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The 2025 International Cave Diving Conference Comes to“Cave Diving Capital of the World” in North Florida

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2025

InDEPTH

High Springs, Florida – The 2025 International Cave Diving Conference (ICDC) is coming to North Florida—widely regarded as the “Cave Diving Capital of the World” for its crystal-clear freshwater springs. Over $25,000 in top-tier dive gear and prizes will be raffled to support the NSS-CDS and its mission of cave diving safety, education, and conservation.

Hosted by the National Speleological Society – Cave Diving Section (NSS-CDS), the conference begins with a Friday evening social on May 30th from 5–9 PM at Rembert Farms, located at 13014 NW 174th St., Alachua, Florida. The main conference takes place on Saturday, May 31st, from 8 AM–4 PM, with a full day of presentations, exhibits, and hands-on workshops.

Cave diving legend Paul Heinerth will serve as Master of Ceremonies, introducing a dynamic speaker lineup that includes Stratis Kas, author of Close Calls and Cave Diving: Everything You Wanted to Know; Dr. Joerg Hess, sharing innovations in rebreather scrubber technology; geologist and sump explorer Joseph Firkaly-Paciera, presenting on southeastern U.S. cave systems; and Diver’s Atlas, showcasing how crowdsourced data is revolutionizing cave mapping and exploration.

Attendees will connect with divers and manufacturers from around the world, discover the latest in gear and exploration, and enjoy access to exclusive opportunities and travel ideas. Raffle prizes include two rebreathers, a drysuit, lifetime gas fills, and dozens more high-value items.

Food will be provided by local favorites Prohibition Pizza and The Great Outdoors Restaurant, with beverages by First Magnitude Brewing—supporting small businesses in our cave diving community.

Founded in 1973 by legendary explorer Sheck Exley, the NSS-CDS is the largest non-profit cave diving organization in the U.S., dedicated to diving safety, education, and conservation. For over 50 years, the organization has led efforts in exploration, scientific research, and environmental protection of the underwater world.