Certified cave divers from 28 countries and 50 states have experienced fresh water cave diving on Merritt’s Mill Pond. Jackson Blue Springs crystal clear water is a first magnitude spring, a steady stream of bubbles emerges, causing schools of fish to change course. Under a popular summer swimming hole is an underground world described as one of a kind beauty in the cave diving world.
According to Cave Adventurers owner Edd Sorenson, this unique cave system is one of the most beautiful and best-kept secrets. There are miles of caves to explore at Blue Springs and six more on Merritt’s Mill Pond.
Cave diving is a sport that takes you to places that most people never see. Unlike dry caves, full of dirt, rocks, and bugs, water-filled caves are glistening and pristine.
Edd Sorenson describes the caves as, the first time in here, it was so white and beautiful I thought wow, this beats all the stuff down there.” It didn’t take long for Edd to take up permanent residence in Marianna. “I liked it so much, I was looking for a place in Florida to live, so I found that house I bought, sold all the stuff I could sell, and moved here.”
Soon after, Edd established Cave Adventurers to guide avid cave divers out to the lesser-known, pristine springs of Jackson County. While Blue Springs is the showiest and most-accessible, thanks to Blue Springs Recreation Park, Merritts Mill Pond contains a string of springs that divers enjoy exploring.
“The caves bring the people in,” said Edd Sorenson, known nationwide among the cave diving community, relying on word-of-mouth to bring thousands to these dive spots each year. “I just make sure that they’re happy and comfortable.”
A county permit is required before diving. All divers must contact Cave Adventurers for a permit, 850-482-6016.
NOTICE: Jackson County Public Works has planned for a six-foot draw down of Merritt’s Mill Pond during the Fall of 2020 to complete renovations to the head wall at Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area. Other improvements to the park will be completed during the traditional closed season, with the park scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend in 2021. Please check the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners website and Facebook page for updates. Jackson Blue will be the only cave accessible for diving during this time.