The park contains one of the longest underwater cave systems in the United States, with over six miles of surveyed passages.
The water within the springs maintains a constant temperature of approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Orange Grove Sink is a popular access point for divers, featuring a large, open-water basin that drops into a complex cave network.
The park's name commemorates Wes Skiles, a renowned explorer and filmmaker who documented the region's unique hydrology.
The subterranean conduits are part of the Floridan Aquifer, which provides drinking water for millions of residents.
Cave diving at this location requires specific certification and adherence to safety protocols established by the Florida Park Service.
The site features multiple karst windows, which are areas where the underground stream becomes visible at the surface.
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is a premier destination for cave diving, featuring one of the longest underwater cave systems in the United States. The park encompasses two major springs, Peacock I and Peacock II, connected by nearly 33,000 feet of explored submerged passages. Visitors can access a series of sinkholes, including Orange Grove Sink and Pothole, which serve as natural entry points for certified cave divers. The site is recognized for its pristine, crystal-clear water and diverse subterranean geological formations. While swimming and snorkeling are permitted in the open spring basins, the cave systems are restricted to individuals holding valid cave diving certification. The park also provides nature trails that wind through the surrounding hardwood forest, offering opportunities for terrestrial wildlife viewing. The site is named in honor of Wes Skiles, a pioneering underwater photographer and explorer who played a crucial role in documenting these cave systems.
The edge of the Peacock I spring basin looking down into the clear, turquoise water.
Bring a mask and snorkel to observe the limestone rock formations and fish in the spring basins.
Ensure all scuba or cave diving gear is checked and verified against park safety requirements before arrival.
Bring insect repellent, as the humid Florida hardwood forest is prone to mosquitoes throughout the warmer months.
Attempting to enter the underwater cave systems without valid cave diving credentials, which is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Cave diving requires valid certification and specialized equipment; swimming is restricted to designated spring basins.
