Discover the Real Florida by Visiting One of These Natural Springs
Florida’s natural springs are hidden gems of crystal-clear water, lush surroundings, and abundant wildlife. If you’re looking for a refreshing swim, a thrilling snorkeling adventure, or a peaceful paddling trip, these springs offer some of the best outdoor experiences in the Sunshine State.
10 of the Best Natural Springs in Florida
From the iconic glass-bottom boats of Silver Springs to the magical mermaids of Weeki Wachee, each spring has its own unique charm. Let’s dive into the best natural springs in Florida and discover what makes them so special!
1. Salt Springs - Best for Boating
Salt Springs, located in the Ocala National Forest, is one of Florida’s most unique natural springs, known for its high mineral content and clear waters. It’s a fantastic destination for boaters due to its direct access to Lake George, the second-largest lake in Florida, and its connection to the St. Johns River. Boaters can anchor right at the entrance to the spring and swim in to enjoy the cool spring water.
Salt Springs has a boat ramp that leads directly to Salt Springs Run, a scenic, slow-moving waterway that flows about five miles into Lake George. And unlike many natural springs in Florida, Salt Springs contains a mix of salt and freshwater due to underground mineral deposits. This creates a diverse ecosystem where you might see both freshwater and saltwater fish species, along with manatees, otters, and crabs.
Salt Springs is great for boating, swimming, and snorkeling, and offers canoe and kayak rentals
2. Homosassa Springs - Best for Manatees
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is one of Florida’s best places to see manatees up close, offering a unique blend of wildlife conservation, scenic beauty, and educational experiences. Located in Homosassa Florida near Crystal River, this park is home to both wild and captive manatees, making it an ideal destination for anyone eager to learn about and observe these gentle giants.
The park provides a sanctuary for injured or non-releasable manatees, meaning visitors can see them no matter the season. In winter wild manatees also gather in the warm spring waters, making for even more incredible sightings.
The park is home to rescued animals that cannot survive in the wild. Through educational programs and exhibits, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Florida’s unique ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
The unique Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory allows visitors to see manatees and fish beneath the surface of the crystal-clear spring. Visitors can explore the park via elevated boardwalks and paved trails, which are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. These pathways wind through lush habitats, providing a bird’s-eye view of native Florida wildlife, including rescued animals like panthers, black bears, and river otters.
3. Ginnie Springs - Best for Tubing
Ginnie Springs, a privately owned nature park in northern Florida, is renowned for its exceptional river tubing experiences. The park spans over 250 wooded acres along the Santa Fe River. The pristine clarity of the springs enhances the tubing experience, allowing tubers to appreciate the underwater scenery as they float downstream. Visitors can bring their own tubes, rafts, paddleboards, or any floating device, offering flexibility and convenience.
Beyond tubing, Ginnie Springs offers snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities. The park also provides camping sites, covered pavilions, picnic areas with grills, and beach volleyball courts, making it a comprehensive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ginnie Springs is perfect for an afternoon with friends, camping, river tubing, and swimming.
4. Juniper Springs - Best for Camping
Juniper Springs is one of Florida’s oldest and most beautiful natural springs, known to be a favorite among nature enthusiasts for decades. The spring’s bright turquoise water is surrounded by towering palms and old-growth oaks, and the 1,300-foot boardwalk trail offers a relaxing walk through dense forests and bubbling creeks.
Juniper Springs is famous for Juniper Run, a 7-mile winding canoe and kayak trail through an untouched wilderness. This is often considered one of the best paddle routes in Florida, with clear water and abundant wildlife including otters, turtles, and birds. The Juniper Springs Recreation Area Campground provides spacious, shaded campsites just a short walk away from the natural spring swimming area.
Juniper Springs is in the Ocala National Forest, creating the perfect location for camping, swimming, and paddling.
5. Silver Springs - Best Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Silver Springs is celebrated as one of the best natural springs in Florida, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Silver Springs has been a renowned tourist destination since the 1870s, making it one of Florida’s first attractions. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and numerous bird species, offering ample opportunities for wildlife observation.
A highlight of Silver Springs is its iconic glass bottom boat tours. These tours provide a window into the underwater world, allowing guests to observe the springs’ clear waters and aquatic life without getting wet. The boats have been a staple of the park since the 1870s, offering a unique perspective on the springs’ beauty.
Silver Springs is an amazing place for paddling, boat tours, and exploring nature. Swimming in the Silver River is not allowed.
