I was an angel snorkeling the Devil’s Den. This hidden gem is nestled in Williston, Florida. It is about 35 minutes from Gainesville, Florida. We flew into the Gainesville airport and stayed in Gainesville. We decided to rent a car to see this prehistoric spring.
The story about the Devil's Den
On cold winter mornings you can see steam coming out of the opening in the top of the Den and this is where the name Devil’s Den was originated. It has crystal clear water and it has 72 degree water temperatures year round. What is so amazing is that this has ancient rock formations with stalactites, fossil beds dating back 33 million years. This natural wonder has been transformed from a simple scuba diving site to a world class tourist attraction. This underground spring inside a dry cave has been home to many extinct animal fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age. This is an amazing prehistoric spring to snorkel, scuba dive, or just experience.
It is $15 admission to get into the Devil’s Den. This does not include the snorkel rental gear which is $10. I suggest getting there early as soon as they open which is 9 A.M on the weekday or 8 A.M on the weekend. You are only allowed inside the Den for 2 hours.
When I got there it was 8:30 on a weekend and already packed. We waited in a line and then got our snorkeling gear. Why I recommend early is because they limit the number of people in there at one time. You get up to 2 hours in there and they give you a time card as you pay so you know what time to enter the Den.
Now when you go down in the Devil’s Den it is a narrow walkway to get down to the platform. You only have one set of stairs. When you get down there you are free to snorkel and look around. The water was freezing to me. I inched my way into it. Now the water level was a little higher on the day I went so I actually was standing on a rail that should have been above water. The water is a deep turquoise blue that is vibrant.
I highly recommend going to check out this prehistoric spring. You will feel like you are in a whole new world!