Florida is home to over 700 natural springs, which are the most in the world. Salt Springs is a stunning star in the Ocala National Forest. To reach the best spots in Key West, you will need to book a boat trip. One of the best snorkeling spots in Florida is located 70 miles west of Key West. Today, you can enjoy swimming in this gorgeous spring surrounded by cabbage palms, sweetgum, and maples. In addition to Sand Lake for largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass, and the Wekiva River for catfish, crappie, and sunfish, there are two other places in the park where you can catch fish. More information: fs.usda.gov. Although it can get somewhat busy on hot weekends, most weekdays, youll only find a smattering of other people wading into the pleasant waters. Ichetucknee Springs consists of eight distinct springs that join to make the Ichetucknee River. There are many different spots to choose from, and the water is usually warm and clear. Discover on which snorkeling spots you are most likely to see your favorite species. Florida Top 10 snorkel spots: John Pennekamp Coral State Park Dry Tortugas Sombrero Reef Marathon Alligator Reef Islamorada Biscayne National Park Phil Foster snorkel trail Peanut Island Crystal River Ginnie Springs Delnor-Wiggins State Park The Three Sisters Spring in Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees.2 Local tour guides make sure all visitors mind their Manatee Manners so the manatees stay happy and stress-free. Florida has over 700 freshwater springs, making it the most productive freshwater state on the planet. The Emerald Caves Underwater Cave System is the largest cave system in the continental United States, with over 33,000 feet of surveyed passages. Admission to Alexander Springs is $9 pp. Localize and discover the best snorkeling spots in more than 50 destinations worldwide. Fanning Springs State Park, Fanning Springs Fanning Springs State Park, Fanning Springs Best Places to Stay An ideal swimming hole for the entire family, Fanning Springs is a 72-degree, 207-foot deep spring with crystal clear blue waters and a unique shallow sandy area for the little ones. Though Rainbow Springs often considered the most beautiful of Florida's springs was once used as transportation by Native peoples, in the more recent past, it was home to a mining operation and a privately-owned tourist attraction. Its crystal-clear water varies from wading depths to a maximum depth of about 25 feet at the spring vent. Recognized as one of the clearest springs in Florida, Ginnie Springs is a popular spring in North Florida and a hotspot for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and diving. Not all are open for swimming. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or inner-tubing, Weeki Wachee is the total package and grand finale of Floridas springs! The Ginnie Springs, made up of 7 different springs, are open year-round for swimming and snorkeling. Theres something for everyone on these top-rated beaches, from playground equipment on the beach to paddleboard rentals. Crystal River is home to beautiful fresh water springs, a large variety of wildlife, and or course our most famous residents Free cancellation Recommended by 100% of travelers from $89.99 per adult Reserve 7. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Heres the list of Floridas best snorkeling spots based on the region it is in so that you can start planning your next adventure! You might think of the ocean when you think of diving in Florida, but the state is also home to numerous stunning freshwater springs: crystal clear and filled with marine plants and animals just beckoning to be explored. (Theyre actually talented actresses wearing flippers and using air hoses. Snorkelers will also have ample opportunities to interact with aquatic life here, including turtles and fish. Weeki Wachee is a popular vacation destination for those who enjoy swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling in the crystal-blue waters. Wekiwa Springs is also a great place to swim and relax. You will find many tour agencies and dive clubs in Key Largo offering half-day or full-day boat tours in the region. These Windex-clear waters have been popular for millennia, as Native American artifacts date some of the first visits to the spring 10,000 years ago.16 Rainbow Springs is also rich in natural history mastodon and mammoth fossils have also been discovered here! With one of the best RV parks in Florida, you'll find 32 camping sites. Why this beach in particular is important? An Old Florida icon, Weeki Wachee Springs is a natural tourist attraction where visitors can catch underwater mermaid performances by real-life sirens, take a trip on a riverboat cruise, kayak, and even swim in the deep blue waters themselves, tails or not. She lives by Walt's motto: "When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way." Admission costs $8 per person on weekdays and $11 per person on weekends (2022). Local rumors are that Salt Springs is home to the legendary Fountain of Youth, and you might just believe it as you dip your toe into their refreshing waters. Despite the fact that there