Welcome to Devil’s Den! Devil's Den is a prehistoric underground spring in Florida that is over 10,000 years old and offers an absolutely incredible experience!
Table of Contents
What is Devil's Den Spring in Florida?
Devil’s Den Spring is located in Williston, FL, about 2 hours north of Orlando. This unique location features a natural underground spring that is housed within a dry cave. This makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.
How do you make a reservation at Devil's Den?
Before you even get in your car and start making your way there, you’ll want to make sure that you make reservations. You can make your reservations online through the Devil’s Den website.
Visiting the spring is by appointment only, and each time slot is an hour and a half long. Don't worry, this is plenty of time to enjoy the spring!
We made our reservations for 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, which is the earliest spot that you can grab for the day. If you're looking to try and avoid some of the crowds, this is a good strategy to have since the spring will get more and more busy as the day goes on.
What should you bring to Devil's Den Spring?
When we arrived, we made our way to the office and checked in with the front desk. The front desk is where you can pick up your scuba or snorkel gear. Please be aware that general swimming is not allowed in Devil’s Den. So, you'll need to rent snorkel gear if you don’t have any of your own.
Important Tip: You are not allowed to bring bags down into the den. The platform has limited space, so only bring what you intend to swim with. You can leave your bag on any of the non-designated tables. However, make sure your valuables are securely locked in your car as there are no lockers available. You are allowed to leave your keys with the attendant up front.
How do you access the cavern at Devil's Den?
Once we were ready, we made our way into the cavern through a marked entryway. You must bring your fins, snorkel, and mask with you as you descend. The descent into the den is short and leads to a small platform in the middle of the water that is illuminated by natural light from the giant hole in the top of the cavern.
The platform is small, so as a courtesy to others, you can't leave anything on it. Only bring with you what you can carry and swim with. Everything else has to be left above ground.
When is the best time to visit Devil's Den Spring?
One of the benefits of arriving early is that there are fewer people. To get a chance to have the cavern to yourself for a bit, you'll want to aim to be the first ones down in the den. The water stays a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and on cold winter mornings, you can see steam rising from the chimney opening, which early settlers called Devil's Den.
What can you see while snorkeling in Devil's Den?
When I first entered the water, it felt initially very chilly. But, I got used to it quickly. While I was there, I saw plenty of fish of various sizes. But, I have heard that you can also see turtles. But, we didn't see any during our visit.
What else is there to do at Devil's Den Spring?
As the morning went on, the den got more crowded. If you are looking for more things to see, we found a beautiful pond at the front of the property that you can walk around. A sign nearby said that it was primarily for divers, but it’s also a lovely area to walk.
What should you know before visiting Devil's Den?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Each person in your party must make a reservation through the website. Your names will be checked upon arrival, but payment is due on the day of your visit.
For a less crowded experience, book the earliest reservation slot at 8 a.m.
Be aware that many cats live on the property, so take precautions if you're allergic.
Respect the environment by not disturbing the wildlife and not leaving anything behind.
The location is somewhat remote, so there aren't many activities in the area. So, you'll want to consider packing a snack or a meal and utilizing the picnic tables available.
If you’re looking for more springs to explore in Florida, check out my other blogs featuring several amazing springs throughout central Florida and beyond.
Until next time, everyone, I hope you have an amazing day and enjoy some Florida sunshine!
Comments