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Northeast
Blackmar's Reef
Blackmar's Reef, located off the coast of Jacksonville is actually a collection of five large wrecks, two airplanes
and several small natural reefs. The largest of these wrecks are the "Ocean Going Tug", the "Super
Barge", and the "Warwick", a ferry boat. The airplanes are a WWII Corsair and a Banshee jet fighter.
The natural reefs are limestone ledges with soft coral growth. These reefs may be small, but they are home to some
very nice sized lobsters in the 6 - 8 pound range. This reef is encompassed in a relatively small area, and the
entire area is like a magnet for marine life. Large spadefish and amberjack are seen in abundance around the wrecks.
And both the reefs and wrecks are home to large snapper and grouper. If you enjoy photography, you will be thrilled.
With the depth of this reef ranging from 95' - 110' , 100' visibility is not uncommon. You could spend a full week
of diving and still not cover all of this reef. But you sure would enjoy trying.
Experience: Intermediate/Advanced
Currents: Light to Moderate
Access: Boat
Depth: 95' - 110'
Visibility: 40' to 100'
Gator Bowl Reef
When Jacksonville was granted an NFL franchise, the Gator Bowl Stadium was torn down to make way for a new stadium
to be the home of the Jaguars. And thanks to them, local and visiting divers received a new reef. You can now dive
the pressboxes among the array of debris, which are actually located among about a dozen reefs in a small area.
It is hard to imagine how big the pressboxes really are until you see them underwater for the first time. They
are now home to large schools of spadefish, amberjack and an assortment of gamefish. Also in this area are several
large ledges and caves to explore with some huge grouper and other large critters (don't forget your light and
camera). Another ledge in this area is called "Red Rock Reef", so named for the colorful soft corals.
This is one of the popular night diving areas as well.
Experience: Intermediate/Advanced
Currents: Usually Light
Access: Boat
Depth: 75' - 85'
Visibility: 30' to 50'
Coppedge Tug
The Coppedge Tug, although not as large as the Chippewa, is no less impressive. It was sunk off the coast of Jacksonville
in 1988 as part of the artificial reef program and has taken on a large amount of growth. and color. The tug sits
upright with prop still in place, in just 75' of water. The surrounding landscape is barren except for some concrete
materials dumped just to the east of the wreck site. Even with good visibility, you may not see the wreck until
you are right on it because of the thousands of fish. This to is a relatively easy dive with lots of bottom time
for exploring. The pilot house is about 50' from the surface. You will encounter grouper, snapper, large amberjack
and swarms of baitfish. Because of the shallow depth and the size of the tug, you should be able to get in some
great photo ops here.
Blackmar's Reef
Jacksonville - 110' : A collection of large and small reefs are actually make up this reef tract. Three of the
larger wrecks on this site are a ferry boat called the Warwick, the Ocean Going Tug and a Super Barge. Also on
this site are a Banshee jet fighter and a Corsair from WWII. These two planes are intact and upright and make great
Kodak moments. The wrecks are home to large grouper, spadefish and amberjack. You may even spot a jew fish or two
around the wrecks. Small natural reefs are scattered around the area where you are likely to find some very nice
sized lobster. You could spend days diving this one reef area, especially if you get some of those 100' visibility
days.
Gator Bowl Press Boxes
A popular night dive site off Jacksonville is the Gator Bowl Pressboxes. When the new stadium was built for the
Jacksonville Jaguars, the old stadium became an artificial reef. Impressive during the day, the pressboxes become
an eerie silent home to nocturnal marine critters. There are also a number of nice natural reefs and ledges in
the area that usually hold game fish. Depths in this area range to 80 feet.
East Central
The Halsey
The Halsey is located offshore at Ft. Pierce and is one of the most interesting WWII natural wrecks you will encounter.
What makes it interesting is the position in which it came to rest after it was torpedoed. The bow, with most of
the superstructure sits upright as does the midship area. The stern however, came to rest upside down. Other than
being in three sections, the Halsey is fairly well intact. It is located in about 80' of water in an area of large
critters. You will likely encounter large baracuda, grouper and snapper. Nurse sharks are also not uncommon. Look
around the edges at the sand and you will see some very large lobsters as well. Currents are usually present, but
at time can be somewhat strong.
