It’s the steamy summertime in Florida and many Sunshine State residents are undoubtedly looking for ways to be outside without melting and without intruding upon the six-foot-social distance bubble of others.
Luckily, this peninsula offers hundreds of natural springs with crystal clear water and countless miles of shoreline to explore. And while splashing around in the water can be fun, snorkeling can provide an opportunity to observe marine animals and plants up close.
Some destinations will rent snorkeling gear to visitors. Other places will require guests to bring their own, but a starter kit with a mask, snorkel and fins can be found starting around $40.
Here are 11 Florida destinations where you can swim with the fishies and get up close with marine life.
Alexander Springs
Visitors to Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest can enjoy a first-magnitude spring with 72-degree waters for swimming and recreation. The broad, shallow spring basin makes the swimming area easily accessible for snorkelers of all ages.
After checking out bluegill and other life in the water, find a spot to enjoy a picnic in the Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Kayaking and canoeing are other popular activities along the spring run. Hiking and biking are also available. Admission is $6 per person.
Address: 49525 County Road 445 in Altoona
More information: fs.usda.gov
Silver Glen Springs
Snorkelers at Silver Glen Springs in Ocala National Forest will likely see hundreds of fish congregated near the first-magnitude spring boil, enjoying the cool and refreshing water. About 65 million gallons of 72-degree water is discharged daily from two large vents.
The surrounding recreation area and waterway also offer chances for paddling, picnicking and hiking. Scuba diving is not allowed at Silver Glen Springs, but snorkeling is perfectly fine. Admission is $6 per person.
Address: 5271 State Road 19 in Salt Springs
More information: fs.usda.gov
Salt Springs
This second-magnitude spring gets its name from the potassium, magnesium and sodium present in the water, giving it a slight salinity. Swim down to experience spring water rising from cracks deep within the earth.
Visitors can also launch boats from the nearby Salt Springs Marina, or enjoy fishing, hiking and picnicking in the area. Camping is available at Salt Springs Recreation Area. Admission is a $6.50 per person day-use fee.
Address: 13851 State Route 19 in Fort McCoy
More information: fs.usda.gov
Ginnie Springs
Situated about 45 minutes northwest of Gainesville, privately-owned Ginnie Springs welcomes in recreationists for swimming, diving, snorkeling, tubing, paddling and more. Gaze down into the second-magnitude spring with 72-degree clear water.
A campground is also available on the property. Daily adult admission costs $14.02 Sunday-Wednesday and $19.40 Thursday-Saturday but could increase during holidays and holiday weekends.
Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road in High Springs
More information: ginniespringsoutdoors.com
Blue Spring
Blue Spring is a gem among Central Florida’s springs, offering an oasis just 45 minutes north of Orlando for swimmers, tubers and snorkelers alike. Dive down toward the first-magnitude spring that discharges around 100 million gallons of 72-degree water daily.
Though Blue Spring is known for its manatee population in winter, it also makes for a great summer oasis for humans looking to cool off. Admission is $6 per vehicle. Be sure to show up early, especially on weekends, to ensure entry.
Address: 2100 W French Ave. in Orange City
More information: floridastateparks.org
Wekiwa Springs
Just a stone’s throw from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs presents a big, clear natural swimming hole for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Jump in with snorkeling gear to explore the second-magnitude spring pumping out 43 million gallons of water per day.
Admission is $6 per vehicle. Be sure to show up early, especially on weekends and holidays, to ensure entry to the park.
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle in Apopka
More information: floridastateparks.org
Rainbow Springs
Representing the fourth-largest spring in Florida, Rainbow Springs produces 490 million gallons of water daily, which spills out into the Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River. Swim in the cool head springs with snorkel gear to see Floridian fish and vegetation in sapphire-blue waters.
Alternatively, enjoy the spring run on a tube, canoe or kayak. Admission is $2 per person.
Address: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road in Dunnellon
More information: floridastateparks.org
Phil Foster Park at Blue Heron Bridge
The waters near Blue Heron Bridge are renowned among divers and snorkelers for being clear and full of sea creatures, boat wrecks and statues. At this Palm Beach County destination, a snorkeling trail made of limestone boulders and an artificial reef awaits swimming visitors.
More adventurous visitors can scuba dive to get an even better view of the site’s offerings. Or spend time on land with a beach and playground, perhaps taking some time to splash around in the shallows. Fishing is also allowed from the fishing pier and boat ramps are available at the park.
Address: 900 E. Blue Heron Blvd. in Riviera Beach
More information: discover.pbcgov.org
Cato’s Bridge
Cato’s Bridge in Palm Beach County connects Jupiter Island with the mainland. Beneath it, snorkelers can find the bridge’s pillars and underwater reefs full of sea life.
With Jupiter Inlet and the Loxahatchee River nearby, the water near Cato’s Bridge contains manatees, stingrays, myriad fish and sometimes dolphins and sea turtles. Nearby, visit the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum.
Address: South Beach Road in Tequesta
Crystal River
Especially during the cooler winter months, snorkelers in Crystal River and Kings Bay might be lucky enough to swim right alongside manatees. Navigate up to Three Sisters Springs in your own vessel, then get out to swim for a chance of spotting the giant sea cows.
There are also a number of outfitters offering snorkeling trips geared toward helping visitors swim with manatees. Just be sure not to touch Florida’s beloved gentle giants.
Address: 440 SE Kings Bay Drive in Crystal River
More information: discovercrystalriverfl.com
Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is a prehistoric spring about 30 minutes outside of Gainesville, known as a popular spot among scuba divers. Nowadays it is also appreciated among snorkelers, but those who first discovered the swimming hole watched the steam rising from the spring and assumed it was Satan’s lair.
Since we now know that isn’t true, visitors travel in droves to check out this spring, which is estimated to be at least 10,000 years old. Snorkeling is now available by reservation only. Admission is $15 per person on weekdays and $22 per person on weekends and holidays. Snorkeling equipment rental is extra.
Address: 5390 N.E. 180th Ave. in Williston
More information: devilsden.com
Do you have suggestions for my next destination or just want to get in touch? Find me on Twitter @PConnPie, Instagram @PConnPie or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Want more travel news? Sign up for the travel newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
