==================
A Caveat and Affiliates
First off, a little caveat: within my articles you will find affiliate links, meaning if you buy them, I get a small commission. Your cost is not affected. In addition, I am an Amazon Associate and I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
And yes, if I say that I recommend a product here, it means I truly believe it is a good product. I refuse to recommend any product that I have not researched and believe to be a good value.
Even better, I provide you with a very clear picture of the product, it’s use, and the probable value.
Earning your trust is important to me. I run this website myself and the commissions and donations help support the site.
Sound reasonable and fair enough? Let’s continue to the article.
==================
Most Floridians likely heard or saw a video of Devil Den Springs. Some time ago, I saw promotional videos of it circulating online. Those presentations captivated the imagination of many people. Seeing the recording reveals the site as a fascinating natural wonder.
If you’ve seen any of those videos, you may wonder what it is like to visit Devil’s Den Cave. To be specific, you may be itching to experience it. For those who don’t know, the site has a private owner. Yet it’s also an exclusive scuba diving spot for those who wish to visit it. It allows guests to enjoy snorkeling and Devil’s Den kayaking. Thus, tourists make time for it.
This post will walk you through this fascinating natural wonder. It details its history, formation, and what you can do there for fun!
So, let’s get started!
What Is Devil’s Den Cave?
Located about 60 feet underground, Devil’s Den Cave is a unique diving location. Nature formed it after a geological phenomenon (karst window) occurred. To create it, the top of an underground river collapsed. Also, it made a gaping hole. It so happened that there lay a stunning underground world underneath that pit. The site held mysteries to discover. Now, tourists worldwide visit this spot to enjoy scuba diving. Some seek it to try Devil’s Den snorkeling and swimming inside a prehistoric cave.
After its discovery and appreciation, it became a popular scuba diving destination. Folks frequent it for an underground adventure. Also, an oxygen supply is optional for explorers to survey it. One of the uniqueness of this underground river is its consistent 72 degrees. In colder months, vapor rises from the surface of the water. It creates a visible plume over the cave entrance. Early settlers believed that it was a chimney from hell. We now see it as a fascinating and satisfying sight to behold.
Moreover, another thing that makes Devil’s Den Cave unique is that people carved it. So you can explore it for a cave tour and subterranean river scenery. The finest of both worlds blend. The combination creates something entrancing. It allows visitors to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Devil’s Den snorkeling excursion.
Furthermore, Devil Den Springs has an approximate depth of 60 feet. Ancient rock formations dating back to more than 33 million years ago are still around. Scuba divers and swimmers can enjoy stunning views inside it. Still, it comes with cozy, warm, and crystal-clear waters. Moreover, visitors don’t have to worry about dangerous water wildlife. The only species that call Devil’s Den Cave home are fish and tiny turtles named Nelson.
Fun Facts About Devil’s Den Cave
1
2
3
4
5
6
The water here has a satisfying warmth. It delivers a constant temperature of 72 degrees all year round.
Devil’s Den Cave has a shape that resembles an inverted mushroom.
The cave is about 33 million years old.
It has a maximum depth of 54 feet.
Devil Den Spring is among the most prehistoric spots in the United States.
Steam rising from the cave entrance forced early inhabitants to call it the “Devil’s Den.”
Where Is Devil’s Den Spring?
5390 Northeast 180 Avenue, Williston, Florida
Devil’s Den Spring is north of Ocala and south of Gainesville in Williston. It means this fascinating natural wonder lies in the middle of rural Florida. You may have to go off the beaten path to experience Devil’s Den kayaking. Yet experiencing this cave may be worth your time and effort. Likewise, the site is also home to another cave system – the Blue Grotto Dive Resort.
Above the ground, this underground subterranean river has:
- North of Devil’s Den: Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs.
- South of Devil’s Den: Rainbow Springs and Blue Grotto.
- East of Devil’s Den: Silver Springs.
-
West of Devil’s Den: Manatee Springs and Cedar Key.
Why Is It Called Devil’s Den Spring?
Devil Den Springs got its title as an underground cave from the early inhabitants. They saw steam rising to the surface from the hole. They believed it was a chimney from hell. Thus, they gave it the title “Devil’s Den,” which has stuck ever since. But there’s a scientific reason that triggers the steam to rise. It happens because the warm underground spring water blends with the cool air.
