Diving the Blue Grotto, Florida- a taste of cavern diving.

January 1, 2015.

Blue Grotto Florida.
The Blue Grotto- a massive, spring-fed sinkhole that has collapsed underwater on one side, producing a large cavern.

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.

map of Blue Grotto profile, florida.
A photo of the cavern profile hanging in the office. The yellow line is the guide rope that runs in a crescent shape around the grotto.

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.

Blue Grotto park, Florida
They even picked up our tanks and brought us new ones.

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.

Blue Grotto park, florida.
Staging Area. Easy access, with stairs or ramp, to the water.

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.

Blue grotto cavern, Florida.
The welcoming committee. Note the training platforms.
Blue Grotto Cavern in Florida.
View from the Upper Cavern. Note one of the guide ropes above Cindy’s head that leads from the lower cavern.
Air bell at Blue Grotto Florida.
Cindy tests the acoustics of the air bell.

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.

Blue Grotto upper cavern.
The lights below the air bell help to illuminate the upper cavern. Note the silt being illuminated and at the upper left of photo, by the diver. Take the staff’s advice and stay clear of the bottom. A filtration system has been added to help remove silt, and keep the cavern diveable.

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.

lower cavern blue grotto in Florida.
Follow the rope to the exit. Typical Florida white limestone.
Blue Grotto divepark lower cavern in Florida.
This gives you an idea of scale. The viz is still excellent considering a number of divers have gone through.
Virgil the turtle at Blue Grotto.
Time feeding Virgil.

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.

Virgil the softshell turtle at Blue Grotto divepark, Florida.
“Virgil” on a surface interval, warming up between dives. He spends most of his time in the water.
Virgil the turtle at Blue Grotto, Florida.
Virgil, like most softshells, has a nice temperament.
Virgil the turtle at Blue Grotto, Florida.
He’s surprisingly fast and nimble in the water.

Tips:

Blue Grotto facilities.
Restrooms, showers & changerooms.

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).

Blue grotto grounds.
Picnic table overlooking the Grotto.

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.

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