January 1, 2015.
Blue Grotto divepark is located in Williston, north-central Florida, in the heart of spring and cave country. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Crystal River, and a perfect way to end the day after snorkeling with the Manatees. It boasts to be the largest fresh water cavern in Florida and also among the safest, with only open-water certification required. Its relaxing topside, natural beauty, interesting aquatic life, and thrilling (but safe) cavern, make it one dive you don’t want to miss.
Upon arrival to Blue Grotto, you are required to check-in at the office and fill out the necessary paperwork and watch an introductory/orientation video. A group of 15 divers had just left before we got there at 1 pm, and we (with four others) had the grotto all to ourselves. Lucky for a New Years’ day dive.
After orientation, you pick up your tanks and drive to the pavilion area, only a few minutes walk away. The grounds are very welcoming, meticulously cared for, up to date, and thoughtfully laid out. There’s plenty of space, with picnic tables to set up your gear, and racks with hangers to dry it. Each picnic shelter also had it own charcoal bbq.
Just beyond the pavilion area is the staging deck, with plenty of space and seating. This leads to the floating entry platform which has stairs dipping below the water’s surface. When you get in you’ll be greeted by a swarm of fish looking to see if you brought them something.
Along the top of the cavern is an air bell at 30′, which gives you a 360 degree view of the cavern from inside. It’s continually supplied with breathable, fresh, compressed air, so you can take out regulator and talk to your dive buddy. The acoustics are very loud inside.
If you follow the rope (counterclockwise recommended, to avoid other divers) you’ll come to the entrance of the lower cavern. You will need a light from this point on. Just follow the rope. The only real danger is if you really silt up the space and then lose sight of or come off of the rope. If you stay at a level trim with the rope, and watch your fining, there won’t be a problem. We did this twice over two dives, with my dive computer showing a maximum depth of 90′ and a water temperature of 72 deg. F.
At the beginning of our second dive we came across two local divers, Heather and Tim, who were feeding “Virgil”, a very friendly Florida Softshell turtle. This comical little turtle fluttered between divers looking to see if someone brought him a treat. If you want to feed him, you can pick-up some turtle food at the office.
Tips:
Blue Grotto has been under new ownership since 2013, and the owner has been working hard to revitalize it. The owner and staff were very friendly and helpful. The diving fee was $40, and the tank rental with fill was $12. This is a full service, on-site dive shop, offering both air and nitrox. There’s enough here for at least two dives (with one to familiarize yourself).
If your able to, go during the weekdays, as this place can get very busy on weekends. The picnic shelters can be reserved. You can enjoy a hot shower after your dives in the Washroom & Change room building. The welcome/orientation video can be previewed on the Blue Grotto’s homepage. Blue Grotto also has a cave dive if you’re certified. Devil’s Den Cavern is only a 6 minute drive away.