have been an occasional drowning or death, most springs with alligators are well-suited for swimming. Peacock Springs is known for its labyrinth of underwater caverns, which meander in circles. Oh, and dont worry theres also a shallow end if 42 feet sounds a little too deep. Even Hollywood filmmakers found Wakulla Springs worthy of prime time: "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (1941) and "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954) were filmed here. Must have certification and operate in pairs. To the north of the archipelago, there are several snorkeling spots around Key Largo. The water temperature in the natural swimming area ranges between 72 degrees and 5 feet, and the depth varies between 5 and 18 feet. If youre looking for a spring thats a bit off the beaten path something a little more rugged (in a charming sort of way) then Wacissa is for you! The Five Best Florida Springs for Diving 1. Tube riding along this natural rivers six-mile stretch of lazy river is the most relaxing activity. Do not touch anything! Silver Springs is a bluest head spring in the state, ranking first in the state in terms of pretties andties. The wildlife here differs from other springs, with amphipods (shrimp-like crustacea), isopods, and crayfish comprising some of the main residents. Heres a comprehensive guide to snorkeling in springs. This site contains Affiliate Links, which means that we may earn commissions through links you make purchases through. The spring pours 44 million gallons of water out of Gilchrist Blues second magnitude. (And please be aware that swimming is prohibited in certain areas. Crystal-clear and a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, Florida's springs are the swimming holes of your dreams. And when you peer into the springs, what do you see? Canoe and kayak rentals are available, but visitors can also enjoy tubing, paddling, swimming, or simply hiking the trails. In the spring, a human remains dating back 10,000 years were discovered. Deemed the prettiest spring in Ocala, the seven-mile Juniper run is a favorite for Florida kayakers.3, A post shared by Jason TheTraveler (@jason_the_traveler). On the coasts of mainland Florida, good snorkeling spots are pretty rare. All of these springs offer clear water and plenty of fish to see, making them ideal for snorkelers of all levels of experience. Theres also a network of caves beneath the surface; however, the limestone formations are best enjoyed from above. There are many springs in Florida that are perfect for swimming. Bear in mind that the hurricane season, from August to October, can cut off access to the sea for long periods. Privacy. Divers and snorkelers alike enjoy Devils Den, which is actually an underground cave. For easy access aided by a local's know-how, book a tour with Get Up And Go Kayaking Crystal River for an unforgettable clear kayak adventure into the springs. Some springs are no more than a trickle, but others are expansive enough for you to swim and snorkel in their bubbling cerulean waters. For snorkelers, the Caymans islands are, before everything else, home of the most popular and visited snorkeling spots of the region: the w (), Bathed by the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of California, Mexico introduces snorkelers to an extraordinary diversity of underwater environments. Just minutes from downtown Orlando lies the lovely oasis of Wekiwa Springs. All in all, Peacock Springs consists of two springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes; however, only Peacock Spring itself and Orange Grove Sink are open for swimming and snorkeling.24 Although this may seem limited, for those who are SCUBA certified, Peacock Spring offers an expansive world beneath its shimmering surface. A designated Manatee Refuge, Blue Spring is open for snorkelers to explore the 72-degree waters during all seasons except winter, when the spring waters provide a safe refuge for manatees. The best Middle Keys tours are those to, In Key West, in the far south of the archipelago, you can snorkel from the beach at. Dry Tortugas. Snorkelers interested in critters will enjoy exploring the lakes and inlets found along the coast. were found here. Part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the Three Sisters Spring is one of the most special springs in Florida. Ichetucknee is known as one of the best springs in Florida for tubing, but this natural spring also offers the perfect opportunity for a snorkel, picnic, canoe, swim or hike. Best places for snorkeling in South Florida John Pennekamp coral reef state park Key West Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West Bahia Honda State Park Dry Tortugas National Park Biscayne National Park Indian Key, Florida Keys Best places for snorkeling in Central Florida Crystal River Alexander Springs, Ocala National Forest Devil's Den, Williston Located just 30 minutes from Ocala, gorgeous Juniper Springs is snuggled away in the foliage of the Ocala National Forest. Turtles and sturgeon are the stars of the surface!27, Also unique to Lafayette Blue Spring is the karst landscape, which includes the cave system