Spearfihing/Lobstering Grounds
This is the popular name for a series of ledges and cliffs at around 80', off the coast of Cape Canaveral. These
ledges run on forever but as you work your way down the reefline you will see 8' ledges with dark recesses and
50' further down the ledge nearly dissapears into the sand. You will encounter large grouper and mutton snapper,
amberjacks, spadefish and a very large variety of tropical fish. If you watch closely around the larger ledges,
you may even spot a nurse shark taking a nap. Some of the biggest lobster we have seen were cuddled up under some
of the rocks and medium size ledges. Other than the tropical fish, there is not a lot of color to appeal to the
photographer, but if you like gaming or just observing lots of fish, this place will suit you just fine.
Experience: Intermediate (only because of depth) Currents: Usually Light
Access: Boat
Depth: Averages 80'
Visibility: 35' to 60' +
Pecks Lake/Kingfish Hole
Located just south of the St Lucie Inlet at Stuart, this site provides long dives and much to explore. The reefline
starts not far off the beach in about 18' and continues out to around 35'. In between are a number of different
bottom types. On the shallow side are small patch reefs with small tropicals and an occasional lobster. At about
25' you will encounter huge granite boulders that several different stories account for. Throuhout this long line
of boulders you will find spadefish, larger tropicals, snapper, grouper, lobster, morey eels, stingrays and nursesharks.
There are many cracks, crevices and swimthroughs to explore with all that air you have to spare. On the outside
of this reef you will see numerous barracuda, large snook and sleeping turtles.
Experience: Basic
Currents: Light (but surge can be present)
Access: Boat
Depth: 35' Max.
Visibility: 15' to 60'
Kingfish Hole
A great night dive off the Treasure Coast at Stuart is Kingfish Hole. A nice shallow dive at 35 feet provides an
ample amount of bottom time. Lobster abound in and around the huge boulders and ledges which provide a moonscape
appearance. Large schools of snook, snapper, and spadefish also frequent the area. If you like seeing nuse sharks,
this is the place. It seems to be a favorite haunt as the large overhanging ledges provide nice cover for "napping
nurses".
Southeast
Tony's Town
Contributed by Captain Leo Sand of DCI in Boynton Beach
The "Beck's" was intentionally sunk on October 16th, 1996. She was later renamed to "Tony's Town"
in memory of Captain Tony Townsend, long time Boynton Inlet dive boat operator, who was killed when his fishing
boat was run over by a drunken boat driver in the Intercoastal Waterway two days before Thanksgiving 1996.
"The Tony" lies on the bottom in 84' of water. She's a 167 foot freighter with a great profile for divers.
The deck is at 64' and the wheelhouse and bridge come up to 45' from the surface. A great photo op is from the
deck looking upward with divers holding the forward mast, which rises to 42' from the surface and is at the forward
most point of the ship. No penetration should be attempted on this wreck, other than through the wheelhouse. The
engine compartment is far too confining and entrapment is quite easy. It is common to see the entire "Tony's
Town" from the surface due to the water clarity.
The Playground
West Palm Beach - 120' : Concrete culverts and pipes are are scattered across hard bottom. These harbor large Nassau
grouper and Mutton snapper, as well as some of the largest Green morays you will ever encounter. Barracuda hover
around you as you cautiously explore the recesses of the rubble. Currents can be very strong in this area but are
usually confined to the upper levels of the water column. Some big critters have been spotted here, such as eagle
rays, blacktip sharks, whalesharks and 600 pound sunfish. There are many charters available out of West Palm Beach.
Mitzpah
There are several nice wrecks to choose from off Palm Beach, but the Mitzpah is on of the all time favorites. The
Mitzpah was a 185' Greek luxury liner and was sunk as an artificial reef in 1968. Growth is excellent with soft
corals and sponges. It sits upright in 90' of water and due to the clarity of the water, it is usually easy to
see as soon as you start your decent. That's good because this is Palm Beach, and drift diving is the only way.
The dive boat will usually drop you at the stern (although currents can change) and you can work your way through
and around the Mitzpah. Most parts of the ship are wide open and easily penetrated. If time permits, there is a
165' patrol craft sitting upright just a few hundred feet away. You can easily see this wreck from the Mitzpah.
This is an interesting wreck but not open like the Mitzpah.
Double Ledges
Double Ledges is located within about 11/2 miles offshore of the Palm Beach Inlet in Southeast Florida. Due in
most part to the Gulf Stream swinging in very close to shore in SE Florida, three traits make diving this area
famous: the currents of the Gulf Stream make for drift diving at it's best, and the water is warm and flushed clear
on a consistant basis. And because the water gets deep very fast, the boat rides to the dive sites are quite short.
