Since my last review was over a decade ago, probably time for an update. I don't come to Ginnie as…read moreoften as other area springs but it's worth a visit now and then--on weekday mornings ideally if you want to freedive, swim, and miss the crowds of the weekend. It's a good camping destination, too. For me, the main draw however is freediving and there's plenty here to see. You cannot and should not by any means enter caves as a freediver--it's forbidden and even for highly-experienced freedivers, dangerous. If we freedivers don't want to wear out our proverbial welcome, yes, we need to behave. Cave-certified SCUBA divers are the only ones to enter caves. I want to address some things which came up between my own observations and what I've read in other reviews here. For one, the food. This isn't a good place to get good food. If you want something nice, get it "in town" in High Springs or bring something to cook if camping. For that matter, bring your snacks and gear because expectedly things are a bit overpriced at the merch store here. If you don't what the place to be loud, busy, and long lines then don't come on weekends and holidays. It's that simple. This is a business and they'll let in as many people as they safely can let in. As far as loud music and uneven enforcement of rules, I think this just comes down to different employees acting their own way. Most summer help is students, they're not going to have the discernment and acumen of a veteran police officer in dealing with people. Most are nice, some are lax, some overzealous. About the bath houses and other facilities. I think things are in pretty good shape--on par with bath houses at campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest, in example. Nothing was horribly dirty any time I was there but folks--this is camping. Remember that. I don't see the need for tram or shuttle, either. Maybe for disabled or infirm folks but most of us can simply walk between springs and should. Overall I feel Ginnie is well-run for what it is, with your normal business caveats like they'll charge what they can get away with in their store which is exactly why you want to buy stuff at Walmart or whatever prior to coming here. It's a great place to camp and unique, beautiful, springs you'll remember your entire lifetime.

Other springs you could visit in the state that are better:…read more1) Itchetucknee 2) Rainbow 3) Wekiwa 4) Gilchrist Blue 5) Kelly Rock 6) Silver Glen Purchased 3 day passes ahead of time and when the day came around there was a severe thunderstorm. Staff refuses to reimburse or move reservation for a different date. Paid $60 for absolutely nothing. Staff do not answer phone, ever. Born and raised in Florida and always heard Ginny was trash, now I know.

A very neat place to see. Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring is…read moretucked away beside Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens in Williston, Florida. Both locations are literally right next to each other. The Devil's Den is a fascinating hidden gem that offers a true taste of Florida's unique geology. A cenote is a natural sinkhole formed when limestone bedrock collapses. Most are very unique and all share that they seem to have crystal-clear groundwater beneath and an opening above for sunlight to reach the water through a hole in the ceiling. It is essentially a window into an underground aquifer. The springs typically have 72-degree spring water making it cool and refreshing no matter how hot it is outside. The experience is especially rewarding if you're visiting a cenote for the first time. The entrance is easy to miss from the walkway. We walked right past it. Gear rentals are available on-site, making it accessible even for beginners. You check in at the office and pay your fee and sign the waivers and then you can enter and descend a set of stairs with a notably low ceiling. Watch your head!. It is a little bit dark on the first landing but it had plenty of light at the large landing by the water. Below, the cavern opens up to reveal the stunning underground spring, perfect for snorkeling. We did not go snorkeling this visit but may try it the next time. Right next to the cenote is a pleasant above-ground pool area with a beach area and chairs. Right next to the cenote entrance are several covered tables for groups.. It's a convenient spot to dry off, eat a snack, or simply enjoy the surroundings after your swim. Overall, Devil's Den is a neat and unique geological feature that's well worth the stop, especially if you're exploring central Florida's springs. It's not a large site, so you won't spend all day there, but the chance to snorkel inside a real cenote creates a memorable, bucket-list moment.

What a cool place this is! We're camping here and get to take advantage of all the amenities…read more Regarding the Den itself: There's a huge swimming pond. You can play volleyball in the water (or on the lawn), make your way to the middle island in the pond and relax on a hammock, or simply relax in the water. The spring itself is down some stairs. It costs $30 to snorkel and I think $50 to scuba. You have to have mask and fins on at all times - you can't just swim in the spring. We're here in the "off" season and it hasn't been crowded at all. If you want to enjoy just the swimming pond / Oasis it's $15 a day. It's free if you camp here. The campground itself is small, only 30 sites. Most have full hookups and 5-6 are electric only. It's shady and quiet in the campground. We will definitely stay here again!

Beautiful state park with access to florida springs for swimming, diving relaxing & might hiking in…read morethe area. Pets not allowed. It's nicer to enjoy when it's sunny as the water looks more beautiful & clear. On my visit it was cloudy, rainy, but we still got to enjoy the water. We saw many fish & turtles.

Wonderful and very deep spring. Just watch the steamship remains in the clear river bed going into…read morethe Suwannee River. Wonderful history as this ship supplied all of the pioneers along the riverside.

Wade is an excellent instructor and HIGHLY recommended. I actually received some training with a…read moredifferent instructor and finished my certification with Wade. His training is by far superior to what I had previously experienced. He is extrememly patient, makes you feel safe and is detailed in his knoweledge, i honestly never got entirely comfortable underwater until training with Wade. He is now my go to trainer for all my future advanced classes. Also, we bought our diving gear from him which I also recommend! His prices are great and very professional.

Wayne will teach you how to open water scuba is a clear , patient, and easy to understand manner…read more He put both myself and my teen daughter at ease, but did not cut corners. If we were unsure or uncomfortable about something he took the time to review until everyone was satisfied. Don't hesitate to book the Scuba Professor, you won't be disappointed!