How Much Does Visiting Devil’s Den Spring Cost?
Private owners manage the Devil’s Den Spring. Hence, you will have to pay $15 to explore it (Monday through Friday). Yet, if you plan a weekend or holiday visit, the cost will be $20 per person. The price may also vary depending on what you are looking for at the springs and its surroundings.
For instance, if you want to try Devil’s Den snorkeling, you can rent a kayak for an extra $10. Likewise, visitors who rent scuba gear to try diving will have to pay $40. Still, guests can bring their equipment, and this saves money.
What To Do At Devil’s Den Spring?
More than its underground spring, Devil’s Den Cave is also great for other activities. But, since it is an exclusive place, you must follow strict rules. It is not for spectators too. Instead, visitors must join in the fun there. Here is what you can do in and around Devil Den Spring:
Devil’s Den Snorkeling
Devil’s Den Cave is famous as an excellent diving site. But you can also enjoy Devil’s Den snorkeling there. Dipping there allows floating through its clear waters. Snorkeling in the spring is also a popular activity. Caretakers make it available throughout the week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That’s the schedule for Monday to Thursday. Still, it’s accessible from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday to Sunday.
Moreover, Devil’s Den divers must have a professional diving certificate. Yet you don’t need any certification for snorkeling. So you can bring your whole family to explore this unique place. Still, you need a reservation for snorkeling. This opportunity is something you can set on their official website.
Scuba Diving
Discover Prehistoric Fossils
Besides exploring the prehistoric underground river, you can also see other things nearby. For instance, its neighbors are the Japanese Botanical Gardens and Cedar Lakes Woods.
The botanical garden is fascinating and features cascading waterfalls. It has more than 50 garden displays and koi ponds. Also, it offers breathtaking views of natural Florida. Locals encourage visitors to have a self-guided excursion through 20 acres of gardens.
Explore Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
RV Park and Campgrounds
If you are on a multi-day trip and want to explore Devil’s Den and its surroundings, renting a cabin is an option. There’s also camping in an R.V. and the campgrounds. Likewise, the site has four fully furnished rental cabins. They are near the diving location with all the appliances. So you should check their tent campground. These sites are excellent if you love watching the sparkling starry sky at night.
Visit Blue Grotto
It’s another next-door neighbor of Devil’s Den. Many say that the Blue Grotto is also an excellent place to visit. It is between Gainesville and Ocala in Williston, Florida. At first glance, Blue Grotto looks like something out of a dream because it is too pretty to be authentic. Yet, this jaw-dropping natural wonder is real. It’s because the high bluffs and lush tropical surround the scenery.
Moreover, even up close, the clarity of its blue water is impressive. It makes you feel like you are diving into a giant sapphire. It is a designated diving spot like Devil’s Den snorkeling. But snorkelers and swimmers can also have fun. Besides, Blue Grotto is also the safest and most enormous Clearwater cavern in the area.
Get Wet ‘N’ Wild In Ginnie Springs
Get Wet ‘N’ Wild In Ginnie Springs
Ichetucknee Springs
Ichetucknee Springs is another above-ground next-door neighbor of Devil’s Den. It’s 45 miles north of Devil Den Springs. Likewise, the site is famous for its scenic river tubing. Still, the area is a wildlife haven. It’s where you can interact with fascinating wildlife. The site has otters, softshell turtles, gar, wood ducks, and more surfaces to see.
Located 20 miles south of Devil’s Den, you will find Rainbow Springs. Both Devil’s Den and Rainbow Springs are centuries old. The spring has ornamental gardens, serene parks, constructed waterfalls, and more. You will love taking a walk through its lush, mossy hammocks. Still, Rainbow State Park has over 60 sites for both R.V. and tent camping.
Rainbow Springs
To Conclude
That’s all about Devil’s Den Springs and the underground river. The prehistoric river offers enthralling scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming opportunities. Also nearby are its attractive next-door neighbors. They include the Japanese Botanical Gardens and Cedar Key. The place is a fascinating natural wonder you may not want to leave. So it’s a good destination for curious travelers to check.
We hope you enjoyed reading our post about the Devil’s Den Springs. If you have experience visiting t
