The 30 Best Springs in Florida for Swimming & Snorkeling
Florida has so much to offer – from wild rides at Walt Disney World to miles of pristine beaches and beautiful sunsets. It’s also fun to take the road less traveled through historic cities and nature preserves. However, there are several natural attractions even further off the beaten path: freshwater springs!
Florida is home to more than 700 springs, including the famous Spring of Eternal Hope in St. Augustine. Some springs are no more than a trickle, but others are expansive enough for you to swim and snorkel in their bubbling cerulean waters.
These are thirty of the best springs in the Sunshine State where you can beat the summer heat. So pack your sunscreen, towel, and unicorn floaties, and dive right in!
1. Three Sisters Spring
Part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the Three Sisters Spring is one of the most special springs in Florida. The water here is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and better yet, the spring always maintains a pleasant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. But that’s not the coolest thing about the Three Sisters Spring.
If you head to the spring during Manatee Season (November 15th to March 31st), you’ll 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. (Not a bad idea!) The record number of manatees in one day is 528 – that’s quite a herd! However, you don’t just have to stand back and admire the manatees. You can actually dive in with these gentle giants.
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. Although this means you can’t pet the manatees, you’ll still find yourself making a profound connection with this animal as you swim alongside it.
A trip to Three Sisters Spring is not only fun but also an incredibly moving experience!
2. Juniper Springs
Located just 30 minutes from Ocala, gorgeous Juniper Springs is snuggled away in the foliage of the Ocala National Forest. Surrounded by towering oaks and swaying palms, it’s one of Florida’s most picturesque natural springs. Deemed the prettiest spring in Ocala, the seven-mile Juniper run is a favorite for Florida kayakers.3
But you don’t need a kayak to enjoy the main springhead; you can hop right in and swim! In addition to floating through the cool, blue waters, visitors can also check out the historic millhouse and hiking trails and have a picnic lunch at one of many available tables. There’s even a campground if you want to extend your stay!
3. Devil’s Den
Don’t let the name scare you away because Devil’s Den is a brilliant place for scuba diving and snorkeling!
Devil’s Den is particularly unique because the blue waters of this prehistoric spring are located in an underground cave! Like Three Sisters Spring, the water here is a constant 72 degrees, so steam rises through the hole in the ceiling of the cavern like a chimney during wintertime. (Hence the early settlers dubbing it the “Devil’s Den.”4)
As you snorkel in the sinkhole, you’ll 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. Fossils here date back to the Pleistocene Age, and some are on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Although there is no general swimming at the Devil’s Den, anyone is allowed snorkel as it doesn’t require certification. And if you don’t want to purchase your own mask, snorkel, and fins, you can rent them right at the spring!
4. Manatee Springs
If you want another chance to see Florida’s gentle giants, Manatee Springs is a great place to go! (Hence the name.)
One hundred million gallons of sparkling, fresh water gush from this first-magnitude spring every day. It’s a super refreshing spot to take a dip and cool off, but use caution – the current can be pretty swift! (And please be aware that swimming is prohibited in certain areas.)
After you’ve taken a swim, drip dry with a leisurely stroll along the 800-foot boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds of the cypress forest. You’ll find there’s more wildlife than just manatees to see here! But if manatees are the main attraction for you (same!), you’ll want to plan your visit for the cooler months.
5. De Leon Spring
Another possible location for the “Fountain of Youth” can be found at De Leon Springs State Park. The waters here were once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by the Mayaca Indians who lived in the area.6
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.
Although we can’t guarantee you’ll be cured of the common cold by taking a swim here, the waters are sure to make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated!7 Escape the summer heat by wading in the shallows or diving into the depths of the spring boil. And once you’ve had your fill of the turquoise waters, you can grab a buttery-good pancake at the nearby Sugar Mill Restaurant!8
6. Wekiwa Springs
Just minutes from downtown Orlando lies the lovely oasis of Wekiwa Springs.
