Ultimate Guide to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, Florida (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

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Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park boasts of one of the most extended underwater cave systems with more than 30,000 ft of caves. If you are not too keen to explore the underwater world, you can spend quality time at the nature trail that interestingly follows the cave system below your feet! 

If you are visiting the state park, you must stop by the Luraville County Store, where you can get great sandwiches or any small thing that you may have forgotten on your way to the state park. You must also carry the scuba certification to explore the underwater caverns. 

History of Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

A vast ocean covered Florida during the Eocene period. The shells, sand, and the corals that existed here were crushed to form limestone that you can see throughout the park. As we know, limestone is eaten away by acid rainfall, creating fissures and hollows through which the water can flow. It marked the beginning of the cave system of Peacock Springs.

The fossils found here clearly show that mammals roamed in the area after the ocean receded. The nomadic Paleo-Indians showed up around 12,000 BC, and they hunted down the giant sloths, saber-toothed cats, and camels. 

Paleo-Indians were followed by the Native Americans, which is evident from the pottery and tools they had left behind. Spanish missions brought the Europeans, but they also brought diseases to the native people, who were eventually wiped out. 

Dr. John Peacock moved to Peacock Springs with his family and settled in 1855. He was a well-loved physician here. The freshwater springs gradually became a popular swimming hole, and the townspeople came here to relax and cool off in the hot summers. The first recorded cave dive into the Peacock system was made in 1956. In the next 60 years, divers continued to explore and map the underwater world, and the explorations continue even today. 

In 1985 the Nature Conservancy acquired 250 acres of land to protect the Florida maples and the unique cave system. The State of Florida later acquired the Peacock Springs State Park in 1993 and opened it to the public. 

An amendment was made to the park’s name in 2011, where the park’s name was changed to honor Wes Skiles. He was a cave diver who had worked tirelessly in his life to protect the park and the water resources of the state. 

Geological Cave Formations

The rock formations in Peacock Springs State Park are a fine example of Karst topography. Limestone formations were in abundance at this park, but continued acid rainfall formed fissures through which water flowed. It led to creating the caves in the Peacock Springs State Park. When one enters the cave system here, he will be amazed to find the intricate geological formations. 

Wildlife

The park’s wildlife includes bobcats, raccoons, deer, otters, squirrels, and beavers. It also has an impressive collection of birds such as barred owls, blue heron, and turkey. 

Is Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park Haunted?

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is renowned for its cave diving experience and is not haunted. 

How Big is Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park?

The Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is spread over 773 acres. 

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park Tours

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park has two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes, and they are all in pristine condition. The cave divers have surveyed almost 33000 ft of underwater passages at the Peacock Springs. The park boasts of one of the longest underwater cave systems in the US, BUT only divers who have proof of scuba certification are permitted to explore the underwater caverns. We will now look at the springs and sinkholes in the state park. 

Peacock I 

It is the most accessible site with an elevated walkway and stairs that lead to the spring. 

Pothole Tunnel

Named after the sinkhole, 450 ft down the tunnel from Peacock I, it is the deepest of the three tunnels and has a maximum depth of 65 ft. 

Peanut Tunnel 

It is a shallow and narrow tunnel with a maximum depth of 60 ft. 

Peacock II Tunnel

It leads to Peacock II spring. 

Pothole

The sinkhole has a small entrance to Peacock Springs Cave System and is inaccessible to the cave divers. 

Olsen Sink

It is a small inline sinkhole and was once popular with the cave divers as it allowed easy access to the cave. However, divers are not allowed to enter the Olsen sink to protect the sink from further erosion. 

Orange Grove

It is the largest terminal sinkhole and a popular entrance to the cave. It has a raised walkway and stairs that will lead you to the sinkhole. 

Challenge Sink

It is the only sinkhole that is outside Peacock Springs State Park. It is popular with divers who are entering the Orange Grove. 

Cisteen Sink

It is a large offset sink like Orange Grove. It is a small entrance to the cave system and is generally covered in a thick layer of duckweed. 

Peacock III

It is a siphon and not a spring. The system is low and silty except for the room known as Henry’s Castle, which has depths of over 200 ft. 

Waterhole

It is another offset sink with geological features usually not seen in the rest of the system. 

Tour Prices and Discounts

There is a charge of USD 4 per vehicle and USD 2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

Is Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park Cold?

Peacock Springs state park has 5 second magnitude natural springs, and it remains at a constant 72 degrees F throughout the year. 

What to Wear

You must carry your diving gear. Apart from that, casual attire should do here but do remember to bring water shoes or footwear suitable for the park. Remember that although the park remains warm for a significant part of the year, the nights in winter can reach freezing temperatures. 

 Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park Hours

The park opens from 8 in the morning to sundown, and the last dive must be one hour before sundown. 

What to Do (Beside Tours)

Peacock Springs State Park has lots of activities on offer. 

Hiking

The 1.2-mile interpretive trail takes you through the upland plant communities of the park. The interpretive displays contain photos and maps that showcase what lies below you. 

Picnicking

The picnic facilities are available in two areas of the park. Orange Grove Sink area has grills, a two-table pavilion, and picnic tables. The Peacock Springs area also has picnic tables and grills. The picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is allowed, but divers must carry proof of certification for diving. It must be remembered that solo diving here is not permitted, and dive parties must consist of at least two divers. 

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is allowed in Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink but is dependent on the water level. There would be no lifeguard on duty, so you must swim at your own risk. 

Swimming

One can swim in Peacock Springs or at Orange Grove Sink. Here also there would be no lifeguards for you. 

Best Time to Visit

The park is open every day. Divers across the world can come to explore the underwater caverns and tunnels at any time of the year. 

How to Get to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

The state park is on Peacock Springs Road, 2 miles east of Luraville. It is on State Road 51, around 16 miles southwest of Live Oak in Florida. 

Hotels Nearby Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

There are decent accommodations nearby, such as Quality Inn White Springs Suwanee and Econo Lodge Live Oak. 

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park Fun Facts

• The park commemorates the work of diver-cum-explorer Wes Skiles. 
• There are two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes in pristine condition. 
• Peacock cave system is mainly used to train new cave divers. 
• Driver Propulsion Vehicles are not permitted here to protect the cave system from damage. 

 Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park Details 

• Length: 733 acres
• Time Recommended: 3 to 4 hours 
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome. 
• Fees: USD 4 per vehicle
• Hours: 8 am to sundown  

Visiting Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

Do you need more information before visiting? Call (386) 776-2194 for an information packet. 

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