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40 Fathoms Grotto

Located just 15 minutes outside of Ocala, FL, this dive site in the water has been operated by Commercial Diving Academy since 2006. While primarily used for commercial dive training, this site remains open to divers of all levels. However, the entry fee of $200 has been set to discourage recreational divers.

The water at this dive site is typically dark and green, with visibility ranging from 10' to 40' (3m to 12m). Underwater, divers can expect to encounter a variety of intriguing sights, including boats, motorcycles, mini-subs, and platforms.

With a maximum depth of 14m and a visibility of 5m, this dive site is best suited for experienced divers. Situated in the United States, specifically at Northwest 115th Avenue, Marion County, Florida, 32686, this location offers convenient access for divers in the area.

Diving Conditions Score for 40 Fathoms Grotto

5
Average

Average conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for 40 Fathoms Grotto

Depth

14m

Visibility

5m

Experience Level

expert

Weather Conditions for 40 Fathoms Grotto

Wave Height

1m

Wind Speed

20.2 m/s

Water Temp

18°C

Visibility

27.9km

Cloud Cover

100%

Wave Period

8s

Air Temperature

32.1°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for 40 Fathoms Grotto
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for 40 Fathoms Grotto

Best time to dive: 11:00 with score 6.894233333333332/10. Water conditions: Waves 1m, Wind 6.9 m/s.Best night dive time: 2:00 with score 6.784233333333333/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at 40 Fathoms Grotto: 06:00
Sunset at 40 Fathoms Grotto: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at 40 Fathoms Grotto are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
11:00

Score: 6.9/10
Waves: 1m (8s), Wind: 6.9 m/s

🌙
Best Night
2:00

Score: 6.8/10
Waves: 1m, Wind: 3 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for 40 Fathoms Grotto
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at 40 Fathoms Grotto

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for 40 Fathoms Grotto

Winter

Avg. Score: 9.1/10

Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.

Best Months for 40 Fathoms Grotto

December
Score: 9.2
January
Score: 9.1
February
Score: 9.0

Ideal Conditions for 40 Fathoms Grotto

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

27.0°C / 80.6°F

June

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

16.6m / 54.5ft

December

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

0.8m / 2.6ft

December

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for 40 Fathoms Grotto

40 Fathoms Grotto shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (27.0°C) and January the coldest (9.1°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in December with average wave heights of 0.8m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in December with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during December to February, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 17, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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