If you like to snorkel or scuba dive, then you need to explore Devil’s Den Florida. This prehistoric sinkhole offers clear waters for snorkelers and divers to explore. There aren’t many hotels in the area, however, visitors can stay on the property via cabin, tent, or park their RV.
Devil’s Den Florida is open year-round for visitors and is one of the more unique spots in Florida to explore. We’ve put together a visitors guide going over everything you need to know about visiting Devil’s Den. So, let’s dive into it!
About Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is an emaculate sinkhole that is 50 feet deep located in the small town of Williston, Florida. The sinkhole is privately-owned and is used as a scuba diving and snorkleing site. Devil’s Den is one of North America’s most prehistoric places.
It’s named Devil’s Den because when it was first found by settlers back in the day it had steam rising up out of the chimney opening above the water on cold winter mornings.
The water in this natural spring is 72º F year round and has crystal clear water. Beneath the water’s surface guests can see ancient rock formations, fossil beds that are 33 million years old, and more dating back to prehistoric times.
Things to Do There
Scuba Dive
At Devil’s Den you can rent scruba diving equipment or bring your own and go exploring deep into the spring. You must have at minimum, an open-water scuba diving certification to go diving here. The cost is $38 and you’ll need to have a diving buddy with you.
You can rent the full set of scuba equipment you’ll need for an additional $45 or you can rent individual pieces of equipment that you need. You can also go on a night dive, which are only available by appointment only. To go night diving you must be advanced certified or go with an instructor.
Snorkle
You can also go snorkleing at Devil’s Den. You can bring your own gear or rent equipment. Snorkleing does not require a certification so all are welcome who want to explore the natural sink hole.
Prices are $15 a person during the week and $22 on the weekend and holidays. If you want to rent snorkel equipment it will be an additional $12 per person for a mask, snorkel, and fins.
The maximum depth you can go is 8 feet when snorkleing and snorkelers must be 6 years old or older.
Camp
If you are wanting to camp on the Devil’s Den property, you can! They offer lodging via cabins, an RV park, or camping on a campground. If you stay on the property it does not include admission to the Devil’s Den.
If you’re interested in staying in a cabin there are 4 cabins available for rent that can sleep up to 4 people each. A one night stay is $140, 2 nights is $120 per night, and three or more is $105 per night.
If you are wanting to stay in the RV park there are 32 sites available, 30/50 amp hook-ups, water, and sewer.
If you stay in a tent on the campground you’ll have access to electric and water hook-ups, porta-potties on site and two bathroom/shower facilities. The campsite is first come first serve unless you make a reservation and it costs $12.00 per person per night.
How to Get There
If you are planning a trip to the Devil’s Den and you are coming from out of state, you can fly into the Orlando airport or the Tampa airport and rent a car to Williston.
It’s about a 1 hour and 35 minute drive from Orlando and just under 2 hours from Tampa. The fastest road to Devil’s Den is Florida’s Turnpike which does have tolls along the route. You can also take the turnpike and US-41 N to avoid tolls which will add a bit of time onto your route.
Tips for Visiting
No swimming
Unfortunately you can’t visit and go swimming here. Devil’s Den is a scruba diving training center so it’s not open for general swimming. However, there are springs in the surrounding areas, most of them you can swim in.
Go Early
Snorkeling, scuba diving, and tent sites are all first-come first-serve. Make sure you go early in the day so that you aren’t waiting hours for your turn.
You Can Rent Gear
If you don’t have your own scuba or snorkeling gear Devil’s Den offers rentals in addition to admission cost.
You Must Be Certified to Scuba Dive
Devil’s Den requires that you have an open-water scuba diving certification to be able to go scuba diving in the spring.
Wrapping up
Devil’s Den Florida is a unique spring that is underground with a large opening above. It’s a bit of a magical experience for those who visit. At Devil’s Den, you’ll be able to scuba dive or snorkel in this prehistoric 50 foot deep sinkhole and explore ancient fossils and rock formations.
If you want to stay on the property you can also camp, stay in a cabin, or park your RV on site. It’s a fun way to spend the day and not too far from Orlando or Tampa.
If you like to snorkel or scube dive we recommend visiting this beautiful place and going exploring! For more info, click here to check out the Devil’s Den Florida website by clicking here!