The Best Caves in Florida, USA: Complete List

Although most tourists flock to Florida for the sandy shores and beautiful resorts, they might miss out on the fascinating caves and cave systems. Found at the edge of southeastern US, it’s natural to want to go to the beach. Especially during the summer. But there’s a lot more you can do to explore. There are sinkholes, ancient caverns, and underwater cave systems to explore in remote locations, and some will blow your mind.

It’s okay to be surprised. Florida is a flatter state than some others, so there aren’t as many caves as you might find in some states in the Midwest. But some of the world’s most priceless artifacts were found in Florida’s hidden caves.

These caves offer an excellent opportunity to get away from it all and immerse oneself in nature. Used by humans as refuges during storms and other natural calamities in the past, they still provide an opportunity for some fun spelunking adventures. Without further adieu, let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable caves in Florida.

Blue Grotto Dive Resort

Privately run and featuring both day-tripper and overnight accommodations, the Diver Resort is open to the public. With a cavern depth of 100 feet, the Blue Grotto is the deepest underwater cavern in the vicinity, making it perfect for lessons and seminars.

There is another cave about 300 feet away from the main cavern through an underwater tunnel. Width alterations are possible; only trained cave divers with a resort guide will be permitted inside. The subterranean cave was discovered in pristine condition and kept that way. Camping spots for R.V.s are restricted, but those available provide power, water, and sewer utilities. Lots of R.V. parks can be found nearby.

Devil’s Den

There are caves here, most of them submerged in water. In the karst environment, South of Gainesville is where you’ll find the caves.

Karst is a region of eroded limestone characterized by caves, sinkholes, and unusual rock formations. The roof caved in over a deep river, exposing a gaping hole that could be a window.

The Devil’s Den is a private establishment used for the training and enjoyment of SCUBA divers. The pool under the glass divides into four separate rooms. Human and animal remains were found together in one of them.

This room is no longer in circulation. These creatures ranged from mastodons to dire wolves to saber-toothed cats. The skeletons were dated to around 7500 B.C.

If you’re showing up with an R.V., you’re in luck. All 32 R.V. campsites have access to electricity, running water, and sewage.

Diepolder Cave, Sand Hill Boy Scout Reservation

Diepolder 2 and 3 are the deepest caves in the system, at 360 and 300 feet, respectively, beneath Central Florida.

The undersea cavern is dark, and a quarter of a hundred people have perished in this mysterious underwater tunnel since 1960. Not even the brightest underwater lights can help even the most seasoned divers find objects only a few meters away.

The water appears incredibly murky and black against the stark backdrop of the white sands.

Due to its tremendous depths, this underwater cavern comes with strict regulations by the researchers of the Florida Speleological Society.

They grant entrance to only fully cave-trained divers who have given at least 100 dive certifications. Even the most experienced divers must be accompanied by qualified instructors underwater.

Eagles Nest Cave or Sinkhole

Eagle’s Nest Cave (or Sinkhole) is a deceptively hazardous diving location. Located in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management of west-central Florida, it appears to be an ordinary pond from a distance.

However, beneath its surfaces lay a system of underwater passageways that descend as deep as 300 feet (91.5 meters).

Back in 2016, two experienced cave divers named Patrick Peacock and Chris Rittenmeyer ventured into the deeper sections of Eagle’s Nest Cave. Their bodies were found a day later, floating in the depths of the underwater caves.

Part of the difficulty of the cave is that there are both upstream and downstream tunnels. Debris in the center of the passageways can entangle divers and add to the challenge of re-emerging.

After being closed off in 1999, divers had lobbied to reopen it in 2003. There is still much debate about whether leaving these caves open is worth it, considering the additional deaths in recent years.

Florida Caverns State Park

The only state park in Florida that features dry caves is Florida Caverns. This is the only Florida state park where visitors can explore caverns. Limestone stalagmites and stalactites, flowstones, soda straws, draperies, and more will add to the experience

Picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the most popular activities around the caves.

