Some of the hottest spots in Florida are actually some of the chilliest – the natural springs. Being that it can stay in and around the 80s and 90s in the summer and strangely most of the year nowadays, the Florida Blue Springs State Park is a great way to cool off in the summer.
It stays at a crisp 73 degrees, and is a spectacular snorkeling adventure like no other. The reason behind the spring is the underground aquifer, which pumps over 100 million gallons of water into the springs each day. That’s correct, I brought home that fun factoid when I last visited Blue Springs.
Snorkeling Florida
Blue Springs State Park
The crystal clear fresh water allows for near perfect views underwater – of fish, manatee, turtles, otter and more. And I’ll talk about the size of the fish – huge! I have never swam so close and be surrounded by the number and size of these fish anywhere else. Not to mention the spring being clearer than any body of water, this adventure spot is quite the hidden gem. I could have snorkeled the spring for hours – but because of the current coming from the boil at the top of the spring – it’s quite a workout swimming around.
But that is part of the fun – you can snorkel, dive the actual boil, and tube down the spring in relaxation. And maybe even pass by a manatee along the way. The spring itself is only about a quarter mile long, but there is access to get out and walk back up to the top to float back down the spring.
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The springs may be the highlight for the locals and tourists, but during the winter months (when swimming is off limits) it is taken over by manatees that come looking for warmer water in the winter months. It’s an amazing site to watch from the boardwalk that runs along the outside of the spring and catch a glimpse of hundreds of manatees gathered together.
There is also hiking, camping, kayaking and canoeing, fishing and boat tours at the park. None of which has to do with the spring itself, but the park in general is definitely a fun day trip, too – only $6 to get in, and $2 to rent a tube.
And if that hasn’t convinced you enough to make Blue Springs one of your bucket list destinations, then watch the video I compiled of my last adventures to Blue Springs. You won’t be disappointed. So grab some snorkel gear and a tube, and explore the Florida Blue Springs!
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[Watch the underwater video!]
Beautiful pictures! It has been awhile since I have been snorkling. Your pictures make me want to go on a warm trip!
Wow; this looks incredible. And it’s especially alluring now that it’s so cold where I am! I’ve definitely added it to my list of places to see. Thanks so much for sharing!
This is beautiful! I have been wanting to go there so I am glad to know the snorkeling is amazing! I am a diver so I love anything like this!
Gorgeous photos! I love how colorful everything is. It looks like you had a fun trip too!
Gorgeous! When I think of Florida, I usually think of beaches so this would be a whole new experience!
This looked incredible! I had never heard of it before but I will be definitely be keeping it in mind! Thanks so much!
I love this! I’ve never even heard of this before but I have now put this on my bucket list! Your descriptions are AMAZING. Thanks for sharing this, as I would have never heard of it if I wouldn’t have found your blog! ❤️
Awesome!! I am glad I could add to your bucket list! The descriptions and pictures don’t do this place justice, honestly 🙂
I used to go snorkling on the springs when I was in College (UF) and enjoyed it so much, no days I see many people going to these springs. Thank you for featuring one of the places I used to go camping for 4 years in a row 🙂
That’s awesome! Yeah, unfortunately weekends in the summer the springs get packed to the brim, so there’s less wildlife. But I go early enough on a weekday when those are still in school – and there’s not a soul! Thanks for commenting!
Wow stunning photos! And looks like you had a great time!
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Thank you, Lex! Fun, but super cold! 73 degree water is bone chilling for 90 degree weather! Haha