The park has plenty of picnic tables for eating or setting up gear, and a small beach area where you can soak in the sun between dives. DIVE WITH MARTIN...Cozumel's "Best Overall Dive Operator", Cozumel Boutique Diving Packages at Adult-Only OR Family All-Inclusive. Time to cool off at the 20 best Florida springs. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, rent a kayak or a canoe, and enjoy the scenery. Located on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a 538-acre park an hour north of Tampa in Spring Hill. Not far from the Gilchrist Blue Springs, northwest of High Springs, Ginnie Springs encompasses 200 acres of natural Florida with shady trees lining the banks of the Santa Fe River. Copyright © 2021 Sport Diver. The Panhandle springs are perfect for a scuba adventure or a trip with the whole family. What is better than a lazy river made by nature, surrounded by some of Florida’s best nature? Ponce De Leon once thought Florida Springs were the "fountain of youth" when he first discovered them. (It only takes 30 seconds, we promise!). Perhaps you can turn the journey into a road trip to see the best attractions in Florida? Florida is home to more than 700 springs, where shimmering shades of bright blue and emerald waters are perfect for taking a plunge or hopping in a kayak or canoe. Manatee Springs State Park – Chiefland, FL. Ginnie Springs This blue bunch located in High Springs, FL consists of seven grottos and caves are a divers delight. Florida is home to more than 700 natural freshwater springs, including several swim-worthy springs a short driving distance from Orlando. There are three platforms at about 30 feet and higher, allowing divers to gain their bearings or practice skills. The Florida Keys. If you are super serious about diving it is possible to get an annual dive pass for $330. The springs are located on a two hundred acre forest area that also acts as … This mysterious spring is situated underground within a dry cave. We concentrate especially on all inclusive dive resorts Florida Keys. More information on their we… Check out the videos below and see if these Florida gems are worth a trip of your own. You can bring a tube with you to leisurely float between the pools with the gentle flow of the springs for a quarter of a mile. These crystal clear springs can be found in Central and North Florida, therefore they are perfect for those who seek snorkeling near Orlando. Alexander Springs Highlights: Alexander Springs offers a great location for snorkeling in clear spring water and scuba diving if you want to fully explore the 25-foot basin. For those willing to look … From hundreds of tiny, bubbling springs to larger eruptions of water gushing out of vents, this park is truly a wonder. Best Time to Go: Winter Months . The waters may seem cooler than the normal springs due to its underground nature. Turn left onto NE 182nd Avenue. Devil’s Den Spring – Williston, FL. If you would like to scuba dive the spring it costs $22 for certified divers and $30 for all other divers. Four Spectacular Florida Springs For Beginner Scuba Divers best spring diving in florida is important information accompanied by photo and HD pictures sourced from all websites in the world. Many divers and snorkelers find their way into the den in the summertime. Go for it! In this Ask A Marine Biologist, Dr. David Shiffman answers a question about hydrothermal vent animals! The best part of this Florida spring is its underwater observatory where visitors can watch schools of fish dart by and – if you’re lucky – check out some of the West Indian manatees that the park helps to rehabilitate. Devil’s Den – Williston, Florida. The overhang of the cavern begins at about 30 feet, where you can slip under an air bell and pop out your regulator for a fun chat with a buddy. scubadiving.com is part of PADI Media, a division of PADI Worldwide. Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole. It’s not difficult to learn scuba diving and snorkeling and it’s easy to find spectacular destinations to enjoy these skills. Ginnie Springs. Top 7 Best Places to Scuba Dive in the US Across the globe, about 26 million people regularly enjoy the astonishing beauty of the underwater world. If you’re just getting into snorkeling or scuba diving, then Ginnie Springs is the perfect spot! I love SCUBA diving at Morrison Springs, where like all other Florida springs, the water is fed from the Earth and stays 68-72 degrees year round. Alexander Springs is not one to miss. If traveling here in winter, renting a wetsuit may be a good option. Here's a roundup of the best scuba diving in Florida, as well as some of the top places to snorkel. Visitors can... 2. During these challenging times, we’re all dreaming of soaking up the sun a little further afield than our front porches. Sunbeams shine down into the water as bass, brim and gar swim by; sand boils