A nine-hole golf course is also available. The Florida Cavern is open to the public and accessible via guided tours. But beware, this excursion is quite difficult and lasts around 45 minutes.

Ginnie Springs

Gennie Springs is a privately owned park with the state’s cleanest freshwater cave system and is regarded as one of the best underground water caves in Florida. The water temperature here is always 72 degrees Fahrenheit, just like in the Devil’s Den. Five of the park’s seven springs are ideal for scuba diving, while the other two are more suited to swimming and snorkeling.

Exciting scuba divers can explore the Devil’s Eye, Devil’s Ear, and Little Devil springs, located at the end of three distinct tunnel systems stretching about 30,000 feet (9.1 km). Due to the lack of illumination, the Devil’s region is off-limits to inexperienced divers.

The Bone or Big room and the Hill 400 advanced diving area are two more nerve-wracking sections. Even for experienced complete cave divers, navigating these complex, bottomless caverns may be a skill test.

Leon Sinks Geological Area

Located a short distance from the capital city of Florida, Leon Sinks is a great place to visit. Eighteen sinkholes, ten wet and dry, have been formed by the karst here. Different colors may be seen in the water of the wet sinks, and a natural bridge connects two of the sinks.

This tunnel system, which leads to the Wakulla Springs caves, is the longest underwater cave system in the world at 32 miles. There are miles of pathways winding through the woodlands and along the rivers that connect the Leon Sinks.

There is nowhere to camp on the premises, although there are plenty of R.V. parks in the area.

Morrison Springs State Park

Located in the Florida Panhandle to the east of Elgin Air Force Base, the park is great for a picnic. Huge, ancient cypress trees surround the pool area. While there aren’t any paths for trekking, a boardwalk leads to a spring and a beach where you can go swimming. Paddle boarding quickly became a favorite water sport alongside scuba diving and snorkeling.

While there are no R.V. parks within the park, many are in the surrounding area.

Ponce De Leon of Springs State Park, Ponce De Leon

This 161-acre state park in Northwest Florida is home to some of the state’s most impressive underwater cave systems. The natural freshwater sandy spring at a depth 250 feet (76 meters) and three separate caves are major draws. For those who prefer not to have their wheelchairs wet, a boardwalk nearby provides a dry vantage point in the spring.

Each of the three incredible caverns at the spring pool’s base leads to a separate cave system, the deepest of which descends a mind-boggling 300 feet (91 meters). It is possible to use the scuba divers’ floating deck, and boaters can use the park’s downstream boat ramp to enter the nearby Choctawhatchee River.

Warren’s Cave

The National Speleological Society owns the Warren’s Cave Nature Preserve in northern Florida. The endangered blind crayfish can only be found in this area. The combined length of the three air-filled caverns is four miles, making this the longest cavern in Florida. The property cannot be entered without prior authorization. There is nowhere to park an R.V. on the premises; however, there are plenty of campgrounds in the area.

There are several exciting caves to explore in Florida. Many karst features can be found in the Panhandle. Vacationing in Florida centered on these unique points of interest is a great way to learn about the state’s history and culture.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill

These Florida caves are the deepest freshwater caverns in the entire United States. The submerged amphitheater in this system of underwater caves can accommodate 400 people. The captivating performances of the women dressed as fish to perform an adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” are a big draw.

The spring-fed water park in Buccaneer Bay features a swimming area, a sandy beach, and waterslides and is a major draw for visitors. In addition, there are other things to do, such as riverboat tours and wildlife presentations.

Conclusion

Florida is definitely a great summer vacation destination, but now you know better! You have quite a good selection of caves to visit if you ever find yourself exploring the southeast coast.

When you get good with diving, we highly recommend exploring some of these underwater caves. Be safe, of course! If you plan to look for more caves, consider some of the states nearby. Florida is bordered by Georgia and Alabama, but Mississippi is further to the west, and has a good selection as well.

Alabama Caves

Georgia Caves

Mississippi Caves