Most of north-central Florida’s freshwater springs and sinkholes require the highly specialized knowledge and experience you can only acquire through Cavern and Cave Diver training. There are, however, nine sites widely considered to be suitable for any certified diver. You can learn about them here.
Blue Grotto
Blue Grotto offers something for every diver. It features Florida’s largest accessible underwater cavern and its friendliest turtle.
Devil’s Den
The only site on our list where you must first go underground to enter the water. Sunlight streaming creates dramatic lighting effects.
Paradise Spring
Paradise is a small spring, off the beaten path, in a beautiful, jungle-like setting. A must-see for any diver.
Ginnie Spring
Among the most beautiful of all Florida’s underwater caverns, Ginnie Spring is part of a property can be overrun by nondivers.
Manatee Spring
Manatee Springs State Park is located six miles west of the town of Chiefland. The main site for recreational divers is called Catfish Hotel.
Troy Spring
Troy Spring is adjacent to the Suwannee River, northwest of the town of Branford. Nearby are the remains of the paddlewheeler Madison.
Orange Grove Sink
Orange Grove Sink is located in Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park. It is the only site in the park open to all certified divers.
Rainbow River
At Rainbow River, divers can drift effortlessly for up to a mile or more in crystal-clear water, surrounded by birds and aquatic life.
Crystal River
This site wouldn’t be complete without this. For many, the opportunity to swim with manatees is a life-changing experience.