Double Ledges is actually a very large ledge the starts at 70' with a ledge to the second tier dropping to 80'
and then another ledge dropping to 90' . As you drift along effortlessly, you glide through swarms of snapper and
become engulfed in a whirling school of porkfish. Docile turtles follow you down the ledge. Colorful corals and
sponges cover the ledges and sea fans are scattered between the tiers. Watch the holes and rocks for some of the
biggest green and spotted morays you will ever see. French and Queen Angels are very common all alon the reef.
If you enter the water at the right point, you will end up at the end of the reef where it forms into a large circular
bowl where you will think you are in an aquarium with thousands of colorful tropicals swirling around you.
Experience: Intermediate/Advanced
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Access: Boat
Depth: 70' - 90'
Visibility: 40' to 100'+
Loggerhead Reef
Located just off Boynton Beach, this beautiful reef is probably one of the nicest yet the shallowest of the nicer
reef systems. The inside of the reef starts at about 65' and slopes up to about 40' at the top, then slopes of
on the outside to 80' in the sand. It runs north/south for about 300 yards and is loaded with beautiful colors
of coral, whips, fans and tons of tropical fish. There are no deep ledges here but you will find parrot fish, morays
and an occasional lobster hiding in the shadows. Most dives you will have to make your way through the masses of
schooling snappers. Turtles abound here and during the spring and summer, you are almost sure to encounter at least
one. Because of the influence of the gulf stream, two things are usually present, good visibility and a current.
Experience: Basic
Currents: Usually gentle, but can be moderate
Access: Boat
Depth: 40' - 80'
Visibility: 40' to 100'+
Breaker's Reef
One of the most visited night spots off Palm Beach is Breaker's Reef, so name for the famous Breaker's Hotel directly
to the west. Breaker's is a long natural reef running north and south and provides lots of colorful scenery as
you drift along. Because the reef is so pocked with holes and ledges, you are likely to see more types of fish
than you can name. From grouper and snapper, to parrot fish and tangs, the reef comes alive after dark. Depths
range from 45-65 feet along the reef.
Briney Breeze
Another nice Goldcoast dive is Briney Breeze, just south of the Boynton Inlet. This reef is similar to Breakers
off Palm Beach in that it is a very rough terrain across the reef. This affords divers the chance to see many different
species of fish in a small area. Green and spotted morays are plentiful and greet you as you drift by. Trumpet
fish and cowfish are seen as well as smaller game fish and nurse sharks. During the spring and summer many turtles
are also encountered on night dives. The top of the reef is at about 45 feet and falls to the sand at 65 feet.
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne off Miami encompasses a large number of patch reefs and excellent night dives. With depths from 20
to 40 feet, you will have alot of time to explore. The colorful reefs with lots of sea fans and gorgonians are
home to masses of tropical fish. Some game fish can be seen but are usually small. You will see many holes around
the edges of the patches where either lobster or morays live, sometimes both in the same hole.
Keys
Alexander's Wreck
On the less dived Gulf side of Key West, you will find a nice collection of wrecks in fairly shallow water. One
of the most fun wrecks is the Alexander's Wreck. This 300' U.S. Navy Destroyer Escort was sunk in 1970, in just
40' of water. There is a tremendous amount of growth covering the wreck and even at this shallow depth, large critters
are commonly seen. Nurse sharks frequent the area, and large grouper and mutton snapper are part of the resident
population. Barracuda will almost alway curiously follows divers as they navigate the wreck. The ship lies on it's
side, which gives it a totally different perspective from many of the wrecks. And while the visibility is not as
good as on the Atlantic side, it is usually over 40'.
The Duane
Located off Key Largo, just out of the Pennekamp Park boundary, this is a most impressive dive. The Duane is a
327' Coast Guard Cutter sank in 1987 as an artificial reef site. It sits upright in 120' of water. There is a mooring
buoy with a line connected to the deck and handy as a guideline. The deck is at 90', which is as deep as you need
to get. At about 75' you can explore the wheelhouse area but do not attempt further penetration due to limited
time. As a Coast Guard Vessel, the Duane was painted white and even though it has been down for quite awhile, there
is not a great amount of growth. The fading light at this depth and the white color make it a very impressive sight.
There is a crow's nest at within 50' of the surface and having your picture taken while you stand in it and the
ship in the background, makes for great memories. Great dive, just does'nt last long enough, so you have to go
back again and again.