We were so impressed with our scuba cert program through SpringAdventures!…read more Honestly, when we hit the targeted ads, we were a little dubious because of some of the web design choices, and how low the prices were. SO GLAD we took a chance. It's a one-man operation, and he's incredible. His prices are all in, and he really does knock it out in just 2 days with great flexible local dives near the High Springs area. If you have a special request, just call him - he was able to add our NitrOx cert as well on the fly. I was blown away watching this man transition from charismatic comedy, making learning fun but still hitting all the key points, right into suddenly supportive teacher mode when we were in the practical portions and he was helping a student who was struggling, using a disarming compassionate demeanor. At least in our session, class sizes were very small, and he not only equipped us mentally for our scuba expeditions, but he gave us incredible insight and recommendations beyond the certification on what kind of gear to look for, good habits, inside tips for the industry. Just 11/10. He also does have gear available for sale, customized to the diver, which is I assume how he keeps his prices so low, but he wasn't pushy at all and advised us for what we NEEDED not what he sold. I was actively trying to buy gear from him, and he advised me that I might need something special and that also some other websites unrelated to him are having a pretty good sale right now so he chose our equipment and savings over his own revenue. Just couldn't be more impressed. (Also, if you come down here for just the class from out of town, I highly recommend the "getaway" tiny home cabins nearby for lodging. They're clean, super cheap, nice close by, and easy. Including two nights lodging, you could get your scuba cert here for like a thousand or $1,200 cheaper than you can in most major cities.)

From the owner: Providing 2-Day PADI eLearning Open Water Certification in our North Florida springs. We use…read morebetter training gear and have smaller class sizes than our local competitors. Come "Spring into Diving" with us! We are the most economical choice at $385 for full certification!

I was looking for someone to teach me how to swim which is no easy undertaking when you are 57…read moreyears old. The wonderful instructors at Scuba Monkey ( Amber and Tracy) helped me and guided me every step of the way. They are kind,patient,resourceful and can think outside the box which is exactly what I needed. Wonderful people and a beautiful state of the art facility! If you or your kids need swimming lessons, there is no better place. Thank you,Alex.

Friendly and knowledgeable instructors. They make you feel like family. Active dive club. Great…read moreplace to learn and meet dive buddies

Hi, I have dove with…read moreJosh and Deena on several trips to the florida keys. they are a great team and offer a very custom diving experience. Our dive party was able to video giant groupers off of Looe key. we were spontanious to the photo opportunity that was a pleasant departure from traditional dive trips.and they Love of the water! They know how to adapt to ever changing conditions! we felt safe and would send any family or friends to them for their next adventure. I want to dive with them in the crystal river basin next, manatee season. He knows of many local spots that you may not find on your own. LC oh yeah, If you get him to cook your fish you will be amazed~ They will be apart of our annual trip to the keys that we have

From the owner: Our business specializes in putting the customers needs first. Only the best dive training and dive…read moretours are provided here at Madman Moody's Scuba Diving Adventures. Here you will not be rushed and the memories and training you receive will last you a lifetime!

Want to learn to Scuba Dive? Need a Refresher Course? This…read moreis the only place I recommend. Fintastic Diving Adventures is an amazing Scuba Diving company that specializes in classes, certifications and trips for the whole family. I highly recommend them. Though based in Jacksonville, FL, they regularly hold classes in Atlanta. I've been scuba certified for over 30 years but I took a refresher course with Fintastic after being away from the sport for a while. The owner, Saffron, also taught my children to dive and we have traveled with her on more than 10 trips. Each one was organized, professionally done and tons of FUN. You can rent her gear for classes and trips or she can hook you up with your own gear at reasonable prices. Well known and respected in the diving industry, Saffron is a wonderful teacher with over 6,000 dives. Sitting on multiple Scuba Safety Councils, she is the person that professional divers recommend when asked for the name of a scuba instructor. Saffron's background in marine biology is a great help in identifying wildlife above and below the water. To top it all off.. Saffron is a nice person and I think nice matters. Apart from the group trips she arranges, she often accompanies private groups who want their own dive master with them on their trip. Check out their website !

Saffron is wonderful teaching kids and adults about marine life. Her background in marine life is…read morejust an add on bonus to your whole diving experience. Friendly service, very convenient and great pricing! Would recommend to all my family and friends.

Ken is a good guy. Always helpful and friendly. He knows his stuff too. His prices are just about…read morethe most reasonable in the area. He offers just about anything dive related in the shop and if he doesn't he will order it for you. In addition to scuba certification he offers advanced classes, CPR classes, spring dive trips, ocean dive trips, and Disney dive trips. He's got a trip to just about anywhere you want and if he doesn't, just suggest it to him. So book a trip and have fun!

I recently moved to the area and have visited almost every dive shop in the area. I keep coming…read moreback to Idive. I am PADI certified and they are NAUI but that is ok. PADI is becoming too commercialized anyways. The shop is smaller than the larger ones, but the staff and service more than make up for that. Kayley is very friendly and easy to talk to. I have even just stopped by to chat. Their trips are fun and have a family type of atmosphere. I would definitely recommend going on one to meet everyone. I moved from San Diego so the diving in Jacksonville doesn't compare but Idive makes it more bearable. If anyone is looking for a dive shop give Idive a shot. You will not regret the family atmosphere here. It may not be a big box store like Divers Supply but it is a great place.