Paper presents results of the experimental research and computational modeling aimed on cavitating vortical structures induced by swirling flow. An experimental circuit was built with swirl generator and converging-diverging nozzle made of plexiglass. Cavitating zone develops along the nozzle axis due to balance of pressure and centrifugal forces. Resulting vortical structure is unstable, which is manifested by pulsations. Computational modelling of the one-phase flow is carried out and results are confronted with experimental data and the different modelling approaches are discussed.