Local Accommodations in the High Springs Area
There are two general classes of location accommodations:
- Publically Available: Hotels, Motels, and B&Bs — see below
- Rental Houses: Available by invitation-only to Wet Rocks Diving’s clients. These vary in availability. Some are rented by the whole house, others are booked by the room. Shared housing during classes can be arranged by Wet Rocks Diving.
Biggest difference between the two options: rental houses have kitchens and nearly all have washer/dryer. There are often more options for drying gear or backyard BBQing. Shared houses offer an opportunity to socialize with your teammates or other divers. Pricing is similar on a per person basis.
Local High Springs Hotels, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts
You may contact the hotel directly to book.
Locally-Owned Hotels – Economy
High Springs Country Inn
19663 US-441, High Springs, FL 32643
(386) 454-1565
Across from the High Springs Diner
Approx $65/night (pre-COVID)
Very basic; a cave diver favorite.
BlueGem Motel
19544 US-441, High Springs, FL 32643
(386) 454-1701
In the same location as the Cadillac, but new owners and mostly renovated
Approx $(needs updating)/night
Very basic; a cave diver favorite.
Rustic Inn
15529 NW State Road 45 High Springs, FL 32643
(386) 454-1223
2 miles from dive center
Depending on room/dates $89-129/night (pre-COVID)
A touch nicer than the Country Inn, continental breakfast included, almost a B&B feel.
Local “National Brand” Hotels – Economy
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Alachua
I -75 at Exit 399
16367 NW 167th Blvd, Alachua, FL 32615
(386) 518-6777
$90-140/night (pre-COVID)
Brand new in 2018
10 minutes from dive center.
Quality Inn, Alachua
I -75 at Exit 399
15960 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, FL 32615
(386) 462-2244
$75-99/night (pre-COVID)
10 minutes from dive center.
Travelodge, Alachua
I -75 at Exit 399
15920 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, FL 32615
(386) 462-2414
$60-99/night (pre-COVID)
10 minutes from dive center.
Local High-Quality Bed & Breakfast
Grady House Bed and Breakfast
24042 W. US Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
(386) 454-2206
Rooms start at $150/night (pre-COVID)
This is a beautifully restored and maintained antique house, includes gourmet breakfast, 1 mile from the dive center.
Nearby City “National Brand” Hotels – Various Quality Levels
We recommend students in GUE course try to stay as close to High Springs (or Alachua) as possible, to minimize drive times during busy class days.
Gainesville: South of High Springs – If you’re flying into Orlando, Tampa or Gainesville
If High Springs area lodging is not available, or you prefer a different brand, there are a ton of options in Gainesville, the most convenient location is near the intersection of Archer Rd and I-75, tons of well-known national-brand hotels there. This puts you 25-30 mins South of the Dive Center.
Lake City: North of High Springs – If you’re flying into Jacksonville or driving to FL from another state
If High Springs area lodging is not available, or you prefer a different brand, there are many options in Lake City, well-known national-brand hotels. This puts you 40 mins North of the Dive Center. Lake City is a smaller city than Gainesville.