Florida Caverns State Park: Cave Tour Guide
Florida Caverns State Park is in northwest Florida, about 70 miles west of Tallahassee. I visited the park during the off-season, in the middle of winter, and could not have been more pleased.
My wife and I pulled into the Visitor Center’s parking lot about 5 minutes before the last tour started that day. They were first come, first serve, so I sprinted up the stairs to get us a few last-minute tickets. “Is it too late to get two tickets for your 4 pm tour?” I asked the young lady at the counter. “Oh no, in fact, no one has signed up for it yet.” she responded with a thick southern drawl. Then, with a yell, “Jason, we have two folks for 4 pm.”
We would meet Jason, the guide, in a few minutes just outside of the Visitor Center. We were very excited to not only go on the tour but also to have a private tour, which was incredible. The guide gave a brief overview of the rules: Don’t touch anything, no flash photography, and clean your shoes to prevent the spread of White-nose syndrome. These are pretty common cave rules and etiquette.
Touring Florida Caverns
Entering the cave, it was noticeably cooler and dimly lit. Florida Caverns stays at a humid 65 degrees year-round. Which was cooler than outside, but still warmer than most caves we’ve visited.
We went through the cave at a slow, leisurely pace. Jason was quick to point out interesting formations. I was impressed by how remarkably well the caverns were preserved. The limestone cave had enormous stalagmites and stalactites. An easy way to remember which is which; “Stalactites form from the ceilings and hang downward. Remember…’Stalactites hang TIGHT to the ceiling.’ When stalactites are actively growing, they drip water. Where that water hits the floor, a mound-shaped stalagmite will form. Remember… ‘Stalagmites push up with all of their MIGHT.’” Jason explained. He went on to point out other amazing formations, including “cave bacon,” “soda straws,” “flowstone,” and beautiful columns, which form when stalagmites and stalactites meet.
“Take a look at this.” He said, shining his flashlight upwards. “This is called a Helictite formation. It’s very rare. Florida Caverns is one of only a few places on earth with this kind. You see it, it kind of looks like a delicate fish hook.”
Our guide was very nice on our way out and pointed out a few bats. He says he usually does not do that with large groups because they may disturb them, but with us because it was just the two of us, it was okay.
Our tour lasted about an hour longer than the usual 45 minutes. However, because of the small group, Jason our guide was able to slow down and go in-depth.
The tour was an incredible experience, and I can’t recommend it enough. Florida Caverns State Park is an easy day trip from Tallahassee, Panama City, and Dothan, Alabama.
It was getting late after our tour, and we were tired, so we decided to camp in the park, which was also an awesome decision. The campground was quite lovely and comfortable.
