best springs in florida for swimming

. Salt Springs. Get Up And Go Kayaking Crystal River offers guided tours in clear kayaks so you can see it all, whether above the surface or below. Another watery gem located in Ocala Natural Forest, Alexander Springs is a prime spot for snorkeling. Salt Springs is one of the prettiest and most unique springs in Florida. You'll also have to snorkel or scuba dive in order to enjoy the venue, as mere swimming isn't allowed. Juniper Springs boasts the translucent water typical of other Floridian natural springs. It lies in the 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park. More than likely, it was shot in Crystal River, the only place in North America where you can legally swim with manatees. Here are some tips for having a fun day at a Florida spring. Florida is known for its areas of natural beauty (think: mangrove forests, the Everglades, and miles of sandy beaches). As long as you dont mind the cold, swimming or floating here is a wonderful experience. A popular swimming hole, the spring is 25 feet deep and nearly 82 feet wide. The main attraction is hard to beat. Adorable wildlife call this area home, so expect to come face to shell with a turtle or two, spy a hawk soaring in the sky above, and see a variety of fish (including channel catfish) if you head into the water for a snorkel or swim. If you want to book a tour to swim with the manatees, we . To ensure safety with alligators and other wildlife in springs, follow these precautionary measures: By staying aware of their surroundings and following safety measures, swimmers can equally enjoy Florida springs and share the habitat with these fascinating creatures. Madison Blue Spring has always had its admirers, with Floridas earliest inhabitants using it as a source of fresh water. Madison Blue Spring State Park is home to a crystal-clear first magnitude spring with an 82-foot wide and 25-foot deep pool. For a long tube ride, Ginnie Springs is superior. Must have certification and operate in pairs. Nearly 700 natural springs pepper this lush East Coast peninsula, offering the most magnificent and unforgettable views. If you're an experienced diver, head to the underwater caves where you'll see even more amazing aquatic life up close. Located on the west coast about 90 minutes north of Tampa, Crystal River is especially popular during manatee season (November through March), and Three Sisters Springs is one of the best places to spot these gentle giants. It's easy to rent equipment for each of these sports on-site. In Central Florida, springs offer the best tubing in Florida in four of the most beautiful spots in the state. This beautiful park also offers other amenities such as picnic areas, pavilions, and nature trails. Like, really long. How To Take Vacation Photos Youll Want to Show Everyone, Pollution from run-off, agricultural practices, and onsite septic tanks, Over-pumping of the aquifer causing decreased water flow, Invasion of non-native aquatic plants and animals, Practice responsible recreation by not littering, feeding wildlife, or trampling on vegetation, Conserve water at home to contribute to reduced aquifer pumping, Support organizations dedicated to conserving and restoring Florida Springs, Educate others about the importance of preserving these natural treasures. Although it can get somewhat busy on hot weekends, most weekdays, youll only find a smattering of other people wading into the pleasant waters. This park has all sorts of water adventures to offer. Safety measures are also in place at many of these springs, such as lifeguards and designated swimming areas, ensuring visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience in the water. Water shoes provide a comfortable and safe option while also protecting your feet from any sharp objects. Even better, they have a nature trail complete with waterfalls! Picnic areas, gardens, and waterfalls surround the spring, creating a picturesque setting for visitors. The spring also features a designated swimming area and a shallow sandbar ideal for families with young children. Florida has many natural springs to choose from each freshwater Florida Springs offer shimmering shades of aqua blues and emerald greens that reflect the pristine setting with dazzling intensity. Wildlife enthusiasts can often spot birds, turtles, and even manatees in some springs. Rainbow Springs is a Florida summertime favorite. 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. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River. Ichetucknee Springs State Park offers pristine waters for swimming and other recreational activities. If you head to the spring during Manatee Season (November 15th to March 31st), youll get to see hundreds of these adorable sea cows.1 When other Florida waters begin to cool off, the manatees migrate to this warm spring and hang out for the winter. The cost of visiting each spring varies. Insider's tip: Kids under six aren't able to snorkel, so if you're traveling with little ones, this may not be your best spring option. The two prettiest springs for swimming are both of the Blue Springs. There's something truly special about Warm Mineral Springs, and it's not just the balmy, 85-degree temperature of its water. ), 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park. Its a little hard to spell, but Ichetucknee has some absolutely wonderful springs! The natural bottoms of the springs consist of limestone, rocks, and aquatic plants that could cause discomfort when walking barefoot. