Sally Ward Spring

Location: Wakulla County, Florida, United States

Hidden within the forests of Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Sally Ward Spring is one of Florida’s least-known yet most remarkable springs. Located just off the park entrance road, the spring appears modest from the surface. A quiet pool surrounded by cypress and hardwood swamp. Beneath the water lies one of the largest and deepest cave systems in the state.

Known among cave divers as “Numero Uno,” Sally Ward Spring has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s premier cave dives. Although access is tightly controlled and the cave entrance is hidden beneath a small restriction, the enormous chambers beyond have made it legendary within the cave diving community.

Today, visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting from the nearby trail, while the spring itself remains protected as part of Wakulla Springs State Park.

Geological Context

Sally Ward Spring is part of the Woodville Karst Plain, one of the world’s most extensive karst landscapes. Like nearby Wakulla Spring, Indian Spring, and numerous other sinks and springs throughout the park, Sally Ward is fed by the Floridan Aquifer through an extensive network of dissolved limestone conduits.

The spring is hydrologically connected to the complex groundwater system underlying Wakulla Springs State Park. These conduits transport enormous volumes of groundwater through the limestone before discharging at the surface.

Although the spring pool appears relatively small, the cave system beneath extends far beyond what is visible from the surface.

The Spring

Sally Ward Spring discharges into the center of a nearly circular pool measuring approximately 120 feet in diameter, surrounded by dense swamp forest that provides a secluded and natural setting.

The spring is located along the east side of Wakulla Spring Drive, less than 0.2 miles from the Bloxham Cutoff Road entrance to Wakulla Springs State Park. A short trail leads from the roadside to overlooks of the spring, allowing visitors to appreciate its crystal-clear water without disturbing the sensitive environment.

Hydrilla and other aquatic vegetation are abundant throughout the spring pool.

Water leaving the spring forms Sally Ward Spring Run, which flows approximately 0.75 miles southwest before entering a braided channel just north of Wakulla Spring.

Indian Spring Run also flows into Sally Ward Spring from the northwest, passing beneath a bridge before entering the spring pool.

Swimming is prohibited, helping preserve both the spring and its surrounding habitat.

The Cave System

Beneath the tranquil surface lies one of Florida’s most impressive underwater cave systems. The entrance begins as a very small restriction in the bottom of the spring. Natural sediment frequently accumulates in the opening, and cave divers have often needed to carefully remove sand before entering the cave.

Immediately beyond the restriction, the passage spirals downward through a corkscrew-shaped tunnel before reaching a ledge known as The Balcony. Beyond The Balcony lies the legendary Cube Room.

The Cube Room is so immense that even the most powerful underwater lights cannot fully illuminate the chamber. For many cave divers, the first glimpse into this enormous void is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Florida cave diving.

The system continues to depths approaching 350 feet, making Sally Ward one of the deepest explored cave systems in Florida.

Exploration History

Sally Ward Spring has long been regarded as one of Florida’s premier exploration caves. Among experienced cave divers, it earned the nickname “Numero Uno” because of its exceptional size, remarkable depth, and spectacular underwater chambers. Unlike many Florida caves that begin with wide openings, Sally Ward conceals its grandeur behind an extremely small entrance restriction.

Once past this narrow opening, divers encounter one of the state’s most dramatic cave systems, with enormous rooms and passages unlike those found in most Florida springs.

Over the decades, exploration has revealed an extensive network of deep conduits that continues to contribute to our understanding of groundwater flow throughout the Woodville Karst Plain.

Hydrological Characteristics

Sally Ward Spring is part of the interconnected groundwater system feeding Wakulla Springs State Park. Groundwater emerging from the Floridan Aquifer rises through deep limestone conduits before discharging into the spring pool. Water leaving the spring flows southwest through Sally Ward Spring Run before joining channels immediately north of Wakulla Spring.

The spring’s extensive cave system demonstrates the remarkable scale of groundwater movement beneath the Woodville Karst Plain, where multiple springs, sinks, and underwater conduits form one of the world’s most complex karst aquifer systems.

Current Status

Sally Ward Spring is protected within Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

Public access is limited to viewing the spring from designated trails. Entry into the spring pool is prohibited except by state permit, helping protect both the spring’s sensitive ecosystem and its internationally significant underwater cave system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Springs

Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. It is known for its mastodon bones and its long history in Florida tourism and film production.

Leon Sinks Geological Area

Leon Sinks Geological Area contains a series of sinkholes, swallets, and cave entrances connected to the Woodville Karst Plain groundwater system. In 2007, explorers successfully connected the Leon Sinks and Wakulla cave systems, establishing one of the largest underwater cave networks in the world.

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