Orlando and the surrounding area is home to some of the best scuba diving in the nation. This area offers everything from ocean dives to prehistoric cavern dive tours. The temperate climate in central Florida allows for a huge variety of underwater animal and plant life that is visible year-around. There is definitely something for every diver to enjoy.
Blue Spring State Park is the closest dive site to downtown Orlando and all the attractions. The state park offers scuba diving in a 72 degree spring. This spring is the largest on the St. Johns river. Visitors that wish to scuba dive must register at the front gate between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. and must have a partner. The park is a designated manatee refuge during the winter because of the warm water. The spring is closed from November 15 to March 1 in order to provide a warm safe-haven for the manatees. This dive site is a favorite of Scuba Orlando. Driving time from Orlando is 35 minutes.
Blue Spring State Park
2100 W. French Avenue
Orange City, Florida 32763
386-775-3663
www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring
Alexander Springs is crystal-clear natural spring that is 72 degrees year-around. This area offers camping as well as a variety of other outdoor activities. However, scuba diving is the most popular activity that attracts not only divers from all over the nation but from Europe as well. Scuba diving is permitted in the large spring boil where divers are able to see lots of fish and underwater vegetation. Valid proof of certification in required in order to dive and temporary certification cards are not accepted. Alexander Springs is an hour drive from downtown Orlando.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
49525 County Road 445
Altoona, FL
877-444-6777
lakecountyfl.gov/hometown_highlights/alexander_springs.aspx
Blue Grotto is the largest clear water cavern in Florida. Visitors will be able to dive to a depth of about 100 feet in crystal clear water that remains 72 degrees year-around. The cavern dive tour begins at the mouth of the cavern which is 80 feet wide and 20 feet high. This is considered to be the safest cavern dive in the area. Blue Grotto has exceptional visibility throughout the year. Visitors have the unique experience to see fossils as well as an array of aquatic life on the guided dive. An open water diving certification in required. Blue Grotto is located two hours from downtown Orlando.
Blue Grotto
3852 N.E. 172nd Court
Williston, FL 32696
www.divebluegrotto.com
Devil's Den is considered to be one of America's most pre-historic places. Many fossils and even the remains of an early man dating back to 75,000 BC have been discovered at this site. The temperature is 72 degrees year-around which allows for a comfortable dive in winter or summer. However, early on cold winter mornings smoke rises from the cave's chimney which is why early settlers to the region gave this site the name Devil's Den. An open water certification is required to dive at this site and the last dive is at 4:30 p.m. This site is located two hours from downtown Orlando.
Devil's Den
5390 N.E. 180 Avenue
Williston, FL 32696
352-528-3344
www.devilsden.com
Hudson Grotto is a prehistoric limestone sink and is the oldest inland source of water in Pasco County, Florida. This site is unique because it is part fresh, part salt water and reaches depths of up to 100 feet. Visitors will see a variety of aquatic life including turtles, Bluegill and Koi. There are many fossils around the edge of the limestone as well. Divers at Hudson Grotto can also participate in a contest to find the hidden chalice. All divers must have valid certification and a dive partner is required. Hudson Grotto is a two-hour drive from downtown Orlando.
Hudson Grotto
6815 Tower Drive
Hudson, FL 34667
727-863-6911
www.scubawest.net
