This spot has been on my list of places to visit in Florida for a long time and we finally managed to visit it. It’s not that it’s difficult to go, we just couldn’t decide for a date to reserve our visit. If you’re looking for a unique Florida adventure, Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring in Williston is definitely a must-see. In this post you will find a complete guide for a day at Devil’s Den, from reservations, location and details you need to know before and during your visit. Let’s go!
Devil’s Den is located in the city of Williston, about an hour and a half (approx.) drive from Orlando and maybe almost 2 hours from Tampa. Here’s the location on the map.
So, what is this place?
Devil’s Den is a spring inside a cave, or cenote as they are known in Mexico, as an example. This means, you have to go down some stairs until you reach the fresh water. And yes, you will see fishes and there is even a turtle that we were told normally hides if there are many people. The place is perfect for snorkeling and diving, in reality the place is exclusive for diving so they have priority in the area.
The underground cavern with a diameter of 30 meters (100 feet) and a depth of 16 meters (54 feet) provides an amazing environment to explore. Water is super cold (at least for me it is) since it stays at about 22°C (72°F) all year round, and only a small space where the sun hits, and right there is where I tried to stay most of the time. If possible, wear a wet suit, unless you are totally fine with the temperature, I wasn’t.
Outside you have some picnic tables, rest areas, a very nice area to walk and if you are looking for more activities in the area, do not hesitate to explore Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens right next door.
Do we need to make reservations?
Due to its popularity and being a small area to swim, you must make an online reservations in advance. We did it almost a month in advance since we were scheduling several trips, but I have seen that with a week in advance or so you should be fine, that is, if it is high season like Spring Break (March) or summer time, check the calendar 2 or maybe 3 weeks in advance to book your visit day. When making the reservation they ask for the day and time block, we booked it for noon, but I would recommend going first thing in the morning since the place will be emptier and the visit will be more pleasant. And obviously Monday to Thursday is usually a little cheaper than weekends.
Once you make the reservation, you have to fill out a general waiver form before arriving at the location. That’s another reason why it’s important to make reservations to visit Devil’s Den and arrive earlier so you prepare before going in and enjoy those 90 minutes.
When making a reservation, you have to pay a $5 deposit per person. Here’s their website with the calendar to make reservations. And you have to arrive at the place, at the office for check-in, at least 10 minutes before your reservation. Children 6 years or younger cannot enter the spring and anyone younger than 18 years old must have a legal guardian on the property. If their legal guardian is not on the property, their parents must give permission for an adult to act as a chaperone and a waiver they have on their site must be completed.
If I don’t do scuba diving, can I just go in to swim?
The place is only for diving or snorkeling, you cannot just go swimming like in other springs. If you have snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) you can bring them, otherwise you can rent all the equipment on site, for example, I only have a snorkel and mask so I rented the fins at the place, my husband rented everything.
To be able to enter the cave, you must have a diving equipment (if you are certified) or snorkeling equipment. No shoes, no towels, no bags… I only had my phone in a waterproof case around my neck and my GoPro on my wrist. At the office they can take care of your car keys, nothing more.
And you must respect those who are diving, since they have preference in the place. Remember that the place is very small, on our time block there was a large group with several kids and we could not even enjoy the place well since the children were jumping and screaming… I have nothing against that, if we were in an open pool or at the beach, but not in a cave where the noise is concentrated and being so small… my opinion and I think that several who were in there shared my opinion as well. Another reason why I recommend visiting first thing in the morning.
You can visit the park without going in to the cave and get to know the area. You do need to pay a small fee to enter.
Any other activity to enjoy?
Since we visited on a Monday, there was nothing to eat on site, but I understand that on weekends there are a few food trucks. The office where you register has some drinks such as water or Gatorade.
Devil’s Den is also a popular camping spot if you want to extend your stay and explore more of the area’s natural beauty. It would even be perfect if you want to spend a morning at the spring, in the afternoon visit the neighboring gardens. If you camp in the park, you can take advantage of the use of the pool and perhaps another day visit Cedar Key which is located to the west almost 1 hour from Devil’s Den. Cedar Key looks very nice with several restaurants to enjoy views of part of the Gulf of Mexico.
We have been to the area about 3 times, and we never eat around there. I have always had it in my mind to visit Cedar Key to eat, I hope to go there at some point. Ocala is about a 30-minute drive away, and there are several food spots (fast food and other restaurants) near the intersection with I75.
Another option is Gainesville, which is about 30 minutes away by car.
If you do scuba diving, don’t miss visiting Blue Grotto Dive Resort that looks amazing. Another springs you can enjoy nearby and go swimming is Blue Springs Park. Also in the area you will see a lot of farms and beautiful landscapes as you drive.
Usually on our way back to Orlando, I do love driving through Ocala National Forest. It’s a beautiful drive.
Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring is a hidden gem that offers a perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty. Would I visit again? As beautiful as the place is, I honestly wouldn’t visit again. Maybe in about 10 years if I go with a ‘wet suit’ so as not to freeze :). But I think it is an excellent experience for at least once in a lifetime.
Here is the official page to make a reservation and learn more about the place.