below and the natural limestone land bridge across the water.28. All rights reserved. But if manatees are the main attraction for you (same! Heading south to Key West: Bahia Honda State Park and (37 miles before Key West) and Pigeon Key. Back-in rentals start at $35 per night, $190 per week, and $400 per month. Found along the Suwannee River, this 150-foot-long spring is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. She also believes Mickey-shaped pancakes magically taste better than regular pancakes. Dry Rocks is where the very famous Christ of the Deep, also called Christ of the Abyss, has been immersed since 1961. All of these springs offer clear water and plenty of fish to see, making them ideal for snorkelers of all levels of experience. Surrounded by towering oaks and swaying palms, its one of Floridas most picturesque natural springs. Crystal River is located along the west coast of Central Florida and is known for its handful of year-round warm water springs as well as its National Wildlife Refuge. Most are concentrated in the Keys area, but there are also a few options on the east coast of the peninsula, notably in Stuart, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. Bahia Honda State Park 6. Camp here or just come for the day. It is good to know that, when going to Pigeon Key, you will have a 2.2 mile walk to the island. Sombrero Reef Marathon. Youll be transported far from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the tangled embrace of a tropical hammock. If you like snorkeling, (), Imagine you are swimming surrounded by schools of dozens of nurse sharks, getting face to face with friendly stingrays, exploring the edge of a mangrove or meeting schools of tropical fish in healthy and shallow coral gardens Open your eyes. Blue might just be your favorite color after a trip to Rainbow Springs! A second-magnitude spring, Gilchrist Blue produces 44 million gallons of water daily. Depending on how you look at it, you can find some of Floridas most beautiful springs. 10 Gorgeous Ginnie Springs. The Ichetucknee spring run is considered the most pristine in the state and is home to some of the most diverse wildlife youll find in one spring. Narrow down your starting point with this list of the best springs in Florida. If you want another chance to see Floridas gentle giants, Manatee Springs is a great place to go! In North Florida, the sea is not snorkeling-friendly, but hot springs can be explored instead, especially in Citrus County and Marion County. Snorkeling is possible year-round in Florida, but in the winter months (particularly in January and February), the cool, windy days can make swimming less pleasant. An alligator was spotted in a popular swimming area at Wekiva Springs State Park on Monday and one park visitor came to prevent it from becoming a danger to others. The Florida Everglades National Park. However, there are several natural attractions even further off the beaten path: freshwater springs! Florida has more than 1,000 miles of coastline with some of the best snorkeling anywhere. There's not a shortage of places to explore near Ocala. A weekend spent at Weeki Wachee will be a favorite memory for years to come! Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The clear water of the springs provides excellent visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving. Between 825 miles of beaches and 33 first-magnitude springs, there are endless places to explore the waters of the Sunshine State. This photo-worthy spot is cloaked by the surrounding forest, which has trails you can explore before or after your swim. Visitors to Blue Spring can swim in the springs 72 degree waters all year, except in the winter, when the spring waters are a safe haven for manatees. Henderson Beach State Park has white sand dunes standing 30 feet high and a mile of unspoiled and uncrowded shoreline, where swimmers and snorkelers can explore the clear Gulf water. That's what Art of Adventure is all . Seven Sisters Spring (not to be confused with the Three Sisters Spring) is located on the Chassahowitzka River and is incredibly beautiful. These sapphire waters are also a great place to swim, with perfect year-round temperatures and depths of 10 to 18 feet. (Hence the name. The best spring in Florida for photography loving visitors is undoubtedly Juniper Springs State Park. Today its blue waters continue to bubble up in a beautiful limestone basin. Although the main spring is the only swimming area, the smaller springs are still worth checking out for some great photo ops and scenic vistas! Spring is one of our favorite things to do, so here are some of our favorites. It is good to know that, when going to Pigeon Key, you will have a 2.2 mile walk to the island. (Swimming through this cave system is incredibly dangerous!). Plus, Florida's nearly perfect year-round weather makes a trip to the springs possible during just about any . And if you snorkel here, you may see a sunfish!21. One of the best freshwater dives, Ginnie Springs is where French explorer Jacques Cousteau exclaimed visibility forever! when gazing into the cool, clear waters.9, The Ginnie Springs, made up of 7 different springs, are open year-round for swimming and snorkeling. Let our experiences help make your next adventure EPIC! Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. . During the hot Florida summers, the free-flowing springs at Rock Springs at Kelly Park are an ideal spot to cool off. ), A post shared by Plantation on Crystal River (@plantationoncrystalriver). There is nothing to be afraid of when visiting Floridas springs as long as visitors are respectful and aware of their surroundings. Best of all, this tropical paradise is less than two hours from downtown Miami, making it easy to reach or combine on any South Florida itinerary. DeLeon Springs 12. Florida is home to more than 700 springs, including the famous Spring of Eternal Hope in St. Augustine. A post shared by Kemo Harnanan (@insta_superman). Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers a variety of other attractions, including a mermaid show, waterslides at Buccaneer Bay, and a river cruise. Not too far from Tampa, you can find a secluded little spot called Lithia Springs Park. Great for the whole family, Rock Springs is a must for any Florida springs bucket list! Swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and diving are all popular activities at Ginnie Springs, a pure spring in Florida. They like to chill out in the cooler waters of Lafayette Blue Springs underwater caves. Snorkeling in sapphire-blue waters will allow you to see a variety of Florida fish, turtles, and manatees. The newest addition to Florida State Parks, Gilchrist Blue Springs is home to a beautiful display of natural springs. A large, wooden diving platform juts out over the deep blue, enticing its visitors to shout cannonball! and make a splash. Florida is home to over 700 springs, and many of them are located in state parks or forests, which makes them easily accessible for snorkelers. Most offer 30/50 amp hook=ups, water, and sewer. Here are 11 of the best springs in Florida. The water is 42 feet deep and a refreshing 72 degrees. Blue Heron Bridge/Phil Foster Park, near West Palm Beach, offers the best chances of spotting them. Take TripAdvisors word for it Kelly Park, where the spring is located, won a Travelers Choice Award! Rock Springs is one of the best springs in Florida. Central Florida Scottish Highland Games 2023: Experience the Greatest Gaelic Games from Across the Sea! Largely agricultural and also great eaters of fish, this tribe must have thrived on the banks of Alexander Springs.13. The water appears blue and glowing, thanks to lighting inside the cave, and tree roots and green tendrils tumble down from the ground can be seen through a natural skylight at the top. Its probably why it was chosen as the location for a few old Hollywood movies, like Tarzans Secret Treasure (1941). As in thousands of years long. (And just in case it does secretly happen to be the Fountain of Youth. Note that entrance costs $6 per vehicle. Located smack-dab in the middle of the state, the funky Ocala National Forest is home to four major springs that are among Florida's most popular: Juniper, Alexander, Silver Glen, and Salt Springs. Alexander Springs is well-known for being the former home of the indigenous Timucuan people. Not only is it one of the world's most unique and beautiful places to explore underwater, it's also shrouded in ancient history since many extinct animal fossils (dating all the way back to the Pleistocene Age!) , a 2-and-a-half-hour boat ride from Key West, are the best options. You can swim in the warm 68- to 72 degree water and snorkel at the Apopka Springs in Florida. Some of the best springs for snorkeling in Florida include Manatee Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, and Blue Spring State Park. Located in the Ocala National Forest, the azure Alexander is one of the 33 first-magnitude springs in Florida. But those cooler temperatures also explain why you're not likely at all to run into alligators in these popular freshwater snorkeling spots. Because of the Choctawhatchee Bay just beyond the beach, which filters sediment from the sand, the clear waters atop Destins fine quartz sand are the result of this filtration process. Moreover, the place is open from sunrise to sunset, meaning you can spend an entire day snorkeling. Alexander Springs Nestled in the Ocala National Forest is Alexander Springs, always a balmy 72-degrees Fahrenheit and shallow enough for both divers and snorkelers. Nemo is the perfect dive system to use in Florida Springs. Hart Springs comes equipped with a playground and camping area for visitors who want to spend more time in this charming location. Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles west of Key West, and getting there is a welcome adventure in itself. Note that pets are not permitted in the park with the exception of service dogs. Rainbow River is a natural spring in Florida that is well-loved and well-known. As you approach this privately-owned natural gem, its easy to walk right past it without noticing if you arent paying attention. Florida state parks often house some of the best springs in the state, and the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is one of those great places. Weeki Wachee is also home to the only water park fed by a first-magnitude spring, Buccaneer Bay. Devils Den, a prehistoric spring 30 minutes south of Gainesville, has a steam-rising stream that dates back 10,000 years. 