You’ll be transported far from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the tangled embrace of a tropical hammock. A long-standing tourist attraction for Orange County, Wekiwa Springs isn’t a hidden gem – it’s a crown jewel. So it’s best to visit early in the day is you wish to avoid the largest crowds (sometimes there’s a wait to get in!).
A gentle, green slope leads down into the 72-degree spring, and many visitors enjoy “setting up camp” on this hillside with umbrellas and picnic blankets.
While the crowds might make it less peaceful than other springs, Wekiwa is popular for a good reason. With beautiful surroundings and crisp, clean water, it’s a lovely place to swim and such an easy getaway for anyone staying in Orlando!
7. Ginnie Springs
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. Many visitors choose to snorkel in the Santa Fe River; when its waters are clear, you can see many aquatic critters, including catfish, gar, bass, and turtles.10
If you’ve had your fill of swimming but aren’t ready to leave the crystalline waters, you can rent a tube from the Ginnie Springs General Store and lazily float your way from Beaver’s Landing to Twin Spring. This leisurely trip is about an hour long and a piece of true paradise.
8. Fanning Springs
If you follow the gently winding path of the Suwannee River, you’ll find Fanning Springs.
Like Wekiwa Springs, it has a long history as a tourist attraction. Like, really long. As in thousands of years long.
As evidenced by aboriginal sites around the park, Paleo-Indian people were frequenting this spring 14,000 years ago!11
During the Second Seminole War, Fort Fanning was built nearby (named after Colonel Alexander Campbell Wilder Fanning). Although the fort no longer exists, the spring still carries the Fanning name, along with 65 million gallons of water each day! With abundant underwater wildlife, you’ll definitely want to pack your snorkeling gear for this spring. (There are even scuba opportunities here!)
With perfect year-round temperatures and fun amenities throughout the state park, this is a great choice for an afternoon or weekend getaway!
9. Alexander Springs
Located in the Ocala National Forest, the azure Alexander is one of the 33 first-magnitude springs in Florida. (This means it is one of the largest springs in Florida, discharging at least 64.6 million gallons of water a day!12)
This spring is also historically important as its shores were once home to the Timucua People, a Native American tribe who lived in Northern Florida. Largely agricultural and also great eaters of fish, this tribe must have thrived on the banks of Alexander Springs.13
Today, you can enjoy swimming in this gorgeous spring surrounded by cabbage palms, sweetgum, and maples. With its sandy bottom and small fish, Alexander Springs is a truly tropical paradise away from the crowded beaches of the coastline!
10. Lithia Springs
Not too far from Tampa, you can find a secluded little spot called Lithia Springs Park.
Part of a small preserve, the spring itself is sizeable. Wide, open, and shaped like a bowl, this temperate spring is truly a natural swimming pool! Although it can get somewhat busy on hot weekends, most weekdays, you’ll only find a smattering of other people wading into the pleasant waters.
In addition to swimming in the spring, there are also opportunities to camp and kayak at the park, as well as several peaceful places to sit and watch the world go by.
11. Madison Blue Spring
Another first-magnitude spring, Madison Blue Spring has been voted the #1 swimming hole in the United States!14
Enjoy taking a dip in Madison Blue’s temperate waters or dive in with your snorkeling gear and say “hello” to the local catfish and turtles. 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!)
Madison Blue Spring has always had its admirers, with Florida’s earliest inhabitants using it as a source of fresh water. Today its blue waters continue to bubble up in a beautiful limestone basin. Nestled in a forest of pines and hardwoods, this spring makes for a picturesque woodland getaway.
12. Hunter Springs
With a 2019 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, it’s no wonder Hunter Springs Park is a local favorite!
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. It’s so perfect that – you guessed it! – even manatees have voted it one of the best Florida springs for swimming.
In addition to the roped-off swimming area, Hunter Springs Park also offers a lovely, looping boardwalk where you can birdwatch and finally check those waterbirds off of your birdwatching bingo card. (Other amenities include a kayak launch area, playground, and picnic areas.)
