This incredible wonder is a natural pool that was transformed into a scuba diving site and world class tourist attraction. Dubbed “Devil’s Den“, this natural phenomenon called a Karst Window is actually a cave in which the roof over a subterranean river has collapsed, exposing the water to the open surface. This underground spring lives deep inside a dry cave in the sleepy gulf town of Williston Florida. On cold winter mornings you can see steam, like smoke rising from the chimney opening of the cave – thus the early settlers dubbed the area the “Devil’s Den“.
While the owners do not allow general swim, this scuba diving and snorkeling facility has something to offer everyone. With crystal clear water, year round 72 degree water temperatures, ancient rock formations, incredible fossils and depths of up to 90 feet – it’s no wonder this natural pool has been a favorite with scuba divers for years!
Four underwater passages extend from the pool under the opening, from 5 feet (1.5 m) to 90 feet (27 m) under the surface of the water. The passage called chamber 3, 70 feet (21 m) under water, contained animal and human remains and artifacts. The animal remains, which appeared to be associated with the human remains and artifacts, were from extinct (Pleistocene) species, including mastodons, ground sloths, camels, horses, dire wolves, bog lemmings, Florida spectacled bears, saber-toothed cats, and peccaries. The human remains have been dated to about 7,500 BC.