The Benwood Wreck
The Benwood Wreck is located in the northern portion of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary about 1 1/2 miles
offshore and is visited daily by various charters out of Key Largo. This is an excellent wreckdive for both the
novice or advanced diver. The Benwood went down here in 1942 while running without lights to avoid detection by
German Submarines. It was rammed by another boat, the Robert Tuttle, and went down rather quickly. The bow is rests
at 45' and the stern is at 25'. Having been down for so many years, growth and marine life are profuse. The Benwood
can be penetrated, but openings are small, so it is not a wise move. The bottom is mostly void of growth and the
gentle slope of the ship makes for great photographic backdrops. Under the bottom on the southside, you will find
morays, lobster and grouper hiding out. Macro photographers will love this wreck with numerous Jawfish nests midway
along the ship. For the more experienced diver, there is a ledge that runs off the bow. Follow this for about 100'
and you will come to an old anchor (much older than the Benwood) rising out of the sand along this ledge. Take
care when venturing out this ledge, as currents can be very deceptive and cause you to stray.
Experience: Basic to Intermediate
Currents: None to Strong
Access: Boat
Depth: 25' - 50'
Visibility: 30' - 80'
Sand Key
Sand Key is located just a few miles southwest of Key West and is a popular area for divers and snorkelers. The
island is just a tiny strip of sand where the Sand Key Lighthouse is located. All around the island there is good
diving to be found, but the best area is on the seaward side (south). In what seems just a few short kicks, you
will go from 15' down to 70'. Large stands of coral are seen in every direction, with brilliant colors and teeming
with fish. As you swim along you will encounter trenches or sand channels just a few feet across that are fun to
navigate. As the bottomslopes away, you may catch sight of eagle rays gliding along or an occasional nurse shark
looking for a place to rest it's weary cartilage. Morays come in several sizes here but usually "big"
is included. Have plenty of film in your camera and be ready for those memories.
Experience: Basic
Currents: Slight to Mild
Access: Boat
Depth: Several Feet to 70'
Visibility: 35' - 80'+ (depending on depth)
Ten Fathom Bar
Key West - 130' : Located near Sand Key off Key West, this is an excellent mini-wall dive and one of the few in
Florida. The top of the wall starts in about 25' and drops nearly vertical to 130' . Here too, the current can
be ripping through about the first 30' . Large tame grouper will follow you around looking for a handout, and you
will see critters such as eagle and occasional manta rays gliding along the wall. The coral at 130' is colorful
and like none you will see elsewhere on shallower dives. A number of charter services are available out of Key
West.
Molasses Reef
It's not surprising that the most popular daytime divesite in Key Largo is also primo for night dives. Molasses
Reef averages 15 to 40 feet and is about as close as you will ever get to swimming in an aquarium. Grouper, snapper,
angles, morays, rays, parrot fish, tangs, and sargeant majors are just a few of the species that inhabit the coral
reefs here. Hard and soft corals abound, as well as sea fans, whips, and sponges. On the southern edge of the reef,
there is super diving to about 80 feet, but the shallower depths are perfect for night dives.
Caloosa Rocks
Caloosa Rocks is located near Islamorada and with depths to about 20 feet you will have lots of time to observe
nocturnal habits. As shallow as it is, it has impressive stands of brain, lettuce, and star coral. Millions of
reef fishes inhabit the area and many are so tame they will eat right out of your hand. "Kodak Moments"
abound here as visibility is usually very good.
Looe Key
Another popular day dive is also an excellent night dive - Looe Key. One of the most impressive reefs in the Keys
and pure heaven for photographers, Looe Key supports every species of marine life in the Keys. As a national marine
sanctuary, Looe Key is a safe haven and the fish seem to know. They are very friendly and in vst numbers. Within
the sanctuary area, you can choose your dive profile from several feet to 100 feet. From the center of the reef,
"fingers" reach out into the depths. Between the fingers are sand channels that serve as highways for
divers and fish.
Sambos
Just off Key West is a series of reefs that provide excellent shallow day dives and fantastic night dives. They
are called the Sambos. Western Sambos is closest to Key West and provides the best night dives. At 25 to 40 feet,
you will have ample bottom time to explore the huge coral heads and accompanying grass beds. Large tropicals, including
huge blue parrots, swarm the heads. In the grass flats, you will see large queen conchs and assorted juvenile tropicals
taking refuge under cover. Bring your camera.
