Luckily, for those who visit, Devil's Den only sounds scary. In reality, this unique diving location was created after a geological phenomenon that caused the ground to become unstable, leading to the hole that exists there today. Underneath this hole in the earth lies an underwater world just waiting to be discovered and while it's known as a dive site, visitors won't necessarily need to don an oxygen tank to explore it.
The uniqueness of this underwater spring exists in the fact that it's also a cavern, meaning as visitors explore, they'll be treated to both subterranean river scenery as well as a cave tour. The best of both worlds come together to create something that will become a once-in-a-lifetime excursion, and there are several ways to experience it.
What To Know About Devil's Den And How It Was Formed
Devil's Den is a prehistoric spring that reaches a depth of nearly 60 feet. It was created when the roof collapsed over a subterranean river, causing the opening from which visitors can enter and exit the cave. The opening to the cavern is 120 feet in diameter, which creates a striking visual once visitors descend to the cavern below. Once inside the cave, stalactites, fossil beds, and prehistoric rock formations are visible, which speaks volumes about the age and condition of the cave. What many people don't realize is that the cave was also the sight of early human remains, and artifacts dating back to the Pleistocene Age have also been discovered there. The spring itself is privately owned today but offers tours in a myriad of ways, not all involving scuba diving.
Fast Facts About The Cave
- The water is at a constant temperature of 72 degrees year-round.
- It's estimated to be roughly 33 million years old.
- The shape of the cave is an inverted mushroom.
- The maximum depth of the cave is 54 feet.
- It's considered one of the most prehistoric places in the country.
- Steam rising from the opening of the cave is what inspired early settlers to give the cave the name 'Devil's Den.'
Scuba Diving In Devil's Den
While the cave is privately owned, it also doubles as a scuba diving training center. Scuba is available seven days a week for divers who have their open water certification or anything higher, and everyone must go diving with a dive buddy. No reservations are required to dive at Devil's Den and those who are certified will likely never encounter a wait to dive; night dives do require reservations. Entrance to the cave is not permitted for children under the age of six, with or without an adult. Kids and teens under the age of 18 and older than six require parental consent and must have a legal guardian with them during their visit. In no way are divers permitted to enter the cave below, and the owners request that no rocks or fossils ever be removed from the premise.
- Admission: $38/diver
- Rentals: $45 for a full scuba rental which includes mask, snorkel, fins, booties, regulator, BCD, tank, wetsuit, weights, LED light
- Air Fills: $8
- Night Dives: Must be booked in advance, range from $100 - $250/group of divers
Snorkeling In Devil's Den
Those who don't know how to dive or don't wish to can also explore the cave just by snorkeling. Devil's Den offers snorkeling seven days a week, with similar conditions and terms as divers. Snorkelers must exit the water by 5 PM and can only snorkel down to a maximum depth of eight feet.
- Admission: Monday - Friday $15/person, Saturday, Sunday, & holidays $22/person
- Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 5 PM, Friday - Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM
- Rentals: $12/person and includes mask, snorkel, and fins
Above Ground At Devil's Den
Visitors don't necessarily need to get into the water to appreciate the springs in and around Devil's Den. There are many other notable features surrounding this subterranean lake, where visitors can stay above ground and out of the water by hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
North Of Devil's Den
- Ginnie Springs - scuba diving, swimming/snorkeling, river tubing, and tent camping.
- Ichitucknee Springs - river tubing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
South Of Devil's Den
- Rainbow Springs - tubing, camping, swimming, and scuba diving.
- Blue Grotto - hiking, swimming, scuba dive to a depth of 100 ft.
East Of Devil's Den
- Silver Springs - kayak rentals and glass-bottom boat tours.
West Of Devil's Den
- Manatee Springs - boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
- Cedar Key - Try local restaurants, explore the coastal waters, take in scenic views from the shore, and shop at boutique stores along the main road.