North Florida Springs · Williston, Florida, United States · Cave & cavern · Freshwater
Devil's Den
Daylight drops through a collapsed roof into a 37 m (120-foot) chamber
Area photo: LittleT889 · CC BY-SA 4.0
A karst window in Levy County, North Florida: the roof over an underground river fell in and left a spring-fed chamber about 37 m (120 ft) across, open to the sky through a chimney in the rock. The spring near Williston is 16 m (54 ft) deep and holds 22C (72F) all year. A narrow staircase leads down to the water, under rock formations hung with stalactites.
Also known as Devil's Den Spring, Devil's Den Cave.
Where it is and how deep
29.4070° N, 82.4762° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
You enter through the rock. A narrow staircase is the only way in, and it leads straight into the water inside a dry cave whose roof fell in over an underground river. Daylight comes through the chimney-like opening overhead, and on cold winter mornings steam rises out of it off the 22C (72F) water. The chamber is about 37 m (120 ft) across and opens out below the surface in an inverted mushroom shape.
There are no shallow spots: it is a sinkhole about 15 m (50 ft) deep, and its deepest point is 16 m (54 ft). The dive is a circuit of the chamber, along the rock formations and stalactites near the ceiling and past the fossil beds, then back up beneath the opening. Fish and turtles live in the spring, which is why sunscreen is banned for everyone who goes in.
The rules keep the dive in the open chamber. Divers must stay with a buddy for the whole dive, and cave entry is not allowed; doubles, reels, rebreathers, knives and sidemount are barred for recreational divers. Snorkellers share the water, since general swimming is not allowed and they and divers are the only people the property lets into the spring. Night dives run by reservation and need Advanced certification or an instructor.
Background
Early settlers saw steam rising from the chimney-like opening on cold winter mornings and decided the devil lived below, hence the name. In 1960 a survey team made at least 96 dives into the cave and recovered 47 extinct mammal species, among them mastodons, ground sloths and dire wolves, together with human remains. The fossils are on display at the University of Florida's Museum of Natural History. The cave opened to divers in the early 1990s, its opening was enlarged in that decade to ease access, and the current owners bought it in 1993.
Marine life and season
- Freshwater fish
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows North Florida Springs: The spring water holds a constant 22 °C (72 °F), so diving runs all year; Ginnie Springs is crowded on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Know before you go
- The staircase is the only way in or out, and the chamber sits under a rock roof. Plan gas so you surface beneath the opening with a reserve, and stay with your buddy throughout, as the rules require.
- Cave passages lead off the chamber, including a fossil chamber 21 m (70 ft) under water. Cave entry is not allowed; turn at the edge of the daylight zone.
Dive videos
Explore Devil's Den Spring | Florida's Prehistoric Underground Oasis (Snorkeling/Scuba Diving!) · Follow Me Away on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Devil's Den?+
16 m (54 ft) at its deepest point. It is a sinkhole about 15 m (50 ft) deep with no shallow spots. Cave passages beyond the chamber go deeper, but cave entry is not allowed.
Where is Devil's Den in Florida?+
Near Williston in Levy County, North Florida, at 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696. Check the address when you navigate: it is a different place from Devil's Den Creek.
What certification do you need to dive Devil's Den?+
Open Water or above, and a buddy for the whole dive. Scuba is first come, first served; only night dives are booked, at least seven days ahead. The last dive must be in the water 90 minutes before closing.
Can you snorkel Devil's Den?+
Yes, by reservation. General swimming is not allowed, but snorkellers use the spring alongside divers. Children must be at least 6 and strong swimmers, since flotation devices are not allowed, and anyone under 18 needs a parent on site.
Sources
- Devil's Den Cave — Wikipedia
- Devil's Den Spring — Devil's Den Spring
- Scuba Dive — Devil's Den Spring
- Frequently Asked Questions — Devil's Den Spring
- About — Devil's Den Spring
In The Logbook
- Freshwater diving: lakes, springs and quarriesFreshwater · 15 min read
- Cavern and cenote diving without cave trainingCaves & caverns · 8 min read
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