12 Best Natural Springs to Visit in Florida in 2022

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When you think of Florida, you may envision its glistening white-sand beaches. The state is also known for its natural beauty beyond the beaches, including the Everglades, mangrove forests, and pristine natural freshwater springs. Almost 700 naturally beautiful natural springs sprinkled throughout the state offer nearly perfect tranquil turquoise water with temperatures of 72 degrees bubbling up from their limestone floors. Most springs are associated with underwater caves, making for ideal snorkeling and scuba diving adventures. Kayaks and canoes traverse the canals that feed into local rivers. All the springs offer their own natural beauty to visitors.

We’ve done our research to bring you our choices for the top springs to visit in Florida.

12 Best Natural Springs in Florida

1. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

The spring is called Crystal River for a reason. The springs are so clear that the spring floor is visible through the crystal-clear water. The spring is also home to abundant wildlife, including the protected manatees. These creatures are vital to the ecosystem, and to protect them, vehicles are not allowed into the park springs. Instead, visitors must reach the spring via kayak, canoes, or paddleboards. The spring is also home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers 57 acres of wetlands. It is easy to see why this beauty is ranked as one of the best springs in Florida.

2. Madison Blue Spring State Park, Lee

Madison Blue Spring State Park is located around 70 miles east of Tallahassee. The freshwater spring is famous amongst locals and visitors alike. The spring is 25 feet deep, almost 82 feet wide, and surrounded by forest. Many adventure seekers rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the spring.

Like Three Sisters Springs, the water is crystal clear and an ideal Florida Spring to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. You can see sea creatures such as Catfish, turtles, and sunfish living in the mineral spring; if you are an experienced diver, you can head to the underwater caves to see even more amazing marine life.

3. Ginnie Springs, High Springs

Ginnie Springs is part of several springs linked together by the Santa Fe River. The spring is one of the most popular natural springs and offers clear water with a sandy limestone bottom that reflects the sun’s rays to make the water look even brighter. The spring is in a lagoon with tall trees forming a canopy over the tunnel leading to the spring. Many tourists rent rafts to float along the spring.

4. Homosassa Springs, Homosassa

Homosassa Springs comprises nearly 30 springs in the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. They all create one of the largest springs in Florida with a massive volume of headspring flows of water per second. The water is a combination of fresh and salted, so there is abundant marine life for both types of water in the spring, including manatees. The spring includes an Underwater Observatory for visitors to see the manatees in their natural habitat. In addition, other natural wildlife, including red wolves, black bears, alligators, and the Florida panther, can be found on the land. These Florida springs are approximately 86 miles northwest of Orlando and make a great day trip destination.

5. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee

This spring is located about an hour north of Tampa and is famous for its mermaid show. In the spring, no swimming is allowed, but kayaking and canoeing are permitted in the translucent waterway.

The spring connects to the Weeki Wachee River, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico.

6. Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon

Rainbow Springs is over 1000 years old, making it one of Florida’s most ancient freshwater springs. It is gorgeous and offers a 72-degree temperature throughout the year. The depth of the spring ranges between five and 18 feet. Rainbow Springs turns into a floral oasis during the spring, and waterfalls lie in wait for exploration.

7. Ichetucknee Springs, Fort White

Ichetucknee Springs consists of nine gleaming natural freshwater springs in Florida. Floodplain forests line the springs with several varieties of trees, including oak, pine, cypress, and more. The water is perfectly turquoise and home to precious wildlife. The spring is considered one of the best in Florida, with canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving experiences. Boats with motors are not permitted in the area, but intertubes are allowed along the six-mile expanse of the river.

8. Ponce de Leon Springs, Ponce de Leon

Ponce de Leon Springs is named after the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. This lovely Florida spring produces more than fourteen million gallons of water daily in the mainspring. The state park where the spring resides also offers hiking trails through the forest and picnic pavilions and grills.

9. Devil’s Den Spring, Williston

Devil’s Den is considered a unique Florida natural freshwater spring located in a prehistoric cave. The spring is sizable at 120 feet wide and as deep as 54 feet at its deepest part.

It’s also 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The spring is now a privately-owned scuba diving center, so you’ll have to pay an admission fee upon entry. You will also have to snorkel or scuba dive to enjoy the venue, as mere swimming is not allowed.

10. Juniper Springs, Silver Springs

Juniper Springs offers a serene recreational experience with clear water and 72 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. The spring encourages jumping and has a platform for perfecting your jump or cannonball. The spring is located in the Juniper Springs Recreation Area of the park.

11. Alexander Springs, Altoona

Alexander Springs is located in the Ocala Natural Forest and is an excellent spot for snorkeling. The underwater experience is brimming with marine life, including fish, turtles, and other creatures. The spring pours almost 70 million gallons of water every day and is an excellent destination for families.

