Diving in or near Cordele, GA

[Kelly Jessop]

There are some small, "dry" caves in the area, and one really nice U/W one. However, it is permit only.

There is a dry cave behind the truck stop in Cordele

[a64pilot]

I've only dove one small cave in the flint, not really worth it, and boat wise, it has to be a small one and one that you don't mind hitting a rock every now and again.
You can dive solo in Marianna in the mill pond.
What we really need to do as a group is get Radium Springs opened. Never dove it, don't know if opening it is even possible, but I think it's a decent cave to dive

[Kelly Jessop]

What we really need to do as a group is get Radium Springs opened. Never dove it, don't know if opening it is even possible, but I think it's a decent cave to dive

Fairly short cave,that is very fragile. It is a place that wouldn't be considered for recreational cave diving because they have turned the site into a botanical garden,and all the walkways to the water have been fenced,without a gate,so obviously they don't want anybody in the water. Presently the place is suffering from a drought,so there is no water flow-it looks like a puddle with high grass down the spring run.

[Kelly Jessop]

Pictures or estimated size of tree? I might be able to help.

Been a couple years since I've been there. It is a blue hole in a swamp,and the tree is bigger around than my arms,and goes straight into the spring. No guarantee there is going passage,but very intriguing place. Wouldn't be able to get any heavy equipment back there due the surrounding terrain and swamp. A come along might work well.

[floridabob]

Which truck stop has the dry cave? I work for Pilot Travel Centers. Be convenient for something to do.

I have a 16 foot pontoon boat. Rocks are rarely a problem, but sometimes. What waterway are we talking about, I can check it out.

[a64pilot]

flint river, I'm no good as a guide though, but I'm in to dive, hump tanks, pay for gas etc. if you can find a guide. The one time I did it, it was from what is called a Ganoe, and the water was real shallow in places, I just basically stuck my nose in was all I didn't have the training, support etc. for more.

[floridabob]

I also have access to bring up a canoe, if that's better. Got some small tanks rigged for sidemounting the little stuff on the shallow side. I will be getting on site 2/2. Not sure exactly what my schedule will be till then. I will pm you and anyone else that has an interest in some local activities or direction for me.

Thanks,
bob

[Kelly Jessop]

Rivers are very low right now with a lot of exposed shoals,so tread carefully because I've seen someone stranded with a Titanic type hole. Also,the hydrostatic pressures are very low from the drought and agriculture,so some places will reverse very easily right now,so a long boat ride can net you a long boat ride back with no diving. I dive these places a lot,but typically get past the winter and wet spring,and wait until mid-spring area depending on the river level.

[Cindy]

Tree and digging? Sounds like an adventure dive to me!

I live 30 miles to the east.and have spent an extensive amount of time in the caves in South GA,but you'll find all of them will require a boat,with a fair amount of work. Ironically there is a place that has interested me that is 10 miles away from Cordele,but will require some equipment to get a tree extricated that is in the entrance. Your best bet,is I75 south to north FL.