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They offer guided tours who will help you find manatees, alligators, turtles and otters or you can explore on your own. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This is not a complete list of Florida springs to visit, but just a selection that I recommend visiting. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Snorkeling is also popular at Little River Springs due to the underwater cave system that attracts curious explorers. Juniper Springs is located within the Ocala National Forest and competes with other springs within the forestAlexander, Silver Glen, and Salt Springsas one of Florida's most popular. She firmly believes Mickey-shaped pancakes magically taste better than regular pancakes. Surrounded by towering oaks and gently swaying Spanish moss, the peaceful Lafayette Blue Spring is a place straight out of a fairytale. Many visitors enjoy bringing floats and letting the current carry them to the Withlacoochee River, which has been known to be frequented by manatees.15 (Because the stairs into the spring lead right into the depths, some visitors recommend bringing a float anyway!). While you're in, try to spot an ancient "midden," a fancy word for a trash heap. Before you dive in, be forewarned that Salt Springs earned its name because of the many natural minerals which give it a salty taste! Not only do they provide a refreshing break from the heat, but they are breathtakingly beautiful and also provide glimpses into a unique underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life, lush vegetation, and countless geological wonders. You won't get wet. Beloved for swimming, snorkeling, diving, wildlife-spotting, hiking, paddling, and tubing, these picturesque swimming holes throughout Florida are great spots to visit for anyone who wants to splash around in Planet Earth's largest collection of freshwater springs. However, you dont just have to stand back and admire the manatees. There is a small section to kayak, but this park is ideal for a hike and then a jump in the spring to cool off. It's one of just 33 first-magnitude springs in Florida, which essentially means it's one of the largest and has a significant volume of flow from the aquifer each day. The water is 42 feet deep and a refreshing 72 degrees. Address: 12087 Southwest US 27, Fort White, Florida, Official site: https://ichetuckneesprings.com/. Address: 5390 NE 180th Avenue, Williston, Florida. Silver River is five miles long, the perfect distance for a family activity. Rock Springs Run, Apopka. It also boasts volleyball courts, a playground, picnic areas (complete with grills), and campsites. Three Sisters Spring is the one of the best springs in Florida for swimming. If you are an experienced cavern diver, you can scuba dive at Blue Spring State Park. It has natural magnesium and potassium salts giving it a mild salinity. The imprint of the ship can be made out by snorkelers on most days, while divers can explore the ghostly footprint of the Madison even more closely. Note that since they remain a "refreshing" 72 degrees year-round, Florida's top . A base made up of sandy limestone helps add to the spring's allure, reflecting the sun's rays and enhancing the vibrant blue hues. Ginnie Springs is only a two-hour drive from Orlando, which makes it a great addition to (or replacement for) the classic Disney vacation. Be sure to grab my travel tips to save you time and money. As environmental havens, many of these springs are also protected areas, preserving the delicate ecosystems and native species that call them home. Hit the Beach in Florida Whether you have a penchant for water sports or prefer a tranquil soak in the sea, Florida has a lot to offer when it comes to fun in the sun. It's so pretty here, you'll swear you've entered a magical world. If anyone gets bored of swimming, kayak rentals are available, along with a volleyball court to play at. Visitors are free to walk along the edge of the "pool" (an area of the spring measuring about 90 by 20 feet that's enclosed on three sides) on the observation walkway. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission without any cost to you. Some springs even have underwater caves, which are fascinating for experienced divers. Largely agricultural and also great eaters of fish, this tribe must have thrived on the banks of Alexander Springs.13. A system of underwater caves spans the area, calling all scuba divers to explore their secret treasures. *. (Other amenities include a kayak launch area, playground, and picnic areas.). The bottom of the spring is composed of limestone and waving fronds of aquatic grass. Many close once they reach capacity and even before then there can be lots of traffic getting in. Visitors can stand on the shelf, just up to their knees in water, and look down into the mouth of an underwater cavern! . Florida, known for its sun-soaked beaches and bustling theme parks, is also home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders: Florida Springs. (There are even scuba opportunities here!). Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park showcases the states newest first magnitude spring, boasting crystal-clear water and stunning surroundings. True to its name, Peacock Springs is brimming with blues and greens. Little Blue Spring, Kiefer Spring, Johnson Spring, and Naked Spring all lie within the park's borders and offer visitors plenty of picturesque backdrops. 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643, ginniespringsoutdoors.com. (Note: diving is open water only. Time your visit right, and you'll spot one (or more) of the state's most prized inhabitants: manatees. The on-site amenities include a picnic area and restroom facilities to ensure a comfortable visit for swimmers and nature enthusiasts alike. One of the most fun things to do at a freshwater spring is floating down one on a tube! Another great spot to float is Ichetucknee Springs State Park, where there are eight major springs that together form the 6-mile Ichetucknee River, perfect for a lazy summer day in the sun (you might even spot a cute otter along the way). Your jaw will drop when you see just how clear this water is, which also explains why people pay admission to access this privately-owned park. A large, wooden diving platform juts out over the deep blue, enticing its visitors to shout cannonball! and make a splash. If you bring a picnic lunch, there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the secluded nature. When it comes to water temperature, Florida springs remain consistently cool throughout the year due to water flowing from underground aquifers. Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River has water so clean, you can see straight through it. With abundant underwater wildlife, youll definitely want to pack your snorkeling gear for this spring. No worries if you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it on-site. One of the worlds largest and deepest freshwater springs is rimmed by an ancient cypress swamp.18, A post shared by Jess (@jessjess_english). The most famous is the idyllic Gilchrist Blue Springs, which produces a whopping 44 million gallons of water every day. Let me know which one is your favorite if you have! Famous naturalist John James Audubon visited the spring in 1831 and described the appearance of the circular basin and the way the water is thrown up with great force. Today, through careful conservation efforts, you can experience the spring exactly as Audubon did. This post will go through the five best Florida springs to visit. One of 70 natural springs in Florida that feeds into the glimmering Crystal River, this miniature paradise retains a perfect temperature for swimming year-round. (And please be aware that swimming is prohibited in certain areas. Youll be transported far from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the tangled embrace of a tropical hammock. Just always be respectful of nature as you are visiting their home! The main spring pool is about 500 feet in circumference and remains at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a comfortable swim. Insider's tip: When you aren't busy splashing about, take time to walk along the Salt Springs Observation Trail or fish, swim, or snorkel at the Salt Springs Run Marina & Landing. Theres also a network of caves beneath the surface; however, the limestone formations are best enjoyed from above. Its probably why it was chosen as the location for a few old Hollywood movies, like Tarzans Secret Treasure (1941). 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park. Blue Spring State Park is larger and can accommodate more swimmers, so it is my top choice. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, the surrounding Ponce de Leon Springs State Park offers two hiking trails through verdant forest, as well as picnic areas with pavilions and grills, making this an easy place to visit for a day. This makes for an invigorating swimming experience, which can be particularly enjoyable during Floridas hot, humid summers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Not too far from Tampa, you can find a secluded little spot called Lithia Springs Park. Lets take a deep dive into some of the best springs in Florida for swimming. As a general rule, water at Seven Sisters Spring is pretty shallow, only standing a foot deep in some spots. If you are looking to check out the best Florida springs near Orlando, I recommend Rock Springs or Blue Spring State Park. You're bound to see some of the area's most beloved creatures (including turtles, alligators, and manatees). This prehistoric spring is home to fossils dating all the way back to the Pleistocene Age and is an underground marvel: it was formed when the ground over a subterranean river collapsed, exposing it to the world above. Linked to multiple springs that are tied together by the Santa Fe River, this expansive property serves up a plate overflowing with fun.

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