If you have ever googled "swimming holes in Texas," it is safe to say that Jacob's Well was probably up there with some of the best in the Lone Star State. Located in the Texas Hill Country outside of a charming town called Wimberley, Jacob's Well Natural Area is home to the second-largest fully submerged cave in the state.
The main cavern reaches 4,341 feet, while the deepest part of the swimmable cavern is 140-feet deep. This magical place in Texas is also the headwaters of Cypress Creek, supplied by the Trinity aquifer, which is oozing refreshing 68-degree waters year-round.
About Jacob's Well Natural Area
This cave system is sacred ground for the Indigenous tribes of the land. Over the last hundred years or so, it has become a destination spot for worldwide travelers. The cave system is intricate and narrow, making it a dangerous yet alluring place for cave diving and scuba enthusiasts. The delicate ecosystems here and the integral part that this spring plays in keeping the surrounding region alive and well are crucial for preserving this natural area.
Jacob's Well is an artesian spring that expels thousands of gallons of water every day and shares the same waters as another popular swimming spot, Blue Hole Regional Park. Eventually, the water ends up in the beautiful Blanco River, also in Hays County. The "well" section of the Natural Area offers a 12-foot opening that visitors can jump into it.
The Fatal Allure of Jacob's Well
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Jacob's Well is a frequented outdoor attraction only 45 minutes southwest of Austin and 90 minutes from San Antonio. Due to the increased tourism at this central Texas hot spot, swimming reservations are now required and can be booked up weeks in advance. This underwater cave has had a history of deaths from people trying to explore the vast cave network.
The fatal allure of Jacob's Well has made it so that scuba diving is not allowed. Still, occasionally the bold free diver will attempt to head deep into the well. Because of the past deaths at this spot, Jacob's Well has been called Texas' most dangerous diving spot. It is considered one of the deadliest in the world. But don't worry, if you stick to a simple jump into the hole, you will be all good (as long as you can swim or have floatation devices).
How to Visit Jacob's Well
The park is open to the public from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. Reservations are required, and no dogs, glass, alcohol, or drones are permitted in Jacob's Well Natural Area. If you want to explore the hiking trails, you do not need a reservation. Recommended hiking hours are from 8 - 10 AM daily.
You can only make a reservation online only for the dates between May 1st and September 30th. Each reservation has a two-hour window of accessing the swimming hole. Please note that the parking lot may reach capacity during the busiest hours, and you may be turned away.
Jacob's Well Natural Area does not accept American Express. JWNA is also unable to issue refunds or rainchecks if your reservation is affected by the water. The address is 1699 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, TX 78676, and the phone number is 512-214-4593. Check the Facebook Page for more information.
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