CHAMELEON SPRING | RADIUM SPRING
CHAMELEON SPRING
Chameleon Spring is located on the banks of the Flint River not too far from Albany, Georgia. It is not an easy entrance to find. It took us a couple of hours, two dives, and several messages to Guy Bryant, one of the original explorers of Chameleon, before we were able to find it. And it was worth it!
The opening itself is a wonder to see. After seeing the rest of the bank of the river looking for it, the opening isn’t what we had expected. The opening sits about 15 feet under the surface and is itself about 15 feet tall. The problem with finding it is the river is always tannic and visibility is measured in inches. Until you get to the opening and the water flowing out of it clears the immediate area allowing for some great photo opportunities.
The main passage of the cave is a decent size. There are a few offshoots to provide for some variety. Some of the side passages are sidemount only. There’s also lots of cave life in this cave. Rob discovered a blind albino salamander that may be the first time this species was found in Georgia.
Conditions in this cave can be hit or miss due to the dam located just north of it. The river level is constantly fluctuating and this can cause the cave to brown out. We’ve been lucky each time we’ve traveled there to dive it.
RADIUM SPRING
Radium Spring is not open to the public for diving. A permit is required to dive this cave.
Located outside off Albany, Georgia, Radium Spring is part of the Radium Springs Gardens, an attraction open to the public for topside activities. We were fortunate enough to get invited to join Kelly Jessop during one of his monthly critter counts. We’ve been fortunate enough to dive it a couple of times with Kelly.
The cave is a decent size with some flow. There is lots of life to be seen inside.
