Florida has more scenic beauty to offer than just its beautiful Gulf beaches, historic cities and sultry nightlife – we also have some of the purest springs in the country. If kayaking down a crystal clear spring, basking in the sunshine while listening to music completely surrounded by vegetation and wildlife sound like a good day to you – then you need to come to Florida. By the way, that is EXACTLY how some of my favorite afternoons play out!
Blue Springs State Park
Blue springs is the largest spring on the St. Johns River and it stays a cool 73 degrees year round. Like most of the Florida springs, it is a designated Manatee Refuge and a winter home to the growing population of West Indian Manatees. Enjoy seasonal swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking!
Three Sisters Springs
Located in the heart of Crystal River, Florida – Three Sisters Springs is probably one of the BEST place to spot the manatees during the winter months mid November to late March. Please be aware – many people think that it is ok to ‘swim with the manatees’ but you can get a hefty fine while disrupting nature so be a good human and do not touch. The manatee sanctuaries are marked with signs and swimming, paddling and other human activities are prohibited – but if your snorkeling you will have an amazing opportunity to see the manatees outside the roped off areas!
Ginnie Springs
There are several ways to enjoy Ginnie Springs – float, camp or dive into your next adventure! Perhaps the best cave systems ( and most infamous) known to the Florida are here at Ginnie. Certified divers can explore the Devils Spring System, the Ginnie Ballroom and the Santa Fe River. Divers brave enough to descend to the bottom will be rewarded with a breath-taking view as they look skyward – gasp! Ginnie Cavern is among the handful of sites that experts consider sufficiently safe to allow exploration by divers who lack formal cavern or cave diver training.
Silver Glen Springs
Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Ocala National Forest at Silver Glen Springs. The river is one of the most beautiful and is protected land within the National Park. With three launching points, you have the option to paddle the entire 5.4 mile river, or enjoy shorter sections at your leisure.
Ichetucknee River: Fort White
The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. This spring is also home to the Blue Hole – an intricate cave system sought out by many! This complex cave system has been measured at nearly 600 feet of twisting passages, some large and cavernous, others with barely enough room to turn around.
Rainbow Springs
Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been using this spring for nearly 10,000 years. Rainbow Springs is also the fourth largest spring in the state. Rainbow Springs feels like an untouched piece of history that you just won’t find anywhere else. In early spring, the azalea plants are in full bloom and the colors are just gorgeous! You can also find the waterfall – and trust me, there isn’t many of those here in Florida.
Proper Spring Etiquette
Unless you grew up around the springs – I doubt many outsiders could understand the fragile and beautiful ecosystems supported by our springs. It is important to me to educate everyone I can on how to enjoy the springs without harming any of the animals who call it home.
- Don’t bring any plastic with you to the springs and always discard trash items in a container. Trash damages our springs and many animals mistake it for food, choke and die
- Do not wear harmful sunblock that can harm the fragile ecosystem (badger brand is recommended and you can purchase it at Target)
- No loud noises on the river. You will scare all local wildlife
- Do not touch any manatees. It is against the law and completely unnecessary
- Do not “chase” manatees on your kayak or paddle board. Please admire from a distance.
- Respect the waters and the spring systems – we are simply visitors and we want these springs to support wildlife for centuries to come.
