This dive site, known as Eagle's Nest, is a highly advanced and extremely deep sinkhole located in Florida, United States. It's a premier cave diving destination characterized by a deep sink leading into extensive upstream and downstream tunnel systems. A prominent feature is a large debris cone that slopes downwards in the center of the sink. Navigation within the complex cave environment requires meticulous planning and expert skills, following established guidelines for deep overhead environments. There is no specific history mentioned in the provided information.
Due to its unique environment as a deep freshwater cave system, the site is not known for diverse marine animals or plants typically found in open water or reefs. Life, if present, would likely consist of specialized cave-dwelling organisms adapted to dark, nutrient-poor conditions, such as troglobites, small crustaceans, or unique microbial mats. The primary focus of diving here is the geological formations and the challenge of the cave itself rather than biodiversity.
The best time to visit Eagle's Nest is typically during cooler months when surface temperatures are more comfortable for gear setup, though water temperatures in springs are relatively constant year-round. Divers must possess a full cave certification, trimix certification, and extensive experience with deep cave dives, as recommended by NACD and NSS-CDS. This site is exclusively for highly experienced technical divers; it is not suitable for freedivers or snorkelers due to the extreme depth, overhead environment, and technical demands.