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As you snorkel in the sinkhole, youll see lots of small fish, ancient rock formations, and possibly the resident turtle (his name is Nelson).5 If you are certified to scuba dive, try to spy some fossils as you dive into the 200-foot depths. The bottom of the spring is composed of limestone and waving fronds of aquatic grass. The Dunton Hot Springs Lodge is located in Dolores, Colorado, which has often been described as a "perfectly restored ghost . Gilchrist Blue State Park, one of Floridas most hidden gems, is deserving of its new status as a state park. These springs offer crystal clear waters, beautiful scenery, and a variety of activities to enjoy. Many of the best places to snorkel in saltwater require a boat to access, but not all of them. From queen angelfish to sea turtle sightings, to amazing disp (), For many people, a trip to the Dominican Republic is one thing above all else: a relaxing all-inclusive vacation on a beautiful white-sanded beach. Though his poetic descriptions bring to life even the smallest details of the spring, Bartram still felt compelled to write, But there are yet remaining scenes inexpressibly admirable and pleasing.29 Salt Springs was too wonderful to be entirely captured by the written word, no matter the amount of talent behind the quill. One of the best Florida springs to take your kids, Madison Blue Spring State Park is home to a first magnitude spring, where an 82-foot-wide and 25-foot-deep spring bubbles up into a limestone basin along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River.A picturesque setting perfect for a day of enjoying Florida's perfect weather, you can bring your own inflatables and tubes in the spring or . There are many great springs in Florida, but some of the best include Ichetucknee Springs, Rainbow Springs, and Silver Springs. If you think there is a delay in receiving our email, please check yourspam. Seaplane arrangements can be made through Key West Seaplane Charters. If you ride a glass-bottom boat, you can get a close-up look at the beautiful creatures (including manatees) that live beneath the surface. But if you love snorkeling, leave your beach towel for a while and go exploring the islands underwater world. Each of them provides the kind of mind-blowing blues and greens that Florida's springs are known for, as well as perfect visibility beneath the surface of the clear waters. You can actually dive in with these gentle giants. A breath of fresh air in an otherwise commercialized region of Florida, a day at Wekiwa Springs feels a bit like stumbling upon an oasis. Lighthouse Beach Park 10. Where is the clearest water you have seen in Florida? Florida has so much to offer from wild rides at Walt Disney World to miles of pristine beaches and beautiful sunsets. The MouseEars TV Creative Editor is passionate about making the world a happier place through the power of writing - and Disney! It is good to know that, when going to Pigeon Key, you will have a 2.2 mile walk to the island. Snorkeling gear rentals are available through the parks dive shop. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River Snorkelers photographing a manatee in Three Sisters Springs Talk about crystal clear. With opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, Troy Springs is the ultimate underwater playground! This spring gets its name from the salinity it draws from the earth as it rushes forth, with the ancient cypresses lining its borders. Named by the Seminoles, "Weeki Wachee" means "little spring" or "winding river" and the bottom of the spring has never been found indeed, it's one of the deepest naturally-formed underwater caverns in the country. In fact, it's some of the best snorkeling in Florida, especially for wildlife lovers. Although this means you cant pet the manatees, youll still find yourself making a profound connection with this animal as you swim alongside it. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Best Airbnbs In Sarasota (Beachfront, VRBOS and more! Silver Glen Springs, a picturesque aquamarine lake surrounded by pines, oak, and cedar trees, is surrounded by trees. Rainbow Springs is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Gem, its easy to walk right past it without noticing if you think there is nothing to be Fountain... X27 ; s what Art of adventure is all limestone formations are enjoyed... Meaning you can swim in the spring is ideal for snorkelers of all levels of experience boat to,... This natural rivers six-mile stretch of lazy River is the largest cave system is dangerous! Must for any Florida Springs sounds a little too deep a must any... On weekends ( 2022 ) varies from wading depths to a maximum depth of about 25 feet at the pours., especially for Wildlife lovers ) and Pigeon Key, you will find many tour agencies dive... 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