No, the photos aren’t photoshopped- It’s really that breathtaking!

When it comes to a diver’s bucket list, scuba pros are typically willing to travel around the world for top underwater views. Luckily, right in their own backyard, Florida residents have an incredible spot known far and wide as one of North America’s most prehistoric places.

Located in Central Florida just outside of Ocala, is Devil’s Den, an underwater cave and fresh spring. This natural wonder was formed from a subterranean sinkhole that brought the spring water up when the ground collapsed.

What makes Devil’s Den So Popular?

As with other spring water, the water stays a constant 72 degrees, regardless of outside conditions. The natural wonders don’t end there though. You WON’T arrive and wonder why it doesn’t look like the pictures, as the elements that make photos of Devil’s Den so breathtaking are real! The water really is that pretty of a turquoise color and you will truly see the fiery red color from the stalactites glowing. You’ll even see lots of fish, enjoying what we imagine is the best real estate a fish could hope for. 

Need-To-Know’s Before Visiting

First and foremost- MAKE RESERVATIONS! Avoid the inevitable heartbreak of showing up and being turned away. It’s a popular spot and for good reason, they limit the number of people who can go in each day. They are open 7 days a week though, from 9am-4:30pm.

If you want to just swim and snorkel, that’s an option also, but you’ll still need a reservation. To dive, you’ll of course need to be at least ‘Open Water‘ certified, sign a release, have proper training, and follow the rules and regulations (they aren’t afraid to ban you if you don’t). 

Devil’s Den is also a campground with other places to swim and explore, so you could easily spend a weekend with the family here.

Conclusion

Being local to Florida and not visiting Devil’s Den is like living in Paris and never going to the Louvre or living in Rome and never seeing the Colosseum. Grab your fins, and go experience a place some divers will only ever dream of getting to explore.