6. Rainbow Springs - Best for Swimming
Rainbow Springs State Park is celebrated as one of Florida’s premier destinations for swimming, thanks to its crystal-clear water. Like most springs the headsprings maintain a constant temperature of 72°F year-round, providing a refreshing experience, especially during the warmer months. The designated swimming area features depths ranging from 5 to 18 feet, making it suitable for both casual swimmers and snorkelers.
Beyond swimming, the Rainbow River offers excellent opportunities for floating adventures. Visitors can easily paddle downstream using kayaks or canoes. Alternatively, swimming or snorkeling along the river provides an intimate experience with the aquatic ecosystem, allowing for close-up views of fish and submerged vegetation.
Rainbow Springs State Park has a dedicated swimming zone and a large concession area. Or, rent a vessel and paddle the gorgeous Rainbow River.
7. Poe Springs - Best for Paddling
Located north of Gainesville, Poe Springs is the largest spring in Alachua County, pumping 45 million gallons of cool, clear water daily. It’s a family-friendly destination, perfect for swimming and paddling. The shallow water makes it a great spot for families with children. While scuba diving isn’t allowed, visitors can snorkel and explore a small underwater cave with depths reaching 25 feet.
Poe Springs is an ideal destination for kayaking and paddling, thanks to its direct access to the Santa Fe River. This allows paddlers to launch from the spring run and explore miles of unspoiled Florida wilderness. The calm waters make it a perfect paddle for beginners and families. While paddling, you may spot turtles, otters, wading birds, and even manatees during cooler months.
Launch from the park and paddle upstream for a challenge or downstream for an easy ride.
8. Weeki Wachee Springs - Best for Mermaids
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is renowned as Florida’s premier destination for experiencing live mermaid performances. Established in 1947, the park has captivated visitors with its unique underwater shows, where “mermaids” execute choreographed routines in the cold and clear spring waters. These performances are viewed from a submerged 400-seat auditorium, providing an immersive experience that has become a cherished Florida tradition.
In addition to the mermaid performances, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers a variety of attractions, including Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed water park. There are also opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding on the beautiful Weeki Wachee River.
Weeki Wachee Springs has something for everyone- swimming, tubing, water slides, and even a beach area!
9. Devil's Den Spring - Best Spring in a Cave
Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring is one of Florida’s most unique natural springs, famous for its underground cavern. Located in Williston, Florida, this privately owned spring is a must-visit destination for scuba divers and snorkelers looking for an otherworldly adventure. The cavern features stalactites, rock formations, and a depth of 54 feet.
Unlike most Florida springs, Devil’s Den is inside a prehistoric underground cave with an open ceiling, allowing sunlight to stream in and illuminate the clear blue water below. The spring stays a chilly 72°F year-round, and in cold weather steam rising from the cave gives it the eerie “Devil’s Den” name. This prehistoric spring has yielded fossils dating back to the Pleistocene era, including remains of extinct animals like mastodons and saber-toothed cats.
The only way to enter the spring is by reservation for scuba diving or snorkeling, making it a bucket-list spot for underwater adventurers.
10. Ichetucknee Springs - Best for Snorkeling
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is one of the clearest and most pristine springs in the state, making it an amazing destination for snorkeling. This protected natural spring system is located in North Florida and feeds the Ichetucknee River. Snorkelers can see a variety of wildlife, including freshwater fish, turtles, otters, and even manatees during colder months.
The park has several spring heads, including Blue Hole Spring and the Ichetucknee Headspring, both offering fantastic snorkeling opportunities. Blue Hole Spring, the largest spring in the park, is especially popular with more experienced snorkelers due to its deep, cavernous opening.
Unlike some other springs, Ichetucknee’s slow-moving current makes it easy to snorkel without fighting strong currents, making it a great choice for all skill levels.
Florida’s natural springs are true wonders of nature, offering year-round beauty, adventure, and relaxation. If you’re planning on snorkeling in Devil’s Den, tubing down the Ichetucknee River, or paddling through the serene waters of Rainbow Springs, these breathtaking destinations provide an unforgettable escape into Florida’s wild beauty.
Happy Travels!
These all look sooooo inviting, especially crystal river with the manatees!! I was surprised that so many of these gorgeous springs are good for swimming – do you not need to worry about gators?
We visit family regularly in Florida–saving this for our next visit. Though we’ve tried a few natural springs in FL, we’ve missed many others of these.
I have been to a few springs in Florida, but I would love to go back and visit some more. Seeing the manatees are my favorite!