bubble with freshwater on the floor; and anhinga's dive into the water for a swift catch. Participate in over 500 dive topic forums and browse from over 5,500,000 posts. In this … About the author: Danielle Moore is a part-time travel and lifestyle blogger, based in the Sunshine State. Florida is home to more than 700 springs, where shimmering shades of bright blue and emerald waters are perfect for taking a plunge or hopping in a kayak or canoe. Sport Diver may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Wakulla Springs Northern-central Florida is one of the best places for cave diving in Florida and some of the most bewitching and extraordinary cave systems in the world are located right here in Suwannee County. From 72-degree swimming holes to a paddler’s paradise, here are the best Florida springs to take the kids this summer. Whether you’re in the mood to kayak, swim, snorkel, or just float in the water, here’s a few natural Florida springs that you should check out while the weather is warm and your calendar is empty (or emptier). Best Springs for Diving in Central Florida ... training that I learned about the many springs in central Florida accessible to divers of all skill levels. The entrance fee is $13 for adults and free for children 5 and under. The property has seven springs, a full dive shop with rentals, hot showers, a large campground full of tent camping sites, and one rental cottage. The best way to visit the Devil’s Den is to book a guided snorkeling or scuba diving tour as it is not open for public swimming. If you’re looking for a dive vacation to remember, we have a whole list of Scuba diving packages / all inclusive dive resorts in Florida for you to check out here. If you would rather just view the wildlife, the Three Sisters Springs Refuge offers a boardwalk with viewing platforms for its guests. Im 5-9 and 160lbs, and I have several wetsuits, because I love to mix and match, since I mostly dive the Florida springs and a nice, clear freshwater lake here in my home state, which I dive, snorkel also. road trip to see the best attractions in Florida, Search for Rental Cars in Nearby Gainesville. Diving equipment is available for rent at John Pennekamp, and special group and pre-paid tour rates are available if you call to reserve a dive in advance. So rent a tube and enjoy the Weeki Wachee Springs and river which connects to the Gulf of Mexico! A wonderful swimming spot, Fanning Springs offers see-through placid waters. Take a look at the legend below to learn the corresponding icons to the Florida springs’ features. This dive bottoms out at 25 feet, staying more shallow for the most part. 11/05. You can bring your own kayak or canoe to Juniper Springs for just a small launch fee. 4. It's a wonderful chance to experience freshwater diving in a relaxed, beautiful (yet chilly at 72 degrees F) environment. Talk about a scuba diver’s dream! Ginnie Springs is one of the most visited and gorgeous natural springs in Florida. Just 30 minutes from Orlando, these springs are beloved by locals for their clear, mellow waters. Since 2000, ScubaBoard has been the place to go for internet based discussions related to all things Scuba. North Florida is known for its springs and rivers, as well as some of the world's best diving--more specifically cave diving. Located in Marion County, Dunnellon is about as central as it gets. Homosassa Springs has been a beloved national attraction since the early 1900s. The Florida Keys offer some of the best scuba diving in the world. The surrounding water around the spring is really neat too with turtles swimming in and out of the lilies and fish everywhere. The park even hosts a monthly bird walk, lead by an experienced birder on the west section of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Dive to a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) in one of the largest clear water caverns in Florida! Florida offers an eclectic range of activities and excursions to the common tourist. Highlights: This privately owned freshwater cavern is perfect for those who want to venture deeper. The best scuba diving sites in Crystal River, Florida Owing to the abundance of springs, water sports, especially scuba diving, is quite prevalent in the Crystal River. This spring is a little on the smaller side, but it’s great for the whole family. Cheap car rentals can be found at all the nearby airports, so rent from one of the major hubs and check off as many springs as you can. 11/05. Here, you can find the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which is home to historically significant shipwrecks and sea treasures. The manatees migrate to the springs in wintertime for the warmer waters. Socorro, Mexico is best known for the wonderful encounters with giant Pacific mantas, where the mantas come to the divers. Sea Experience is the perfect location for your domestic getaway! 