13. Rainbow Springs
The main hue is blue at Rainbow Springs!
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!
By the 1930s, Rainbow Springs had become a bonafide tourist trap, offering rides in “sub-boats” with stairs that went below the water and then let visitors look out at eye level. (Basically, snorkeling without getting wet!) There was even a zoo, rodeo, and gift shop.17
When the interstate was built, it bypassed Rainbow Springs, leading to its commercial demise in 1974. However, in the 1990s, Rainbow Springs was reopened as a state park, and today it is a beloved National Natural Landmark.
These sapphire waters are also a great place to swim, with perfect year-round temperatures and depths of 10 to 18 feet. Snorkelers will also have ample opportunities to interact with aquatic life here, including turtles and fish.
Blue might just be your favorite color after a trip to Rainbow Springs!
14. Wakulla Springs
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. Just listen to this description!
“One of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs is rimmed by an ancient cypress swamp.”18
Doesn’t that sound like the perfect setting for an adventure?? It’s probably why it was chosen as the location for a few old Hollywood movies, like Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941). But it’s not just a good place for movie-making; it’s also the perfect place for a good swim!
At 70 degrees, Wakulla Springs can be just a smidge cooler than other springs, but it still remains pleasant year-round. It’s also home to lots of wildlife, like turtles, fish, and even alligators! With snorkeling gear, you can observe Wakulla’s teeming underwater ecosystem for yourself; there are so many aquatic cuties here!
15. Ichetucknee Springs
It’s a little hard to spell, but Ichetucknee has some absolutely wonderful springs!
The Ichetucknee spring run is considered the most pristine in the state and is home to some of the most diverse wildlife you’ll find in one spring. The pancake-looking softshell turtle can be spotted here along with beaver, otter, and limpkin.19
Ichetucknee Springs consists of eight distinct springs that join to make the Ichetucknee River. Two of these springs are open for swimming and snorkeling: the Ichetucknee Spring (head spring) and Blue Hole.20 The swimming is excellent in either spring, though Blue Hole is only recommended for experienced swimmers due to the depth and strong current. The underwater world of Blue Hole also includes a labyrinthine cave system for those who are scuba certified!
16. Rock Springs at Kelly Park
Rock Springs is one of the best springs in Florida. Don’t believe me? Take TripAdvisor’s word for it – Kelly Park, where the spring is located, won a Traveler’s Choice Award!
This free-flowing natural spring is a brisk 68 degrees year-round and a popular destination for tubers, swimmers, and professional chillaxers. (That’s totally a word and totally a thing. Or at least, it should be!) Because that temperature is on the cool side, we especially recommend this spot during the summer months!
Ensconced in lush foliage, these cerulean waters feel wonderfully secluded. The area is enjoyed by several campers throughout the year, and its natural lazy river is popular with kayakers. Great for the whole family, Rock Springs is a must for any Florida springs bucket list!
17. Gilchrist Blue Spring
The newest addition to Florida’s state parks, Gilchrist Blue Springs, offers endless afternoons of family fun!
A second-magnitude spring, Gilchrist Blue produces 44 million gallons of water daily. A large, wooden diving platform juts out over the deep blue, enticing its visitors to shout “cannonball!” and make a splash. The spring vent is over 20 feet deep, flowing outward into rippling shallows, perfect for wading with smaller kiddos. And if you snorkel here, you may see a sunfish!21
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!
Gilchrist Blue Spring is one of Florida’s smaller, lesser-known springs, making it the ideal place to get away from the crowds without sacrificing any of the natural beauty associated with the more popular springs.
18. Troy Springs
With opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, Troy Springs is the ultimate underwater playground!
The clear waters of Troy Springs have lured generations of divers and summertime splashers. Swirling with fish and always a steady 72 degrees, this natural spring is both relaxing and inspiring.