Southwest
Tugboat and Barge
The Tugboat and Barge are located off the New Port Richey/Tarpon Springs on the West coast north of Tampa. The
105' tug and the 80' barge it was towing, went down during a storm in just over 80' of water. The tug is still
well intact but is upside down. If you really want a different perspective of a wreck, check this one out. The
depth provides good clarity and the area of flat bottom caused the wreck to become an almost instant home to many
marine critters. Large grouper are not uncommon, and turtles can be spotted especially late spring and early summer.
Large gamefish for which the Gulf is famous, makes this an excellent spearfishing site. The barge, somewhat smaller
and lower in relief lies about a half mile from the tug. While it holds fish as well, it is not as impressive as
the tug.
Black Hole
Diving off the southwest coast from Naples is for the adventurous diver. Rides to the dive sites can be quite long,
sometimes bumpy, and when you enter the water you may have fair visibility. But if you think you can handle this,
you will experience dives that will remain with you forever. Many of the reefs and wrecks of this area are still
virtually virgin diving. Fish are abundant and very large. There are literally, colonies of Jewfish, meandering
nurse sharks, and huge turtle cruising the area. An excellent place to start is the Black Hole. It is located over
20 miles southwest of Naples, this large sinkhole is a 'site' to see. The 100' diameter opening is at 65', and
plunges to 215'. Descending the wall of the hole, you notice it takes on an hourglass shape at about 115'. Fish
life is in massive numbers and huge Jewfish are usually present. Colorful soft coral and sponges are found on the
surrounding ledges and home to gamesize snapper and grouper. If you are into lobstering or spearfishing, you will
not want to return to the boat.
Experience: Intermediate/advanced
Currents: Slight to Moderate
Access: Boat
Depth: 65'+
'G' Marker
This area is probably the nicest shallow dive in the area off Clearwater. But to be a good dive, you will need
to catch it on a nice calm day, especially in the spring or summer. The depth is only about 25' but provides nice
5' ledges with undercuts and many cracks and crevices. It is not unusual to spot larger critters that you would
expect to see in 80'+ depths. Jewfish are spotted regularly here as are turtles, large grouper and nurse sharks.
The limestone ledges run for about a half mile but at 25' you will have lots of time to explore.
Experience: Basic
Currents: Slight
Access: Boat
Depth: 25'
Visibility: On a good day, 30'. On a bad day, grope
Twelve-Foot Ledge
Off the coast of Tampa is a reef line called the Twelve-Foot Ledge. The reefs in this area are not the colorful
variety found on the southeast coast and in the Keys, yet the limestone ledges draw a super variety of tropicals.
The real allure of the west coast is large and plentiful gamefish. The Twelve-Foot Ledge is a magnet for these
fish. This half mile ridge with overhanging ledge 12 feet off the sand provides refuge for turtles, sharks, rays,
grouper, and snapper.
Northwest
The Chippewa
In an area of great wrecks off the coast of Panama City, the Chippewa stands out as one of the best. It is a 205'
ocean going tug sunk in 1990. Originally, this was not specifically put down as an artificial reef, but for use
by a Navy Demolitions Team as a training project. It has now become one of the most popular wreck dives off the
northwest coast. The tugs sits upright in about 95' of water on a very flat sand bottom. One of the interesting
aspects of this wreck is that all of the deck hardware was left intact, unlike most that are stripped down prior
to sinking. The cabin is at just 50' and is large and very open. Some penetration of the tug is possible but some
areas are small and should be avoided. Having been down only since 1990, the Chippewa has taken on a very nice
coat of growth. And being located in such an barren area, fish hover around in mass. And due to the relative shallow
water, bottom time is great for checking out the entire wreck.
Russian Freighter/San Pablo
The area off Pensacola is well known for it's profusion of artificial reefs. The ongoing program is is one of the
best in the state. This Russian Freighter was not originally slated as part of this reef system but is now an often
requested dive site. The San Pablo (funny, it does'nt sound like the name of a Russian Freighter) is located approximately
9 miles off the coast of Pensacola. It was cruising the Florida Straits during WWII when it was torpedoed. It was
decided that it would be towed to Mobile for repairs. It made it to its present location and sank. Due to it's
height, it was later decided that it should be dynamited to avoid problems within the shipping lanes. It is now
in in several peices in 75' of water. The stern and boilers remain intact. Being in an area of little bottom growth,
the ship has attracted a wide array of marine life. Baitfish and snapper swarm the wreck, while grouper hide among
it's many recesses. Barracuda can usually be seen standing sentinal aroun the perimeter of the wreck. If you like
wrecks, give this one a try. The freighter is visited regularly by charters out of Pensacola.
