Twin Caves Spring

Summary

Twin Caves Spring is a submerged spring located in Merritt’s Mill Pond near Marianna, Florida. The spring consists of two nearby limestone vents on the pond floor, giving the site its name. These vents are part of the larger Jackson Blue cave system, one of the most significant underwater cave networks in the Florida Panhandle.

The spring lies downstream from Jackson Blue Spring, the powerful first-magnitude spring that supplies much of the water flowing into Merritt’s Mill Pond. Because the vents are underwater and located away from shore, Twin Caves Spring can only be reached by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.

Although not a developed swimming area like nearby Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area, the site is popular among paddlers, snorkelers, and especially cave divers exploring the pond’s underwater springs.

Activities and Access

Twin Caves Spring is located on the bottom of Merritt’s Mill Pond and cannot be accessed from land. Visitors typically reach the site by launching from Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area, which provides public access to the pond.

From the recreation area, paddlers can travel downstream across the clear spring-fed waters of Merritt’s Mill Pond to reach the spring vents. The vents are located roughly 0.3 miles from the boat landing on the southeast side of the pond.

Because the spring lies in open water, there are no facilities directly at the site. Amenities such as parking, picnic areas, and restrooms are available at Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area nearby.

Cave Diving

Twin Caves Spring is best known as a cave diving site. The spring consists of two limestone openings located within a shallow depression on the pond floor. The north vent is approximately 18.5 feet deep, while the southern vent is slightly shallower. Both vents lead into underwater passages connected to the broader Jackson Blue cave system, a complex network of submerged limestone caves explored by experienced cave divers.

Twin Caves should only be attempted by properly trained and certified cave divers. More links on cave diving here in the external links section.