Freedive at Cypress Spring
Vernon, Florida
Description
Added by Josh & Michele
Come snorkel and freedive in some of the clearest, blue water that the Florida panhandle has to offer.
Cypress Spring is only accessible by water due to it being surrounded by private property, so bring your canoe, kayak, SUP, or boat to one of the many landings along Holmes Creek. The shortest and easiest way to get to the spring is to launch your vessel at Cotton Landing. From there, it is a short quarter-mile float downstream to the spring turnoff. The turnoff will be on your right and is marked with clearly visible orange arrows spray painted onto some trees. After making the turn, it is roughly a tenth of a mile trip upstream to the spring.
Cypress Spring is roughly 25-30 feet deep and is surrounded on all sides by pine forests. The only amenity there is a large rope swing on the north side of the spring, so bring your own food, water, and entertainment. Alcohol is permitted, and you can do pretty much any water activity you can think of there: SCUBA diving, freediving, snorkeling, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc. Some people even fish there, though I can't imagine you would catch anything worth keeping.
During the summer, it's recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid the boat traffic, and there are several outfitters nearby if you don't own your own canoe/kayak/SUP or if you just need help shuttling your own vessel to Holmes Creek. These outfitters also offer camping for those of you who will be coming from out of town.
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Reviews
The water was amazingly clear! You could see everything from top to bottom 30 ft down. Freediving their was awesome, look out for the caves there, bring your scuba gear, there are trees down in the water from hurricane Michael, but you can work your way down into the cave easier by those downed trees. It was a awesome time and a great dive. Watch for turtles, snakes and big mouth bass if your snorkeling. Usually hiding in the roots of the trees in the water. The paddle their was also very nice and serene. We got to the springs from Cottonlanding, then left the springs and worked our way down 4 miles to the second drop off point. It was really nice, quiet, and you'll see the occasional alligator during certain seasons.
5.0
If you can handle the water temperature, then you will be able to swim in the clearest, blue water I have ever seen! If you can hold your breath long enough, there are some cool caverns at the bottom of the spring to check out, just be safe in them.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.
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