Diving in Blue Grotto, Florida

Legend has it that when he stumbled upon the Florida springs, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon thought he had discovered the Fountain of Youth. Perhaps he was a bit gullible, but the beauty of the Sunshine State's freshwater springs is undeniable. A dive into the clear depths of the Blue Grotto cavern may not make you younger but it might make you want to come back again.

  1. The Facts

    • Blue Grotto is a privately owned freshwater spring rising from a deep sinkhole. No swimmers are allowed, but snorkeling is permitted as long as you are accompanied by a diver. Rent gear or purchase a bit of equipment you left behind at the on-site dive shop. Hot showers and bathrooms are provided and guests are invited to use the picnic and barbecue facilities during dive breaks. You will find Blue Grotto on Alternate U.S. Highway 27 just west of Williston. When you see the Blue Grotto sign, turn on the dirt road and proceed to the site.

    Begin the Dive

    • Your dive session starts with a video briefing designed to prepare you for your dive adventure. You will be required to show your open-water certification. If you do not have a buddy, the staff at Blue Grotto will pair you up with another diver. Once you are in the water, you will be looking into the mouth of the 80-foot-wide and 20-foot-high cavern. Look down into the water and you will know why the Grotto is famed for its visibility. As you head down, check the limestone walls for fossils.

    30 Feet

    • At the 30-foot level of your descent, the cavern is illuminated by strong lights installed in the limestone walls. The light makes it easy to spot the yellow box emblazoned with the Blue Grotto logo; this is the air bell. Designed to give you a place to rest or take off your mask to talk with your buddy underwater, the bell delivers a constant stream of fresh compressed air. The air is free, but don't forget that time in the bell counts as bottom time. Keep your eyes peeled for friendly soft-shelled freshwater turtles.

    The Deep

    • If you don't already have one, you might want to rent a dive light for the deepest part of the cavern. As you descend, you will find a permanent yellow guide line to help you find your way to the bottom and back. At around 70 feet, you'll see a large limestone rock emblazoned with a peace sign. Known as "Peace Rock," it is big enough for a half dozen divers to gather for a photo opportunity. Follow the yellow line to the crescent-shaped rock that is the end of your 100-foot dive. Take care not to disturb the silt on the cavern floor, as it will ruin visibility for everyone. As you follow the yellow line back to the surface observe how the bubbles on the wall resemble a reverse waterfall.