1. Communicate privately with other divers from around the world. This is definitely the place to visit for those who love 72-degree water and wildlife. Choose from multiple all-inclusive resorts now…, Sea Lion Diving Package in Loreto, Mexico, Socorro Aggressor Manta Madness Save 37% Liveaboard Adventures. How do Deep Sea Animals Find New Food Sources in the Pitch Black? Download this image for free in High-Definition resolution the choice "download button" below. Fanning Springs provides a dock for its guests to jump from. In fact, it is known as the world’s favorite freshwater dive. Sign up to receive our weekly email newsletter and never miss an update! The Best Springs And Sinkholes In Florida For Scuba Diving. Feel like jumping into the springs? When you visit freshwater springs in northwest Florida, you can expect picturesque blue waters at impressive depths. Diving equipment is available for rent at John Pennekamp, and special group and pre-paid tour rates are available if you call to reserve a dive in advance. This state park has multiple attractions for the whole family to enjoy such as a mermaid show, wildlife show, a boat cruise, and a swimming bay. The water flows down through soil layers into the limestone rock to create its clarity. Participate in over 500 dive topic forums and browse from over 5,500,000 posts. During the summer, you can enter the springs by kayak, canoe, or by swimming, but a guide is usually needed. Open-water divers can find freshwater soles and turtles in Ginnie Springs. Your best bet for visiting Juniper Springs is to fly into Orlando and rent a car. Repost bookmark. Training platforms allow instructors to help students adjust their equipment and feel comfortable before descending into the sensational chamber beneath. 0. More towards the west coast, you will find the graceful waters of Weeki Wachee Springs. There are over 600 freshwater springs throughout central and northern Florida. Just about an hour west of Gainesville, you will find this aptly named Manatee Springs State Park. And, hey, if you're lucky you just might find a turtle hiding in the grass. The bright turquoise waters here make it one of the most picturesque natural springs in Florida, especially the 40-foot-deep Blue Hole Spring. Finally, we categorized the features into the best springs for swimming, families, scuba diving, accessibility, camping, and wildlife viewing. Better yet- camp on the river and the springs are just a hop away for a fun weekend filled with diving and river tubing. Operating since 1963, John Pennekamp in the Florida Keys is the oldest underwater park in the country. At 18.19 inches (462 mm), the lionfish speared by Donald Vautrinot was the new Florida state record holder for longest lionfish caught in the Gulf of Mexico. "Had a great time with Captain Jim & Rabbi on the ScubaTech boat, and a wonderful Discover Scuba dive with John Bush! Operating since 1963, John Pennekamp in the Florida Keys is the oldest underwater park in the country. The depth of spring one is 8-10 feet, while spring two has a depth of 15-18 feet. The 6 Best Natural Springs in Florida (Stunning Florida Springs you Cannot Miss!) It’s a privately-managed spring system that’s located in the middle of Highland Springs in Central Florida. One of the most amazing refuges for manatees, Three Sisters Springs is a winter home to many. It is considered one of the most beautiful Crystal River Florida scuba diving spots. 0. They are also crystal clear — some of Earth’s most beautiful bodies of water. You'll head out on a boat, get dropped off in the river and make your way downstream as the boat follows along. It’s just $13 per adult and $8 for children between the ages of 6 – 12 to enter. Highlights: Head to the town of Dunnellon, Florida, to find this crystal-clear spring-fed lake. Southern coast - The southern tip of Florida is a true tropical climate with rain expected from May through October. If you’re looking for lazy tube floating and snorkelling with scores of turtles, Ichetucknee is the place for you (and perfect for children!). Juniper Springs is one of the oldest recreational areas on the entire East Coast. If you're really lucky, you may spot an otter playing in the water. It witnesses tourists all year long and is well known for its laid-back islands, majestic sunset sightseeing, rich history, and yes, of course, for scuba diving. The Blue Grotto. "Just got back from a great diving trip with these amazing folks, everyone was so personable and extremely thorough, highly recommended and will definitely be back for another dive trip!" Highlights: Like most of Florida's spring-fed dive sites (including each one on this page), the water temperature in Devil's Den Spring is a consistent 72 degrees F. So when the air chills in the winter, steam will rise from the relatively warm water, rising upward through the mouth of the cave and earning