Bennett Springs
This is a natural spring system that is open to any open water diver. Cave certification is NOT needed. It is only open from November thru February, and only 6 divers per day. Entry is free, but reservations are necessary. Under normal flow conditions the current is not bad, and there are no entrapment issues. One way in and one way out. Depth is about 85’. A dive light is needed.
Contact Diane Tucker at 417-532-4338 or write to bennett.spring.nature.center@dnr.mo.gov for reservations.
Click here for pictures of Bennett Springs.
The flow rate at Bennett is kind of high right now. Check the link on the right (Bennett Springs Flow Rate). But it is also falling. Let us know how it goes. We would like to make it again this year.
( This post was moved to the Bennett Springs page by SteveC)
Richard Russell, on November 14th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I have a couple of friends who are diving bennitt springs the 28th of Nov. 09 we are going to be there at noon. If anyone would like to join us we are looking for 3 more people. contact me at Holyattitude@att.net or 573-280-9413 good diving all, Richard Lake of the Ozarks Mo. area
I HAVE THE WEIGHT POUCH. SEND ME AN EMAIL TO DUSTINCAREY@HOTMAIL.COM AND I’LL TRY TO GET IT BACK TO YOU.
I dove the springs this weekend 11/2 and enjoyed it quite a bit. The current was a kicker and once you got to the cave entrance it was a real blast.
The line as far as I can tell is broken that leads down to it, but I didn’t have much trouble getting there by staying low and going slow.
Temp was warmer than normal and the air temp was outstanding which made for a very nice diving day, except for tearing my drysuit.
The last dive I did there was a milk cloud coming out of the cave which was not there on the prior 2 dives, and nobody was in there. The current would vary quite a bit too. Fun dive.
Dove the spring on 11/2 (Awesome Day for November – Mid 70′s – The Leaves Turning)
Flow Rate – Approx 135 cfs. This was a little tough. Had to fight hard to get down to bottom. In fact, I never did, but a couple dive buddies did by finding line on right side of cavern and pulling themselves down.
Viz – Oddly enough a little “soupy”. Not as clear as seen in past. Outside of cavern probably 15′. Inside cavern will need a light.
Temp – Mid 50′s.
Remember to call ahead and make reservations and check in at the Nature Center when you get there. They made a copy of my drivers license and C-Card for their records.
Great day of meeting up with old friends and making new friends. If you find a weight pouch, let me know, we lost a weight pouch somewhere in the spring.
Snagel
The temp is upper 50′s all year long. We dove it last year in wet suits.
Please forgive a newbie question, but what is the water temp there in the winter (i.e. I assume it is drysuit only).
I just called and reserved the spring. The number you need to call is 417-532-3925. Dianne was surprised that we were already reserving it but took my info without a hassle. They open in November and you are only allowed to reserve for two days per year per person. Limit of six divers a day with only three at a time allowed in the spring. Must always have a topside safety and bring a photo ID and a C-card they can Scan for their records.
Thanks
I just updated the Bennett Springs discription with contact information.
You have to call the office at Bennett Springs State Park. They only open it up during the off-season (Dec-Feb) and then only 6 divers at a time + one person topside. I’ll see if I can find more information and post.
I am interested in diving Bennet Springs this year but can’t find any info on who to call to reserve a spot. Any help would be appreciated.