One of Troy Springs’ most unique features rests beneath the surface of the spring head: evidence of a sunken ship!! 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: diving is open water only. Must have certification and operate in pairs.)
The Madison was a ship that was scuttled, or sunk on purpose, during the Civil War.22
19. Ponce de Leon Spring
No, that’s not a typo – there’s a second spring named after the famous conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon! The previously mentioned De Leon Spring is found near Florida’s east coast, while this spring, the Ponce de Leon, is located in the Panhandle. Although the Spanish explorer probably never made it to Florida’s Panhandle, he’d likely be flattered by the many namesakes. The next best thing to eternal youth is a never-ending legacy!
Unlike the other springs on this list, which all hover right around 72 degrees, Ponce de Leon is a bone-chilling 68 degrees Fahrenheit!23 However, in the sweltering heat of summer, these cooler temps offer sweet relief. In the midst of winter, courageous daredevils will find the waters to feel surprisingly warm. (Comparatively speaking, of course.)
Ponce de Leon Spring is worth a visit to see if you can brave the polar plunge!
(And just in case it does secretly happen to be the Fountain of Youth. . .)
20. Seven Sisters Spring
Seven Sisters Spring (not to be confused with the Three Sisters Spring) is located on the Chassahowitzka River and is incredibly beautiful.
With deep, brilliant blue waters, Seven Sisters makes for a stunning day out and is a popular place for swimming, snorkeling, and, best of all – manatee viewing! We love to see those sea cows.
There’s also a network of caves beneath the surface; however, the limestone formations are best enjoyed from above. (Swimming through this cave system is incredibly dangerous!)
As a general rule, water at Seven Sisters Spring is pretty shallow, only standing a foot deep in some spots.
21. Peacock Spring & Orange Grove Sink
True to its name, Peacock Springs is brimming with blues and greens.
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.
Over 30,000 feet of limestone passageways are waiting to be explored, and divers are still making discoveries every day!25 make sure you’re familiar with the major landmarks such as the Breakdown Room and The Crypt (so named because of an enormous turtle skeleton).
Cave-diving is certainly not for the faint of heart, but if you feel the call of the deep, then Peacock Spring is the place to go!
22. Little River Springs
Spectacularly clear, peering into Little River Springs is like gazing through the glass when conditions are right. And when you peer into the springs, what do you see?
Little River is home to a fun bit of natural architecture: a limestone shelf. Visitors can stand on the shelf, just up to their knees in water, and look down into the mouth of an underwater cavern! Breaks in the limestone create perfect pools for swimming, snorkeling, and wading. With plenty of shallow areas for kiddos, Little River Springs is wonderfully accessible to all!26
23. Lafayette Blue Spring
Named after America’s favorite fighting Frenchman – the Marquis de Lafayette – this spring is hidden away in a woodland wonderland.
Another first-magnitude spring, Lafayette Blue Spring’s warm temperatures make it a great place to swim. The wildlife here differs from other springs, with amphipods (shrimp-like crustacea), isopods, and crayfish comprising some of the main residents. They like to chill out in the cooler waters of Lafayette Blue Spring’s underwater caves. 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
Surrounded by towering oaks and gently swaying Spanish moss, the peaceful Lafayette Blue Spring is a place straight out of a fairytale.
24. Royal Springs
Dressed in its finest royal blue (tinged with aquamarine), this spring is breathtaking to behold.
Jump into Royal Springs – literally! – from the raised, wooden diving platform. The water is 42 feet deep and a refreshing 72 degrees. Oh, and don’t worry – there’s also a shallow end if 42 feet sounds a little too deep.
This photo-worthy spot is cloaked by the surrounding forest, which has trails you can explore before or after your swim. With only a few wooden staircases to show the interference of man, this spot feels totally natural and definitely a bit enchanted. If there are fairies in Florida, I’m betting they hang out here!
