There are 26 first magnitude fresh water springs in Florida. Some are small sand boils and some are huge caverns with collapsed roofs. This super simple guide will introduce you to some of the best Florida Springs and tell you what you can’t miss at each.
1. Alexander Springs – Turtles, Lillies, Clear Blue Water, and Deep Spring Hole
Sierra Explores Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs is not one to miss. It is in the middle of Ocala National Forest and is one of the most beautiful springs of any. Snorkeling is amazing, diving down into the fresh water hole with crystal blue water about 20ft deep. The surrounding water around the spring is really neat too with turtles swimming in and out of the lilies and fish everywhere. 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! More information on their website here.
Paddleboarding Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs Turtle
Alexander Springs Lilies
2. Silver Glen Springs – Deep Blue Spring Hole, Secret Sand Boils, and Fish Everywhere.
Big Brother at Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs is an amazing day stop. The colors here are some of the best out of all the Florida Springs. The fresh water current flowing out of the spring 20ft down is surprisingly strong, pushing you away from the dark craters and holes at the bottom where some shy fish hide. Surrounding the deep spring is a shallow sandy bottom with friendly Tilapia everywhere and Florida Gar hiding in the mangrove roots. Don’t forget to follow the skinny path a short ways through the forest to see the natural sand boils that are formed from the flowing fresh water. Keep your eyes peeled for hiding frogs in the darker parts of the shallow water. Check out the Silver Glen Spring Website.
Florida Gar at Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Spring
Sand Boils at Silver Glen Springs
Snorkeling In Silver Glen Spring
3. Salt Spring – Possible Manatees, Fishing, and Camping
Salt Spring
Salt spring has a retaining wall built around it and isn’t as deep or clear as some other springs but it is still a neat place to checkout if you have the time and is also a great spot to camp for the night. When the weather is cold there is a chance to see manatees migrate towards the warmer fresh water flowing out of the spring. As a general rule, the colder it is and has been, the better chance there is to see manatees in the spring. The fishing is suppose to be pretty good outside the spring and there is a boat ramp to launch a small boat if you bring one. For more information on Salt Spring click here.
Salt Springs Bubble Rings
Salt Spring
4. Rainbow Spring – Waterfalls, Tubing, and Great Paddling
Rainbow Springs Waterfall
Rainbow Springs is a super cool and unique place just west of Ocala in Dunnellon, FL. It is a large State Park and was a promoted tourist attraction back in the 50’s with submarine rides and mermaid tours. The gaudy tourist attractions are mostly gone now and much of the state park looks very natural. The waterfalls around Rainbow Springs are beautiful and popular for the backdrop of engagement photos. Although not naturally forming, the waterfalls were still built from local rocks at the bottom of the Rainbow River. A popular activity at Rainbow Springs is to take a tube from the headwaters down the river. The more adventurous traveler might prefer to paddle the river. You can paddle against the semi-moderate current if you have at least a mild paddling background. Florida Spring State Park offers camping on the other side of the river but make sure to make a reservation in advance. You can visit their website for more information.
1950’s Rainbow Springs Tourist Attractions
Rainbow Springs Waterfall
Rainbow Springs
More Florida Waterfalls
5. Crystal River – Manatees, Scalloping, Manatees
Crystal River is known for the place to be able to swim with manatees. There are three main springs at Crystal River, King Spring, Three Sisters Spring, and Hunter Spring. You can launch a kayak or paddle board for free at Hunter Springs Park and paddle through all of Kings bay if the wind isn’t too strong. The main thing to know when visiting Crystal River is that the manatees are only really there when the weather is cool, December-March. The colder the better. There are a ton of companies that will take you on a manatee tour and boat ride. They seem to know where the manatees have been, how to find them, rules/laws, and etiquette when checking out the manatees. Check out Birds Underwater, Crystal River Water Sports, or Manatee Tours USA if you would like to go on a tour. If you talk to enough people and you completely understand the rules and laws you can check out the manatees yourself. Two of the main things to remember when visiting the manatees on your own is to use “Passive Observation”, and do not enter the refuge areas which are marked off with red and white buoys. Summertime is a great time to snorkel for scallops in a bunch of different areas of Crystal River. You can even bring your catch to local restaurants like Charlie’s Fish House or Cracker’s and they will cook them up for you.
