Just as you need specific training and gear to become an open-water diver, you’ll need a special certification to begin diving in caves. However, training to dive in caves and caverns might be one of the most rewarding and challenging courses you ever take. Cave training will teach you to streamline your equipment, fine-tune your buoyancy and have trim that others envy. And once you do have the proper training, a whole new underwater world is revealed. Take these six unique Florida caves, for instance.
Just remember: There is nothing worth dying for in a cave. Always seek proper training before venturing into overhead environments.
Devil’s Cave System
Ginnie Springs; High Springs, Florida
There are three springs that make up this area.
Marissa Eckert
With a name like this, it makes you wonder why anyone would be crazy enough to go inside. However, Devil’s is one of the most beautiful cave systems in Florida. The Devil’s Ear, Devil’s Eye and Little Devil (the three springs that make up this area) produce 80 million gallons of water a day. With more than 30,000 feet of cave mapped, you could almost dive here every day and never see it all. Depths average 80 feet in the cave, with depths reaching over 160 feet far back in the back system. This property is privately owned and offers nice amenities to certified cave divers.
Not cave trained yet? Check out these six dive sites, perfect for open water divers who want to get a taste of cave diving.
Little River Springs
Branford, Florida
County-owned; free entry
Little River is an advanced cave system.
Marissa Eckert
When you pull up to Little River Springs, you might almost think you’re at the beach, with the site’s picturesque surroundings. Set back 50 yards from the Suwannee River, the 72-degree water is inviting on a hot summer day. But don’t be deceived by the picnickers and swimmers—there is an amazing cave system below the surface. Little River is a fairly advanced cave system due to its almost immediate drop to depths of over 100 feet. It is also an extremely high-flow cave. About 2,200 feet down the main line lies a rather unique feature: a well casing drilled right into the passage. Though not as extensive as the Devil’s System, with sections like the Serpentine Tunnel and the Merry Go Round, Little River holds plenty to see as well.
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
Live Oak, Florida State Park
There is more than 28,000 feet of explored cave passage in Peacock Springs State Park.
Marissa Eckert
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park was renamed in 2010 to commemorate the work of cave diver-explorer Wes Skiles. With 733 acres of land and six sinkholes, this state park is very popular among cave divers, open water divers, freedivers and swimmers alike. Don’t be scared of the duckweed that covers the surface of Orange Grove Sinkhole, or by the signage warning you that gators may be present. Splash into the cool 68-degree water and find a whole new world below. There is more than 28,000 feet of explored cave passage in this system, which may very well be the most popular cave to dive in Florida due to its lack of flow.
Madison Blue Spring
Madison, Florida State Park
Madison Blue Spring has many unique features.
Marissa Eckert
Madison Blue Spring is known for its cool waters and underwater cave system. Located along the Withlacoochee River, the park was established in 2000, when a private owner sold 38 acres and the spring to the state of Florida. You’ll never get tired of the unique features of this cave, which boast names like Rocky Horror and the Godzilla Room.
Cow Spring
Live Oak, Florida
Privately owned by the National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section
Cow Spring is one of the more advanced cave diving systems in Florida.
Marissa Eckert
Cow Spring is a rather advanced dive, requiring a full cave diver certification to venture upstream. Just to get into the cave you’ll have to squeeze yourself through two restrictions where some divers might not fit. Once you corkscrew through the entrance restrictions, however, the cave opens up to some stunning passages with clay banks and goethite everywhere. This cave does not disappoint, but be sure your skills match the cave you’re diving.
Jug Hole
Fort White, Florida
State Park
Jug Hole is located within the Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
Marissa Eckert
Jug Hole is located within the Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Be sure to contact Hidden Worlds and obtain the lock combination for the wagon to lug your gear to the dive site! The walk to the entrance is not for the weak, but the long haul is worth it to see the stunning sunbeams pierce through the water and into the cavern. With less than 1,000 feet of cave to see, it’s not as extensive as the others, but still worth the visit!