News of the Nature Coast of Florida

Blue Grotto is a cavern system great for OW divers, and even a snorkel can get you around to several of interesting views.

It is just west of  Williston, Fla., in Levy County, on Alternate U.S. 27.

One of the more unique aspects of Blue Grotto is the fresh air filled "bell" at 30 feet that is a novelty many divers enjoy checking out. This air bell is constantly being supplied by a compressor, so you don't have to worry about CO2 retention. It can fit several divers in at once.

While in the bell, you can look through the glass at the people swimming above you while you are just talking to your buddies without a regulator. You can explore the open cavern system without any more than open water certification, although it is recommend that you limit yourself to a 60 foot maximum depth. Past his point it can become silty and quite dark.

Permanent heavy duty guidelines tour through the entire system with a maximum depth of 100 feet. There is a cave site elsewhere on the property that is not connected to the main cavern.

The best time to dive is either in early morning or late afternoon.

Web site: http://www.divebluegrotto.com/
Cavern Map: http://www.floridacaves.com/bgrottomap.JPG