Scuba diving

One of the US Favorite Fresh Water Dives - The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto Dive is a peaceful and friendly resort located in the heart of freshwater spring country in Williston, Florida, with history going back as far as 1962. This unique diving site offers a crystal clear water all year round and allows you dive down to a depth of 100 feet (30m) at a water temperature of 72°F (22°C). You do not have to be advanced to dive in here; only Open Water Diving Certification is necessary as Blue Grotto is the safest cavern dive in the area, but it is a thrilling and fun experience for all level divers. And if you are lucky, you will meet Virgil, an unusual and one of the few inhabitants of this underwater gem. Read out to find out more.

5. 6. 2014 Photos: 10

The Blue Grotto Cavern

The cavern is divided into three distinct areas; the open water basin, the upper cavern and the lower cavern. The whole cavern is geared by a guidelined rope that goes anticlockwise. You do not have to follow the guidelines but it is recommended to do so to avoid running into other divers. The open water basin is great for instruction and training purposes due to its visibility, three training platforms and quite large area which is 80ft wide and 20ft high. You will also find an unique device here, an air bell containing fresh air circulating from the surface that allow you and your buddy to stop and talk while under the water. Descending from there, at 50ft a permanent guideline brings you to the upper cavern where you will experience an array of fossils along the walls of the camber and an abundance of aquatic life waiting for a free handout. The real deal begins at 100ft. Dark area that only advanced divers should consider going to. Although the Blue Grotto is considered safe, every dive site has its own risk and hazards so do not underrate it, watch out and always look up.

This Mermaid is sitting in 57 ft

The Blue Grotto Cave

The Cave has been recently added as the newest feature and cave divers from all over Florida are now visiting Blue Grotto to explore this almost untouched beauty. What sets The Cave at Blue Grotto apart is not only that it’s a site few get to see, but the fact in remains in as close to its natural state as possible. The rock formations are fragile and virtually every surface is covered by a deep, undisturbed layer of silt.

Mr. McQuarrie - he was the first owner of Blue Grotto and started to let divers in, back in 1964 !

Meet Virgil !

The resort also offers an accommodation for those who'd like stay the night. If you are not in the cavern you can use the swimming pool (also available for training purposes), have a picnic or BBQ to make yourself at home. To sum it up, this place is definitely worth to check.

Chill after exploring the cavern

Accomodation for divers

The Blue Grotto Location

The Blue Grotto dive site is open 7 days a week, Monday - Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Night Dive hours are also available prior to an appointment.