When you step into Devil’s Den, it’s like you’ve been transported to prehistoric times.
Sunshine illuminates the cave through the collapsed roof that houses the subterranean river. The walls of the underground spring are lined with fossil beds that are up to 33 million years old.
The crystal clear waters are 72 degrees all year long. On cold winter mornings, steam rises through the “window” of the cave. Settlers named it Devil’s Den because of the chimney-esque smoke effect.
Divers and snorkelers can really stretch out when moving about this prehistoric swimming spot. With a max depth of 54 feet, a surface diameter of 120 feet and expanding as wide as 200 feet underwater, the diving layout is that of an inverted mushroom.
For those that want to learn how to scuba dive while simultaneously taking in a beautiful view, Devil’s Den is a certified training center.
Insured instructors are welcomed to bring students to the spring seven days a week. The only requirements are that all students sign a waiver and that instructors bring their certification card and show proof of valid diving insurance. Devil’s Den offers the following special rates to instructors: student admission, gear rental, air fills, heated swimming pool for skill testing and pavilion and cabana reservations.
Those that don’t need training but still want to take a dip need to have a proper certification level of Open Water or above and bring a dive buddy. Admission is $38 per diver, air fills are $8 and full equipment rentals are $40. Night dives are also available, but through appointment only.
Snorkeling is also open to the public seven days a week and no certification is needed. Admission is $15 per person on weekdays and $20 per person on weekends and holidays. A mask, snorkel and fins are required for entry, which can be rented for $10. Rules include: no free diving, no swimming deeper than 8 feet, no floatation devices, no one under age six and no one in the water past 5 p.m.
If swimming isn’t your thing but love the outdoors, there are four cabins, an RV park and tent campgrounds.
The cabins sleep four people and no animals are allowed. One night is $112.50, two nights are $97.50 and three-plus nights are $92.50. Reservations are required and there’s a two night minimum on weekends.
The RV park has 32 sites that offer 30/50 amp hook-ups, water and sewer. Depending on the size of the RV, a one night stay ranges from $26.50 to $28.50, a weekly stay ranges from $120 to $134 and a monthly stay ranges from $350 to $364. Reservations are not required, though preferred. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
The tent campgrounds are $11 per night, per person. There are two bathrooms, two showers and portable toilets. The tent sites are first come, first served and a few of them have electric and water hook-ups. Check-in is cut off at 5 p.m. and no pets are allowed.
The Williston-based Devil’s Den is in the middle of several other beautiful springs. North you have Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs. South you have Rainbow Springs and Blue Grotto. East is Silver Springs and west is Manatee Springs.
Devil’s Den Spring is located at 5390 NE 180th Ave. For more information you can visit devilsden.com or call (352) 528-3344.
Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
