Unlike much of Florida, Ocala and its environs have abundant dry caves, as well as springs and sinkholes. The central Florida city stands on a geological formation called the Ocala Uplift, which consists of limestone riddled with caves and crevices. Unfortunately, because of damage and vandalism, many caves have been closed to the public, but you can still find a few places to go underground in and around Ocala.
Supervised Spelunking
- The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Basic Wild Caving Experience several times each year. Geared to beginners, the outing starts with brief safety training, then participants head to Ocala’s Brick City Adventure Park for a guided tour of White Cliffs Cave. This wild cave usually is gated to prevent public access, so the caving experience might be your only chance to go inside. Bring extra clothes because you’ll get dirty climbing, crawling, wriggling and sliding through narrow spots. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Each group can accommodate up to eight people ages 8 and older.
Conservancy Cave
- The Southeastern Cave Conservancy owns and operates the Jennings Cave Preserve. The cave is open to the public; if you’re interested in exploring, contact the conservancy for permission. Spelunking groups can have no more than 12 people. You must follow the SCCi’s guidelines, which include disinfecting all clothes, gear and shoes before and after your visit to avoid spreading White Nose Syndrome, a disease that has ravaged bat populations.
- Lava Legacy
- In the Ocala National Forest, you can explore 1,200 feet of Pluto’s Cave, a lava tube about 11 miles from the town of Weed. You don’t need a permit to venture inside, but you may not take pets, food or drink into the cave. Camping, fires, littering and smoking also are prohibited. Plan to pack out all trash, bring flashlights with extra batteries and wear shoes that can grip slippery surfaces.
Aquifer Access
- The Ocala Caverns in Belleview, less than 10 miles from the city of Ocala, encompass both a dry cave and a spring-fed, wet cave, which is part of the aquifer system. Once a tourist attraction, the caverns now are closed to the public, and the Florida Speleological Society provides cleanup, maintenance and supervision. The society must approve any excursions into the Ocala Caverns. The surrounding land serves as a training area for K-9 dogs.
Diving the Den
- At Devil’s Den, which includes underground fossil beds, you can descend a dry chimney to a subterranean spring. You must pay a fee for admission to the privately owned attraction in Williston, about 20 miles northwest of Ocala. Water temperature remains at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can snorkel or -- with proof of open-water certification -- scuba dive in the cave.