PS
We found a really cool campground about 30 minutes East of Crystal River. Only 4 group sites in the woods on a beautiful little lake. The campground is in Fort Cooper State Park.
Paddleboarding By Hunter Springs Park
Manatee Tour Boat With Crystal River Water Sports
Crystal River Manatee Tail
Fort Cooper Camping Neighbor
6. Devil’s Den – Underground Cavern, Vine-Lined Roof Skylight, Beams Of Sunshine, and Underwater Caves
Devil’s Den Cavern
Devil’s Den is by for the coolest and most unique spring that we visited. As you approach the collapsed cavern roof from ground level it just looks like a sink hole with vines growing down it but when you get close and take a glimpse over the edge you see the sun lighting up beautiful crystal blue water where the cavern opens wide. Snorkeling or scuba diving is a must at this spring. Swimming around you can see beams of light shining through the hole in the ceiling and shooting through the clear water. There are turtles and fish in the spiring which gets to about 50ft. deep. Unfortunately there is no free diving or breath holding below 8′ of the surface but you can scuba dive Devil’s Den if you prefer and explore all that the cavern has to offer. Devil’s Den is a MUST SEE if you are going to visit any of the Florida Springs. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful botanical garden on the adjacent property to the spring. Check out my other post on Devil’s Den for more pictures or visit Devil’s Den Website for more information.
Devil’s Den Spring
Snorkeling In Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den Cavern
Mermaid In Beams Of Sunlight
Bonus – Homemade Whoopie Pies!
Sweet Janes Whoopie Pies
On your way through all the springs make sure to visit our friend Jane at Sweet Jane’s Whoopie Pies. These homemade whoopee pies don’t compare to any store bought desserts anywhere!
Sweet Jane’s Whoopie Pies
If we missed anything or you know of a spring that we need to explore feel free to write it in the comments below. Thank you for reading, now get out and explore!
This only went to 6, where are the rest??
Hey Jenn, Thanks for the comment! I know there are many more awesome springs in Florida but these are the only ones we got a chance to visit so far. That’s why I titled the article “Some of the….” we hope to continue on to some of the other amazing Springs this beautiful state has to offer and write some more Springs articles. Thanks again!
-@1CaptainBill
What happened to Ginnie Springs, Ichnetucknee, Blue Springs, Poe Springs………all in the town of Ft White (Gainesville)
Ocala has so many springs also……Juniper Springs??
Outside Tampa is Lithia Springs…………..
Hopefully these are in the book???
Hey Katherine, Thanks for the comment! I know there are many more awesome springs in Florida but these are the only ones we got a chance to visit so far. That’s why I titled the article “Some of the….” we hope to continue on to some of the other amazing Springs this beautiful state has to offer and write some more Springs articles. A book huh? That sounds like a great idea! Once I have visited all the springs I think that would be a great project! Thanks again for the comment and the book idea!!!
-@1CaptainBill
Yeah you guys should visit Gennie springs next. I think they have 9 springs, plus camping. I know I’ll never forget my trip there.
Actually Poe, Ginnie, and Blue are in High Springs…
Katherine, many of our springs are not what they use to be. The Ichnetucknee is in bad shape. So sad.
We always had a blast at Juniper Springs they don’t have any shallow places for little ones like Silver Glenn and Alexander Springs. My children always loved Juniper Springs cause they had a big wall you could jump off of probably a good 12-15 feet high it was a blast for kids and adults. But unfortunately this year they closed the wall for jumping cause someone not paying attention jumped on top of someone else and they were injured. I have been going there for 40 years never had a problem cause it was always common courtesy to look and make sure the person who jumped before you was out of the way first. Only takes one person to mess up a great thing after so many years of enjoying it. They do have great campsites and trails to camp and walk on though
Blue Springs should be on this list. Orange City Florida.
Thanks for the recommendation Bob! We will be sure to visit Blue Springs on our next trip and write about it. Anything unique about it that we should know? Secrets to explore, or cool local campgrounds? Thanks so much Bob!