this site its name. Since this is a Florida State Park, so admission is cheap: just $2 per adult and free for children under six. Bring a kayak, canoe, or standup paddle board to explore down the river, just watch out for gators :-0 PS The camping here is great! By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. The third spring has a depth of 4-7 feet. To reach the Ginnie Springs Campground & Dive Resort, which includes the Little Devil run, take U.S. 41 North until reaching the Ginnie Springs sign. These Florida springs are connected via the Santa Fe River, creating the perfect lazy river day trip. But in the heart of the Sunshine State lie a few dive sites that aren't as well known. These spring-fed swimming holes are crystal clear and remain anywhere from 68 to 72 degrees … Travel News The best springs to visit in Florida. Florida’s springs play a vital part in its ecosystem, supporting different types of plant and animal life. Divers can head down to 50 feet in this spring, exploring swim-throughs, observing fossils in the wall and checking out air pockets. Peacock Springs, a trendy site for cave divers, boasts almost 33,000ft (10,058m) of underwater cave systems for certified scuba divers to explore. All rights reserved. This natural spring is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida. But the real draw to Crystal River (90 mins north of Tampa) comes in the form of 10ft-long gentle giants. Well we'd love it if you left us a review. You could dive from places at the top of the state to the bottom of the Florida Keys -- and every place in between. These Florida springs are connected via the Santa Fe River, creating the perfect lazy river day trip. In this edition of Ask a Marine Biologist, Dr. David Shiffman talks about how sharks breathe. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, off of Key Largo, is an attraction for snorkelers and divers due to colorful reefs and offers plenty of the best scuba diving in Florida Keys. The water is crystal clear and the water temperature stays 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Key West lies towards the southern part of the continent of the US and is known as a snowbird destination. The waters may seem cooler than the normal springs due to its underground nature. Source: Check Out The Best Dive Sites In The Florida Gulf Coast. 0. It's a great opportunity to get a tiny taste of what cave diving might be like while staying in a cavern environment. Picnic tables are available and there are plenty of easy, beautiful hiking trails that wind through the area. This dive site begins at the 80-foot-wide opening of the cavern — which lets plenty of sunlight in. On the Western side, you have the Gulf of Mexico, where you can find Clearwater Beach and Pensacola Beach (among others), which share the same beautiful water but offer calmer waters. Explore big animal diving in Baja Sur. If you want to fully explore Blue Grotto, there is a permanent guidelines that leads you down into a more narrow traverse, which descends to 100 feet before turning back up toward the open cavern. "Just got back from a great diving trip with these amazing folks, everyone was so personable and extremely thorough, highly recommended and will definitely be back for another dive trip!" ScubaBoard.com is the world's largest scuba diving online community. This is a Magnitude 2 spring, which is the second highest flow, averaging 48 million gallons of flow per day. And, many of the best snorkeling spots in Florida are within a few hours' drive from just about anywhere in the state. Being one of the deepest springs, the bottom has yet to be found. But it’s the Christ of the Abyss dive site that is worth mentioning. Cost: $4 (no air fills or equipment available on-site). And one of the best ways to spend your hot summer days is by packing up the car, and heading to one of the springs. Whatever the season you’re looking to travel, there’s really never a wrong time to make your way to any of these incredible springs. We concentrate especially on all inclusive dive resorts Florida Keys. Best of all, there are NO entry fees. Florida is known as a land-based diving state, which means that if you want to dive in the springs, you can grab your gear and walk in with your flippers to start scuba diving Florida. Geologists estimate there are more than 700 freshwater springs in Florida — the largest concentration on Earth — and most are located north of Orlando. But while we can’t take that trip just yet, we can start making a bucket list of places to visit when this is all over — and these fantastic natural springs in the Sunshine State should definitely be on that list. Known for its camping amenities it is also one of the most popular diving springs in the state. Each spring branches off of the Santa Fe River and is easily accessible by tube, canoe or kayak. Love of the ocean is all I have to say!