Buford Sink: A Stunning Cavern Dive in Florida

Buford Sink is a hidden gem for cavern divers in Florida. It is located about a quarter mile from the access road, so it requires some effort to reach it. But once you get there, you will be amazed by the beauty and size of this cavern. Buford Sink was discovered in 1973 by Will Walters, who also found the DiePolder Sinks. He named it after Buford Register, an old logger who showed him the sink. For a long time, it was off-limits to divers, but now it is open to the public through the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area.

How to Access Buford Sink

To access Buford Sink, you need to pay a $3.00 daily fee or buy a yearly Wildlife Management Area pass for $26.50 at most hunting supply stores, Wal-Mart or online at: [www.wildlifelicense.com]. You need to display the pass or the stub on your dash so that law enforcement can see it while you are diving. The access road to Buford Sink is closed by a cable gate, so you need to walk about a quarter mile to the sink. Please do not move or damage the cable gate. The walk may be tough, but it is worth it.

• Region: Florida
• Coordinates: 28.63344, -82.5907
• Depth: 167 ft
• Remarks: Buford Sink
• Type: Cave, Cavern

What to Expect from Buford Sink

Buford Sink is one of the largest caverns in Florida, second only to Wakulla. The maximum depth is 165 feet at the downstream end of the main cavern/cave, where the water flows out of the sink. The upstream end of the cavern has some outflowing areas at 140 feet on the right side and some low bedding planes at 60-70 feet on the left side, where the water flows into the sink. The water that flows out of the sink forms a spring run that goes for 50 yards and then syphons back down into a narrow crack that leads to a deep chamber at 180 feet. This area is very dark and tannic, and has a lot of breakdown that makes further exploration difficult.

Buford Sink is an awesome dive for experienced cavern divers who want to see a spectacular underwater landscape. The water is clear and blue, and the cavern walls are covered with fossils and formations. The light rays that enter through the entrance create a stunning visual effect. You can also see a lot of fish and wildlife in and around the sink.

How to Enter and Exit Buford Sink

The best way to enter and exit Buford Sink is by the cypress tree at the end of the spring run. This will help you avoid stirring up the sediment over the entrance and protect the fragile ecosystem of the sink. You should also follow the cavern diving rules and use proper equipment and techniques when diving in Buford Sink. Remember that this is a natural wonder that deserves respect and care from divers.

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