Content Produced in Partnership with VISIT FLORIDA
A trip to Devil’s Den should be at
the top of your summer bucket list. Located in northern Florida just a half-hour
drive from Gainesville, this underground spring and its environs is considered
the cave diving capital of North America. The crystal-clear waters of this underground
cavern will make you feel as if you can see straight down to the depths of the
Earth.
Discoveries Abound
The water
of Devil's Den is a constant 72 degrees — even in the winter months. In fact,
the chilling look of the steam rising from the water in the cold winter air
helped to give this hole its name. Some of the many wonders uncovered from its
depths include animal fossils dating back more than 30 million years, bones of
a man dating back to 7,500 B.C, and pieces from a mastodon skeleton and a giant
sloth. To this day, divers still make discoveries, including shark teeth.
Diving Right In
In 1993 this underground spring was
turned into a scuba diving facility and training center. Divers with a certification level of Open
Water or higher are welcome to dive the 54-foot deep cavern seven days a week — as long as they're accompanied by a certified “dive buddy." As a bonus,
Devil's Den promises no wait time for those divers. If, however, you're new to
the game, the facility also includes a training program at a separate open-air
diving pond, known as the Fish Pond.
Make a Splash
Not a diver
but still want to experience the awes of Devil’s Den? No certification or
reservation is necessary to enjoy a snorkeling experience. Easily one of the
most popular and accessible ways to enjoy the Devil’s Den, snorkelers can spend
two full hours exploring the spring at their leisure. Rental equipment,
including mask, fins, and snorkel,
are available on-site. Safety regulations require that snorkelers be at least
six years old.