floridanaturecoast.org · Management Plan
Depth, flow, and advanced-dive framing.
Dive Spot Guide•
Buford Spring
Buford Spring is an advanced Florida cavern dive in Chassahowitzka WMA.
Buford Spring is a shore-access freshwater cavern with permit-based access, a short hike, and a strong overhead profile; plan it as an advanced cave dive, not a casual spring stop.
About Buford Spring
Buford Spring is a freshwater cavern in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, reached by a short hike from the WMA entrance. The site opens into a large overhead cave with clear spring water when rainfall is low, but depth and flow increase quickly inside, so it belongs in the advanced cave-diving category rather than a casual swim stop. Expect a swampy approach, a rustic entry, and a dive that rewards precise buoyancy, careful gas management, and comfort with overhead environments.
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Research Estimate At Buford Spring
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 23m
AccessChallenging entry effort
Aquatic LifeSome life
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentModerate current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Buford Spring?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Buford Spring Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0m - 50m
Depth Note
The basin opens into a cavern that reaches about 50 m at the siphoning downstream end; inflow is noted around 140 ft and slower flow at 60-70 ft.
Best Season
Year-round, with the clearest water after dry weather.
Typical Conditions
Clear, cold spring water is common when rainfall is low; after heavy rain, tannic runoff can cloud the basin and flow is more noticeable inside the cavern.
Safety & Access At Buford Spring
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environmentRestricted access
Safety Notes
Overhead cavern/cave environment with depth to about 50 m, flow inside the cavern, and mandatory WMA registration; first-time divers should go with someone experienced at the site.
Access Restrictions
Check-in required at an iron ranger at the main entrance off US 19.
Legal Notes
Chassahowitzka WMA SCUBA diving registration must be on file before diving at Buford Spring, and a daily-use permit or WMA permit is required to enter the area.
Local Intel For Buford Spring
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Advanced cave and cavern scuba only. The site has an overhead ceiling, deep sections, and flow that becomes more pronounced inside.
Freediving
Not suitable for freediving; the overhead cavern, depth, and permit requirements make this a scuba cave site.
Snorkeling
Not suitable for snorkeling; the site is an overhead cavern with certified-diver access and a short hike to the basin.
Wildlife at Buford Spring
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Buford Spring
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Buford Spring
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility23m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
