Freediving Jacob´s Well, Texas, USA

Have you ever thought how it may feel like to hold your breath and dive into the abyss? Jacob's Well is a perennial karstic spring and one of the longest underwater cave systems in Texas which offers exactly this. It is a part of the Jacob’s Well Natural Area and the place that allows for a magnificent deep diving experience. The spring in the Texas Hill Country is flowing from the bed of Cypress Creek, located northwest of Wimberley (Hays County), Texas, USA. Find the place on the map of Adrex.com Locations...

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The 3.7 meters (12,1 feet) diameter mouth of the spring serves as a popular swimming, diving and even cliff jumping venue. Jacob's Well cave descends vertically for about 9.1 meters (30 feet), then continues downward at an angle through a series of silted chambers separated by narrow restrictions. It opens up several times into a big underground connection of tunnels finally reaching a depth of 37 meters (121 feet). 

A dive shop owner and experienced Texan diver Don Dibble describes the spring´s dangers."This is the horror story side of it," says Don, with more than 40 years of diving experience. "Jacob's Well definitely has a national reputation of being one of the most dangerous places to dive." He has pulled most of the victims' remains out of Jacob's Well himself, and he nearly lost his own life in a 1979 recovery dive. 

After the already finished 2014 season, park employees are focusing on major projects such as trail building,updating park amenities and other infrastructure improvements.They expect to offer park´s visitors an even better experience once these improvements are made and to allow swimming again, on a limited basis, during the 2015 season, which is expected to start in April.

Jacob's Well entrance is free! Visitors are encouraged to call the Parks Information Line for updates at 512-847-2140 before heading out to Jacob's Well Natural Area. For more information about Hays County Parks, visit www.co.hays.tx.us and choose Parks from the Office dropdown tab.

Photos:  Jacob's Well Natural Area FB profile