The Blue Grotto website can answer just about any question you may have about the Grotto. Still, we get questions from people who have not been to the website (or have not taken the time to read). Here are some of the most frequent.
1 Do I have to make reservations to dive Blue Grotto?
No. You are welcome to come any time. Blue Grotto is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.
2 How late can I check in to dive?
The latest you can check in to dive is 3:00 pm. Keep in mind that, if you need any rental items, this will add to the time it takes to check in. Additionally, rental items must be returned at least 15 minutes prior to closing. This does not allow a lot of time for even one dive. You are better of checking in no later than 1:00 pm. Then you can dive at a more relaxed pace.
3 Do you need to be certified to scuba dive in Blue Grotto?
Yes. The sole exception is if you are under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor.
4 Do you offer scuba classes at Blue Grotto?
We can help you arrange for anything from introductory scuba experiences to instructor courses. Not surprisingly, the most popular course is the one leading to full Open Water Diver certification.
5 Do you need to be a certified Cavern or Cave Diver to dive Blue Grotto?
Blue Grotto is one of just four sites in north-central Florida where it is widely considered okay for any certified diver to explore the cavern as long as they keep the entrance clearly in sight at all times. The three other sites are Ginnie Spring, Devil’s Den and Paradise Spring. To dive in any other natural overhead environment in this part of Florida, you need either Cavern or Cave Diver training, or to be under the direct supervision of a qualified Cavern or Cave Diving instructor.
6 Is Blue Grotto open to swimmers or snorkelers?
There is nowhere in the Grotto where it is shallow enough to stand, nor do we have a lifeguard on duty. For this reason, we do not allow swimmers.
Snorkelers who will not be breath-hold diving are welcome Monday through Friday. Freedivers are also welcome Monday through Friday, but only if under the direct supervision of a qualified freediving instructor.
7 Can I rent equipment when I visit Blue Grotto?
Yes, you can rent anything you need, including:
- Tanks
- Weights
- BCs
- Regulators
- Wetsuits and boots
- Masks and fins
- Dive computers
- Dive lights
Rental equipment is available on a first-come/first-served basis. You cannot reserve rental equipment ahead of time.
8 Do cabin and cottage rental include diver admission?
No. The problem is that we don’t know how many divers will be staying in any of our units. Consequently, we don’t how many diver admissions to build into the price. Keeping cabin/cottage rental and diver admission separate ensures nobody pays for a diver admission they don’t use.
9 Are pets allowed in Blue Grotto?
Generally, no. However, Blue Grotto welcomes trained service animals. We comply with all applicable ADA regulations in this respect.
10 Is Blue Grotto natural or manmade?
It’s 100 percent natural. So are all the other popular springs and sinkholes in north-central Florida. Disney is the only entity that has ever tried to make an artificial Florida Spring. We prefer the real thing. You will, too.