-@1CaptainBill
70ft deep hole and about a 20ft diameter. Massive log laying across the top. Freediver’s paradise. Use the walls as an assist to get to the bottom where you can play with the darn scuba divers who kick up all the sediment :/
Also TONS and TONS of manatees at Blue Springs! I would add Wekiva Springs north of Orlando as well.
I would add otter springs great camping and swimming
I agree with adding Wekiwa Springs as well. Beautiful springs, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping and hiking.
Too many photo effects and to many pictures of you.
Troll much?
You don’t like pictures of me? 🙁
Preach
Just wanted to say thank you for putting this list together and for highlighting and recommending these edens of natural beauty. Ocala is a beautiful place but until I read this post I didn’t know about these springs. Based off your recommendations of places to camp, springs and fresh whoopie pies I think a road-trip is in order for my friends and I.
P.S. – don’t mind the negative comments from the trolls. They’re ungrateful. You took time to seek out hidden gems and share them with us and I am very appreciative. Thank you.
Hey Cait! Thank you so much for the kind words! I am so glad you like the post and consider the highlights we mentioned valuable. I highly recommend a road trip (thats exactly how we explored these beautiful springs!) Let us know how it goes and if we missed anything! We hope to do another trip and explore the other wonderful springs that Florida has to offer! If ya have the time could you shoot me an email and let me know where you found this post? wswezey1@gmail.com Thank you so much Cait!!!
Jackson County and Calhoun County in North Florida have a lot to offer to WOULD BE artifact hunters. As a young guy I had a dresser drawer of pottery, arrow heads shards of things. I was not eclectic sufficiently to bring them along with me. At 80 it is a bit late I guess. However I still have my memories. (and my mind says lets go). My body SAYS you are out of your ROCKER again. Billy Norris.( IF WE DID NOT HAVE MEMORIES WE WOULD HAVE NOTHING OF VALUE! )
Please try to check out Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla County, FL (located South of Tallahassee. See here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Wakulla-Springs
Regards,
James
That is definitely on our list for our next trip James. Thanks for the recommendation!
Dont forget about ponce de leon springs out in deltona/deland
I’ll have to check it out Brianna! Is there anything I can’t miss there, or just the spring in general?
All you can eat pancakes in an old sugar mill!
Great article! Another cool spring is Wakiwa Springs in Seminole county. Used to go there as a kid. Clear spring lagoon and river with a restaurant on the river.
Spelling is Wekiva Springs. In Wekiva Springs State Park. Greatly affected by proximity to development, unfortunately. Can be very busy during the summer, esp. at peak times. The State treats it like a recreation faciity for the local population.
A few people have recommended that one. I will definitely give it a visit on my next trip!
Hi! Great article and loved your pics! I would definitely like to see more. I too have been to Alexander, Rainbow, Salt, Manatee Springs and Devils Den. Ginnie Springs is fun, The Blue Hole near Ginnie and Itchetucknee (sp?) growing up we called it itch me touch me springs 😉
Hubby and I like to go glamping at the Springs with campsites.
Itch me touch me springs, huh? I better make sure my girlfriend is with me at that one!
I wrote about 10 of the local springs for http://www.SportodyBroadcast.com, and included underwater photos I shot while diving the springs. Check them out. I’ll try to find the link. My website is http://www.sandrakosterphotography.com
I wrote about 10 of the local springs for SportodyBroadcast.com, and included underwater photos I shot while diving the springs. Check them out. I’ll try to find the link. My website is sandrakosterphotography.com
Hey Sandra! Definitely email me the link if you find it, I am super interested to see what you wrote. wswezey1@gmail.com
Why no free diving in the cavern?
They claim that it is dangerous. They hinted that there has been accidents at other similar cavern springs with free divers. I guess because there are overhead caves and things to get stuck in. Here, they want it to be mainly a scuba diving spring. :-/
Check out Chassahowitzka River… Alot of springs on that one very nice.
Hey Aaron! I definitely need to visit the Chassahowitzka. I’ve heard from a few people that it is super cool.
Chazz. IS SUPER COOL. Snorkle, spring’s & otters swim right next to ur canoe! Campground on site, canoe & other rentals! Little off streams if u know where ur going. Neat little caves the kids like to swim through. I absolutely Love it!
chrck out weeki wachi springs In spring hill Fl and paddling adventures have the best kayak rates
Thanks for the recommendation Marni! I will definitely check it out on our next trip!
