visitors who come to enjoy diving, camping, tubing and canoeing. The pine wood lodge (built by Harold), contains the gift/dive shop and snack bar. Cypress Spring still retains that lazy charm of the ol’ swimming hole days, so take time to relax in a rocking chair on the porch while listening to the tales of the friendly river folk.

To get there, travel on Hwy. 79 to three miles north of Vernon where, on the right-hand side of the road, there is a sign on a red canoe that points in the direction of the dirt road leading to Cypress Spring. Coming from the north on I-10, take exit 17 to Hwy. 79; travel south for approximately 8 miles to the canoe entrance. If lost or for more information, call Harold or Linda at Cypress Spring (850) 535-2960.
— Shirley Brown

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1996