12. Silver Glen Springs, Silver Springs

Silver Glen Springs offers a glass-bottom boat tour to see the underwater beauty.

Within a setting of a forest filled with pine, oak, and cedar trees in the Ocala National Forest, this is an authentic freshwater spring experience. Unfortunately, the spring does not allow swimming, but the views are incredible.

Other famous freshwater springs in Florida include:

• Wakulla Springs is located 30 miles south of Tallahassee with 10 miles of trails.
• Salt Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest in Salt Springs State Park and pumps about 53 million gallons of water per day.
• Warm Mineral Springs, North Port, is Florida’s only natural mineral spring with 85-degree temperatures.
• Gilchrist Blue Springs, High Spring is located in Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and pumps out 44 million gallons of water per day.
• Rock Springs, Kelly Park, Apopka is located just north of Orlando, Florida, and is excellent for families.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prettiest spring in Florida?

Rainbow Springs could be considered the most beautiful of the state’s springs.

What is the clearest spring in Florida?

Ginnie Springs has some of the most transparent waters of all the natural springs, with a composition of seven springs, white sand, and caves. Ginnie Springs a must for any cave divers or snorkelers.

Which is better, Blue Springs or Ginnie Springs?

Ginnie Springs is ideal for young tourists and college students looking for a lively atmosphere and fun tubing down the Santa Fe River. Blue Springs is more laid back with a lot of nature and is excellent for families.

What is the hottest spring in Florida?

Warm Mineral Spring is one of the hottest springs in Florida, with heated water reaching 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm Mineral Springs is one of only a few known freshwater hot springs in Florida and the only one with public access.

Does Florida have the most natural springs?

Many scientists believe Florida may have the most considerable convergence of freshwater springs on the planet, with over 700. Hydrological springs are naturally occurring places where water flows from the aquifer (underground) to the surface.

What should I bring to Florida springs?

1. Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask with snorkel

In many of Florida’s springs, you will likely be swimming with the marine animals that live in the water. If you bring along snorkeling gear , you can try to to see them as you are swimming! An alternative to snorkeling gear is a pair of swimming goggles. However, if you choose goggles, you will have to come up for air, unlike a snorkel mask. A snorkel mask is the best option if you want to see the most wildlife underwater without interruption.

2. Waterproof phone case

Bring a waterproof phone case so you can take pictures in the Florida spring water.

3. Sunscreen

The tropical sun can cause sunburn when visiting any of the Florida Springs. Be sure to protect your skin!

4. Swimsuit or swim clothes

Ideally, you may consider wearing a swim shirt to entirely protect your skin against the sun. In addition, swim shirts create protection without you having to reapply sunscreen continuously.

5. Water shoes

Many people swim barefoot in the springs. However, water shoes are an option if you prefer to protect your feet. They are also great for the beach.

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What are the coldest springs in Florida?

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is home to the coldest Florida spring, With temperatures at a constant 68 degrees year-round, this mineral spring is an excellent place to cool off on a warm summer day. It is in Holmes County in North Florida near the Choctawhatchee River.

Why is Ginnie Springs so clear?

Any time you visit the natural freshwater springs of Florida, you may find it irresistible to jump in or at least enjoy the surface in a kayak or tube. Nearly all the springs are surrounded by trees and vegetation, and the springs are often a beautiful turquoise. Some are so clear that kayakers photographed on them appear as if they were floating on air. The purity of the water at Ginnie Springs is so clear that the Coca-Cola Company has a permit to extract up to 600,000 gallons a day from a deeply placed well in the springs. The well is the source of some of its Dasani water products. The water temperatures range from 68 to 72 degrees.

How old are the Florida springs?

According to state geologists, Florida springs were formed 20–25 million years ago.

Does Florida have the most springs in the world?

Many scientists believe Florida does have the most freshwater springs on the planet, with over 700.

Is Ginnie Springs Open year-round?

Yes, the spring is open the entire year. The weather is temperate nearly the whole year in the state, which makes the Florida spring is a great travel destination even in the winter.

Are all of Florida’s springs in state parks?

Some of the springs in Florida are privately owned. However, 15 state parks protect and preserve most natural springs and allow public access. For example, the Ponce de Leon State Park has 68-degree water daily and is known as the “fountain of youth.” One of Florida’s deepest springs is Edward Ball Wakula Springs State Park which includes a dive tower for avid swimmers and divers.

Summary

From well-known Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Blue Spring, and Ginnie Spring to some of the lesser known naturally occurring springs in Florida, there is no shortage of freshwater spring experiences to explore in the Sunshine State. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and general discovery of wildlife are at hand for all those ready to go on an adventure.