At the headwaters of the San Marcos River, more than 200 artesian springs bubble up to form Spring Lake. Here, human history stretches back more than 12,000 years to the last ice age and natural history even further. Spring Lake is a jewel for divers.
Spring Lake at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment is home to:
- crystal-clear waters that remain a constant 72 degrees year-round
- one of the world’s largest aquifer-driven spring systems
- seven threatened and endangered species
- a state antiquities landmark
- the longest continuously inhabited site in North America
- ongoing biological and archaeological research and many collaborative projects
- likely the densest population of turtles in the United States..and more
SCOTT BAKER, Dive Instructor
Quite possibly one of the coolest places to dive in and around the Austin area. When I get asked about this site, I tell people that even though it’s relatively shallow, it’s the closest thing to diving in a Bass Pro Shop’s aquarium you can get to without breaking any trespassing laws.
The Spring Lake diving program partners with select scuba divers to protect and preserve Spring Lake’s abundant natural, historical, and cultural resources. They have a great program (the Dive Authorization Course) to train citizen scientist divers, and in return, they volunteer their time to one of the most unique habitat restoration projects in the country.
Click HERE to learn more about the Dive Authorization Course.
Hours
- Weekdays:
- Checkout Dives: 11am – 5pm
- Volunteer Dives: 11am – 4pm
- Weekends:
- Checkout Dives: 8am – 5pm
- Volunteer Dives: 8am – 4pm
Above Water Activities
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour: Same-day boat tour passes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call the ticket office at (512) 245-7590 for more information
- Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle board tours are also available.