I love Weeki Wachee! Do they still do the mermaid show there?
Also, Rock Springs (its somewhere near Apopka) is pretty nice!
There’s also Weeki Wachee Springs 12 miles west of Brooksville (Spring Hill). It’s a state owned park featuring “live mermaids” and a very beautiful spring which can be seen inside a submerged amphitheater. Plus you can rent canoes, kayaks and boats (from Weeki Wachee Marine) to float down the Weeki Wachee River. Try it some day too!
Live mermaids?!? I’m there! I’ve heard from a bunch of people that Weeki Wachee is a must see. I will definitely be there on my next trip. Thanks for the recommendation Ron!
Great site- love the photos.
Silver springs and juniper are two favorites
I have to check out Juniper! I’ve hear that’s another good one!
This article would be much improved if you included the town name in the header for each one. I have no idea where in the state these are without looking them up individually. Just a suggestion 🙂
Hey Cindy, thanks for the suggestion! I think you’re right and that makes a lot of sense. I’ll look into editing it to include the town names. Thanks again!
Wakulla springs, largest spring in the world. And also located in Florida, the greatest state of all.
Wekiva springs in apopka
You forgot loge best spring tubing experience in Florida at Ichetucknee Springs
That is my favorite.
Give us another 10 years and there will be no Florida springs. See here https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/water/floridas-vanishing-springs/1262988
Visit poncdeleon springs and vortex springs both great spots for camping family fun and diving one is partially man maid other is beautiful clear waters ones outside of Valparaiso fl and ones in Niceville fl
Nice article,but I’d like to know where these springs are located. How about a map pointing out where in Florida they are located.
Nice work. Thank you!
DeLeon Springs are amazing the there is the Sugar Mill Pancake Restaurant. Lots of fun.
Juniper, ichetucknee, and Ginnie springs are my favorite. Ginnie is great for freediving. 3 great springs. one is like a fissure in the ground. i have youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZGyN3gp3K4
Yes the itch is awesome! So much fun.
I would add Deleon Springs to the ones also mentioned. Canoe trails are gorgeous there. Nice picnic area and a great day trip. Camping at Blue Springs is good and you can enter at multiple spots to float back to the ending spot.
You can take a 3 hour tube ride down the Ichetucknee for a nice day of fun. Oleno state park nearby for camping so you can get that early start for tubing.
I would highly recommend Seven Sisters and the Crack on the Chassahowitzka or “The Chaz”. There are several small underwater cave systems that you can swim through that are very cool. While you are there, you should also visit Weeki Wachee. We paddleboarded down river and it was awesome. You will most likely encounter some manatees.:)
If you are in the North Orlando area, you should paddle from Rock Springs to Wekiva Springs. You can visit Rock Springs State Park to see the actual head spring and then launch from King’s Landing, sand park another car at Wekiva Springs State Park. It is a very scenic 8-mile paddle. We have seen deer, boar, and lots of other wildlife along the way.
Blue Springs is not a far trip from here and is another great spot to visit. You can only swim and paddle in Blue Springs at certain times of the year because of the manatees so you want to check the website. Make sure to bring a mask as there are a ton of cool alligator gar and other fish that you can see as you tube or paddle in Blue Springs. You can launch from Blue Springs and paddle through Snake Creek to Hontoon Island and back. It is about 12 miles round trip.
If you have a chance to make it to the panhandle, there are several really cool springs in that area too. Cypress Springs on Holmes Creek and Morrison Springs are a must to visit along with the Ecofina.
Ginnie Springs and Blue Springs in Gainesville are excellent. Ginnie is a great place to camp and spend a couple days because there are so many springs to visit around the area.
If you go back to the Ocala area, you have to visit Juniper Springs and Silver Springs.
There are so many others that I haven’t touched on. We try to plan several paddle trips this time of year. You can check out some of the places we’ve been in my Facebook photo albums: https://www.facebook.com/monique.walker.1481/photos_albums
My friend, Justin Hayskar, who travels on these journeys with me has a you tube channel with lots of cool videos from many of the Springs that we have visited: Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPaQ1nv3ijQkwxkzEUlH_vw
If you ever need more information about any of the places we have visited, be sure to reach out to us! when we visit all of these amazing places throughout Florida, I’m reminded that we really do live in paradise!