Experience: Intermediate
Currents: None to Noticeable
Access: Boat
Depth: 75'
Visibility: Usually good. Poor during winter cold fronts, but can see 100' days.
Warsaw Hole
This is an excellent example of the great reef dives offshore of northwest Florida. Warsaw Hole is located off
Panama City and is a horseshoe shaped limestone reef with 4' - 6' ledges. Soft corals and sponges thrive on the
reef and provide it with nice color. Lobster can be found here as well as stone crabs. Tropicals of every shape,
size and color abound on the reef. Grouper and snapper visit the reef regularly but do not seem to place importance
on permanant residence. Have your camera ready for lots of colorful photos.
Experience: Intermediate
Currents: Slight
Access: Boat
Depth: 85'
Visibility: up to 60'
Tenneco Oil Rig
Pensacola - 80'+ : Ever wonder what an oil rig might look like underwater? Well this is your chance. Two massive
rigs were placed in 175' of water. The structure actually begins at about 80' and has become a home to swarms of
fish in an otherwise barron area. Large critters frequent the area such as sharks, rays and large amberjack. Grouper
and snapper abound around the recesses of the structure. The visibility can be 100' here because of the depth,
and this is an awesome sight. Make sure you have the camera.
Springs
Crystal River
Just to the north of the Tampa/St Petersburg area is Crystal River. It is probably one of the most popular fresh
water dives in the world. It's popularity is due mostly to the Manatees that migrate here in the winter. Within
just a few miles of the Gulf of Mexico is an area called Kings Bay where a number of springs are located. These
springs with their clear warm waters are the reason the manatees are drawn to them. Between about November to March,
as many as several hundred of the gentle giants call Crystal River home. Although there are a number of springs
within a relatively small area, only 8 of them are actually diveable. The largest and most popular of these is
King Spring. On any given winter day, boats are packed near the entrance point to this spring. Many of these boats
are there for snorkeling, so the spring itself is not usually crowded. You cannot take your boat directly over
the spring but you can anchor in the river very close. As you swim over the spring and start to descend, you are
surrounded by rock walls. at about 35' there are several openings into the caverns. The entrances are large enough
to swim in and out of, and to allow sunshine in. When you enter, it seems dim, but you quickly adjust in the crystal
clear water. The caverns are large and as you swim through you will make a U along the hall of the cavern and end
up at an opening to exit. The deepest point in the cavern is about 60' , and 50' back from the entrance point.
Diving the springs is great throughout the year, but if you happen to make it in winter, take some time for photos
and swimming with the manatees. These are an endangered species, so be sure to abide by the rules and regulations
surrounding these wonderous creatures. There are a number of diving/lodging facilities surrounding the springs
and you can rent your own boat or take a charter trip. The remainder of the springs in the area are much smaller
and and 15' - 25' deep.
Experience: Open to all divers, but exercise caution as it is an overhead environment
Currents: only the current from the spring
Access: Boat
Depth: To 60'
Devil's Den
Ever wonder what it might have been like to dive a couple million years ago? Probably not, but a trip to Devil's
Den will provide you with that experience. Known as Florida's prehistoric spring, it is actually located inside
a dry cave. A barely noticeable opening into the ground provides steps down into the cave. Once inside, a large
open expanse opens up before you. A wooden stairway leads down to a platform at the center of the crystal clear
pool. There is plenty of room to make last minute adjustments and don your fins. Depths in the spring reach over
50' and is quite suitable for open water divers as caves are grated to prevent entry. There are 3 open water training
platforms, two with permanent floatballs attached. During your dives, schools of fish will follow you around and
you will see catfish and bass as well. Many ancient artifacts have been found in the Den over the years, but you
are asked to please leave them alone. Some of the artifacts can be seen on display in the dive shop. Devil's Den
is located just southwest of Gainesville in Williston, Florida. The large property has camping, cabins a pool,
horseback riding, picnic areas and more. A new dive area is currently under construction. Called the "Fish
Pond", it is a 2 1/2 acre concreted dive area that will be stocked with all sorts of fish and it will be complete
with structures and swim-throughs. There is also another site just begun that will provide deep dives and advanced
classes can be completed at Devil's Den as well.
Experience: Open to all divers, but exercise caution in swimthroughs and where the overhangs provide an overhead
environment.
Currents: None
Access: Walk right in
Depth: 50' |
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