Under a strong oak tree, waits a remote dive shop in Levy County where at first glance, the water is missing.

"It's always been a skinny dipping hole, a swimming hole, for the last 100 years,” hints Prince Johnston, the staff instructor at Devil's Den.

That swimming hole, known as “Devil's Den,” can be intimidating.

"I was scared,” admits Zubiadah Lofton, a SCUBA diver visiting from South Carolina. “In fact, I was terrified."

Zubiadah traveled to Levy County from Columbia to join others when descending 60 feet under the earth's surface.

"We entered into Devil's Den, I looked around, I felt like I was in a movie,” Zubiadah shares.

Snorkelers and divers climb down a stone stairway that leads to wooden steps. From there, they make their way to a platform from which a wet adventure begins.

Light pours in from the hole in the surface of the earth above and some electric lights.

An underground spring feeds through this dry cave. Rock formations line the walls, while fossil beds hide under the water that's 45 feet deep.

"Lot of catfish, fish,” warns young diver Logan Koslin. Dressed in his wet suit, Logan someday wants to get SCUBA certified. Until then, he is happy to snorkel in the cool waters.

"When you get in the water, it feels really cold and you start to shiver. And then you warm up a little bit when you get use to it,” Logan says as he puts on his flippers.

The 72 degree water can be refreshing.

"It actually feels colder in the summer because your hot,” Prince explains.

Devil's Den gets its name from how steam rises from the hole in the winter according to Prince. In the middle of the summer, there is no steam now.

"Once you enter into the water, you feel like you belong there,” concludes Zubiadah. “You feel like you're one with the earth."

NOTE: Devil’s Den is no longer open to swimmers. Those entering the water must be SCUBA certified, taking part in a lesson or training exercise or a snorkeler. Gear is available for rent.