Ichetucknee springs
Itchatucknee Springs has always been a family favorite of mine! Not sure of the spelling but should be easy to find. I believe it’s in Live Oak Fl.
this is great!! Thanks for the info. This is a mission of mine to visit as many springs as I can. I am an underwater photographer and recently photographed a maternity session at Blue Springs Park in High Springs and I looooooved it! Definitely worth to check out!
You can see my blog post with pics from the spring here…
https://photographybychristicurtis.blogspot.com/2015/03/underwater-maternity-session-in-one-of.html
The Devils den sounds amazing ( I heard about after I visited Manatee Springs Park) but I wonder if they allow photography. From their site, they seem strict with rules.
~ Christi
Thanks again and I can’t wait to see more!
There’s a nice spring near Devils Den called Blue Grotto – it’s pretty new, we have stopped in there twice since we came across it. We also just visited Manatee springs today for the first time and it was very pretty and peaceful.
Thank you for putting this together. I had no idea about springs in Florida until a friend mentioned it recently. My only question is, what about the Alligators?!! I am being serious(you can tell that I am not a Florida native,huh?!).
As for alligators, you just hope they stay away 🙂 but really they could go after you but most of these places have so many people splashing around the gators go do their thing elsewhere.
Vortex Springs! It is in north Florida but wow. Devil’s Den is a perfect diving place!
Silver springs
Nice
Wakulla?? 🙂
What about Wakulla Springs? I have been there many times when visiting family in Tallahassee. What a great time and fun I had. The Creature From the Black Lagoon was filmed there and a Tarzan movie. I still love this place. I loved jumping off the platform and swimming in the cool water in the summer.
I haven’t seen anyone suggest it yet, so you should definitely check out Rock Springs in Kelly Park in Apopka, FL. It’s a beautiful spring with crystal clear water, lots of fish and turtles, and very pretty rock formations. Tubing down the spring run is very popular and a lot of fun. Personally, I prefer to snorkel because you see so much more. You used to be able to sift through the sand and find shark’s teeth, but this place has grown huge in popularity, so they are difficult to find now. It’s still worth checking out though!
Juniper, off of 40 before Ocala heading west, is very cool. Great place for camping, a rock to jump off of into the swimming area, and the best part is the 7 mile canoe/kayak run that takes you through many different florida landscapes.
please send me info
Blue springs is a great one to check out also! Amazing camping, amazing springs, and a great bridge you can walk along to the river
Love this article, thanks for posting! Looking forward to checking out some of these places 🙂
You need to check out. Juniper springs, fl. It is off SR 40 in the Ocala national forest. Very nice.
We definitely will on round 2! Thank you!
Mar23Tracie Looks like a great time Tammy. We have very similar crreautes over here called Dugongs. In fact, I am taking an excursion to the Sydney Aquarium tomorrow to view the brand new Dugong enclosure. Unfortuntely there is no opportunity to swim with them. Flights are only $1500 at the moment. It is so tempting to come over.
You are Great
WHERE WERE YOU TWO WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IN FLORIDA 30+ YEARS AGO?! 😉
Great blog post!!!!!!
Thanks for the tips – looking for more places to explore the next time I make it back down to Florida and this list was very informational. 🙂 Bookmarking some of these places on my map now!
I didn’t know there was so much to see in Florida! Thank you so much for sharing this, I wouldn’t have known. These look like great places for an adventure.
As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can benefit me.
Thank you
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These all look amazing! I have only been to Silver Springs so far, but want to visit them all. Thanks for the info. Right now I am looking to just swim and maybe float on a raft in gator free waters. Where are there no gators?
Thanks so much for publishing this article with so much helpful snorkeling orientation. I will be on vacation in Florida soon, don’t have time to visit all of the springs, but was looking for a guide to some that are more interesting for snorkeling. This helps me focus.
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Thanks so much for writing about these springs from a snorkeling orientation. I am traveling to Florida soon and would like to visit one or two springs that are the most interesting for adult snorkeling specifically. This helps me to focus.