Locals Love This Hidden Gem Swimming Hole in Florida (That Doesn’t Feel Like the U.S.)

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is world famous for its cenotes, underground sinkholes that look otherworldly. But Florida has its own magical place that rivals any cenote, and that remains one of the most exciting hidden swimming holes in the state: Devil’s Den Spring. Swimmers can enter this awe-inspiring place and see sunshine filtering in through the collapsed roof into crystal-clear water that hides marine fossils and the occasional catfish. It is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing and underrated natural wonders of the Sunshine State. 

Why Locals Love This Hidden Swimming Hole

Florida is home to thousands of natural springs, each with its own charm. Yet Devil’s Den Spring in Williston manages to stand out from the crowd thanks to its unique geological features that almost make you feel like you’re not even in the U.S. The 120-foot-wide karst cave displays stalactites and has a fossil bed that is 33 million years old! Its spring water is naturally filtered thanks to the limestone in the area, so it’s perfectly crystal clear where the light hits it.

Beyond its natural beauty, locals love this spring because its limited capacity saves it from getting as crowded as some of the more popular Florida summer destinations. Only snorkelers and divers are allowed to go into the sinkhole; the first group has to make reservations in advance, while the second group enters on a first-come, first-served basis. While it does mean that you'll have to plan your visit, the strict system helps to preserve this gorgeous spot.

What to Expect at Devil's Den Spring

Going into Devil’s Spring is connecting to a side of Florida few people know about. Snorkelers often spend their time taking it all in near the surface, where there is light, and the water is perfectly transparent. Once you’re in the water, look up to the window on the cave’s ceiling to see vegetation hanging from it and reflecting sunlight. Then, look down to appreciate the darkness of the 54-feet deep bottom. Divers typically like to spend most of their time at the bottom, using flashlights to look for fossils, observe underwater rock formations, and hang out with fish that sometimes make their way into the cave.

Tips Before You Visit Devil's Den Spring

• The water in Devil’s Den is 72 degrees year-round, so summer is the most popular time to visit. Bring a wetsuit if you're planning on coming in the winter.
• Children under 6 or swimmers of any age who need a floating device are not allowed in the spring. Everyone can swim at the artificial springs in John’s Oasis within the property.
• Sunscreen and other lotions are not allowed in the spring to protect the purity of this Florida natural wonder. 
• If you’d like to stay within the park, you can reserve a cabin, an RV, or a camping spot. Alternatively, look for accommodations in Gainesville, which is only about half an hour away. 
• Devil’s Den is open every single day of the year except Christmas Day. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Don’t miss checking out the nearby Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a wonderful state park that has some of the best swimming holes in Florida.

However you choose to explore this incredible hidden gem, I guarantee it’ll be a memory that you won’t easily forget. Oh, and don't let the name "Devil's Den" deter you from visiting—it comes from the fact that steam sometimes rises from the sinkhole window on cold, winter mornings, so people back in the day connected it with hell. Once you're swimming in the peaceful glow of the sun's rays as they come into the cave, though, you'll likely feel more as if you've landed in heaven.