25. Salt Springs
In 1774, naturalist William Bartram visited these springs (he called them “Six Mile Springs”), and he was inspired to literary heights by the supreme beauty of the place. 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.
The same can be said for Salt Springs today. Although it’s not as wild as it once was (tasteful concrete barriers have been erected to prevent erosion), when you dip into these tranquil waters, you’ll instantly understand the enchantment Bartram felt when he called them “the blue ether of another world.”
Before you dive in, be forewarned that Salt Springs earned its name because of the many natural minerals which give it a salty taste!
At the end of his day at the spring, Bartram said he “supped and reposed peaceably.” Similarly, you can finish as Ocala National Forest provides well-shaded camping spots near this “amazing crystal fountain.”30
26. Wacissa Springs
A few miles away from Tallahassee, you’ll find an old-fashioned watering hole – Wacissa Springs.
Although shrouded by forest along its edges, Wacissa Springs provides a wide, open waterscape for swimming. Less developed than other springs and parks, Wacissa is home to ancient cypress trees, creeping vegetation, and – rumor has it – a rope swing.
If you’re looking for a spring that’s a bit off the beaten path – something a little more rugged (in a charming sort of way) – then Wacissa is for you!
27. Silver Glen Spring
Another beauty of Ocala National Forest, this spring is a trendy and best-taken advantage of on early weekday mornings!
With its ethereal robin’s-egg blue water, Silver Glen Spring is perhaps the most postcard-worthy spot on the list. The bottom of the spring is composed of limestone and waving fronds of aquatic grass. Occasionally graced by manatees, the popularity of the spring sadly deters most sea cows. However, large fish (both fresh and saltwater) frequent the area, which makes snorkeling extra fun!31
28. Hart Springs
Hart Springs is a pretty little spot along the Suwanee River.
You can take a swim in the crisp, clear spring water or go scuba diving into the deep blue. There’s even cave diving for those who have the proper certification!
Hart Springs comes equipped with a playground and camping area for visitors who want to spend more time in this charming location. There’s also an open, breezy boardwalk that follows the flow of the springwater so you can explore all the beauty this area has to offer.32
29. Merritt’s Mill Pond
Merritt’s Mill Pond is a gigantic reservoir fed by the stunning Jackson Blue spring.
With beautiful waters, amazing wildlife, and renowned fishing, Merritt’s Mill Pond is a great place to spend the day. While you can hop right in the water if you so choose, there’s also a boat ramp for those who prefer a paddling trip (as opposed to a doggy-paddling trip).
Merritt’s Mill Pond is also a well-known spot for cave divers, offering terrific underwater views thanks to its incredibly clear water. (You probably know by now, but you need to be certified before you dive, etc., etc.)
If you’re the adventuresome type, Merritt’s Mill Pond is a great, outdoorsy option!
30. Weeki Wachee Spring
Weeki Wachee Springs gives Disney World a run for its money as the most whimsical place in the United States. After all, this fabulous spring is home to nesting bald eagles, the deepest freshwater cave system in our country, and mermaids!
Mermaids first came to Weeki Wachee in 1947 and have been dazzling underwater audiences ever since. (They’re actually talented actresses wearing flippers and using air hoses. . .but you don’t have to tell the kiddos that!) Today they perform the classic tale, The Little Mermaid like you’ve never seen before.33
Once you’ve watched the mermaids perform, dive into the spring yourself at Buccaneer Bay. You can hurtle into the water via waterslide, plummeting down from “Pirate’s Revenge” or careening in from the “Cannonball.”
Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or inner-tubing, Weeki Wachee is the total package and grand finale of Florida’s springs!
A 1949 ad for the spring proudly declared, “no one has been disappointed!” The same advertisement could be used today. A weekend spent at Weeki Wachee will be a favorite memory for years to come!
These fifteen Floridian springs are some of the greatest for swimming and snorkeling, but the list could go on! Did we miss one of your favorite swimming springs? Have you been to one on our list?
Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll see you on our next expedition!
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