Name: Forty Fathom Grotto
Rating: 5.0

Florida

USA_East

40 fathoms deep, spring water, good viz. Platforms to take a break every 15 feet.

40 Fathom Grotto<br>9487 NW 115th Ave<br>Ocala, FL 34482<br>
(352) 368-7974

Forty Fathom Grotto

Sink Hole, underwater air bell at 30', underwater lighting system

5390 NE 180th Ave; Williston, Florida 32696; 352 528-5770; 7 days 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $27 per day to dive

Blue Grotto

33 Million year old fossils in an incredible sink hole

5390 NE 180th Ave; Williston, Florida 32696; 352 528-3344;7 days 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $27 per day to dive

Devil's Den

"Visit one of North America's most prehistoric places, Devil's Den  -- an underground spring inside a dry cave in central Florida. The remains of many extinct animals from the Pleistocene Age (2 million - 10,000 years ago) were discovered at Devil's Den, including the bones of early man, dating back to 75,000 B.C.

The pleasant year-around temperature of 72 degrees in the Den allows comfortable diving, winter or summer. On cold winter mornings you can see steam, like smoke, rising from the cave's chimney. Hence, the early settlers called the place Devil's Den.

You'll find open water and cavern diving at its best & will be fascinated by the rock formations with stalactites and 33 million year old fossil beds, truly a natural wonder."
Source: http://www.devilsden.com

Entrance fee is approx $27. Water temp is 72°F all year round.

Norteast from Williston, on the road (Alt 27) to Bronson.
Address: 5390 NE 180th Avenue, Williston, Florida 32696

Devils Den is also known as Devil's Den, Floridas Pre historic Spring.

Devils Den

Spring fed river, incredibly clear.  In addition to abundant underwater wildlife, see springs bubbling into river (looks like bubbling sand).  Easy snorkel since you get taken upriver in a boat and "float" down.

Biology interest is based on both land and water creatures, especially birds and large freshwater fish. Week-end frequency based on holidays and summertime, otherwise not too bad in the early morning when the best animals are active.

Very quiet setting, recommended to get there EARLY, 8am when the park opens, to beat any crowds and big dive classes (they arrive around 11:30 or 12 usually). Gentle current allows good introduction into handling your buoyancy on a drift dive. Gentle sloping landscape underwater, worst thing you'll run into is tall grass or a sunken log.

In various spots the spring feeding the river bubbles up from the sand, and from small caves, which is quite interesting the first time someone experiences it (seeing the sand "boil," feeling the temperature differences). Large alligator gar and turtles may come by to say hello

You can easily access the first entry point by going to the main gate for the park and hopping a boat, or simply taking the short trail down to the water's edge. The docks and walkways are brand new, either paved or wooden depending which you choose. Very easy access either way.

Paved parking, small fee to enter park.

From Orlando - Approximately 83 miles ( time 1 hour & 40 min)  1. Take I-4 East or West or Florida Turnpike North exit #77  2. Go North on the Florida Turnpike approximately 55 miles 3. Turnpike will turn to I-75 North  4. Take I-75 North for 10 miles to Hwy.484 exit # 341 turn left 5. Take Hwy. 484 West to Dunnellon Fl. Approximately 20 miles to Hwy 41 6. Go right , North 3 miles to SW 99th Place. Turn right at light go 1 mile cross RR track then go left after crossings, 1 mile on right is KP Hole County Park

Rainbow River

For divers of all levels. This is a commercially operated dive site. Entrance fee is $27. Only certified cave divers can reach 140'.

Southeast of Ocala. Paradise Springs is a private place.

Follow U.S. 27 south to Williston

Paradise Springs

Devil's hole is a very impressive place. The sink is about 18 meters in diameter with the water level about 15 meters from the top of the sink.

It can be very difficult to enter into the water (steep sides). You should plan on bringing vertical gear to get in and out of the sink (there is an old ladder but not really safe!).

This is different than Willistons "Devils Den", this is not a maintained area so dont expect facilities or help if you cant get out.  Scope it out and make sure you know what you are doing before you get into trouble.

The water is often unclear until you get down a bit, there are a number of cars, etc to see and some cave entrances.   Be smart on this dive.

IMPORTANT: This proberty is privately owned and trespassing is a federal offense. The land is currently being developed and the owners have posted no tresspass signs and the property is guarded.  Local authorities have been notified.

Edit 5/16/07: Ditches have been dug to bar all entrance. Multiple no trespass signs have been posted, and a fence has been built around the sink. 

Take S-20 from Gainesville towards Hawthorne. Look for route CR-21 (do not turn yet). Turn left onto Lake Galilee Dr, about 1.8 miles from the CR-21 intersection. Go about 150 yards and take one of the two sand roads to the left, and go to the sink.

Devil's Hole is also known as Devil's Sink, Devils Den.

Devil's Hole

Crystal River is a fresh water river complex fed by warm freshwater springs. It offers a variety of fish (mullets, catfish, tarpon, etc.) and many Manatees. I found the manatees were friendly and unintimidated by SCUBA.  Sadly, all of the manatees I saw had suffered multiple prop injuries.  If you do boat in manatee territory, please look out for them.  This is an easy site to dive and offers a good environment for beginners.  Maximum depth is around 40 feet. The water is in the mid 70s to low 80s year round and I was comfortable diving in a 3-mil skin.

I know it can be shore-dived, but, I don't know a lot of the details of shore diving this site.  I dove it from a small inflatable.  I know it's in the North Western section of the Florida Peninsula, and, I believe it's a state park.  Sorry I don't have more information.  I only dove there once.

Crystal River

A great a free way to snorkle with the Manatees. no need to waste $70 with some of the outfits. we saw 10+ manatees the day we were there just wade into the water right next to your car.

recommend a wet suit though as it is winter when the manatees are there. the water temperature is 72'.



East of Crystal River in Crystal River City Park. End of NE 1st Avenue.

Crystal River - Hunter Spring

Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three spring areas, with many vents and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of the Crystal River. These springs also constitute one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee. The site entrance is blocked from boats.

Fresh Water fish and turtles. Occasional manatees though diving in the area is limited when there are a high number of manatees present.

Three Sisters Spring



Crystal River. East side of King's Bay.

Crystal River - Three Sisters Springs

Third time to the Grotto.  This is a premier training site with a premier staff. You must be accompanied by an instructor. It really is 40 fathoms (240 feet) deep!  The Narcosis Management training program here is First Class!  I plan to make this an annual training site.

Forty Fathom Grotto

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Forty Fathom Grotto