07 Feb The Best Florida Springs
Florida World Class Springs
Florida has more freshwater springs than any place on earth. The state DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) lists over 1,000 springs in the state. There’s no exact number on record. Learn more about Florida World Class Springs!
Thirty three of the springs are classified as “first magnitude”, which means they gush out water from the aquifer at the rate exceeding 100 cubic feet per second. That means they could fill an Olympic sized swimming pool in a matter of minutes.
Most of the springs are found in Central and North Florida. Almost all are north of Interstate 4.
Many are located in state parks, and national forests. They are also the home of manatees, who are drawn to the springs as a warm water (72 degrees) refuge in the winter.
Floridians love to swim and dive in the springs. Other than the beach, they are the state’s top attraction for people who want to get wet. The springs stay at a pretty consistent 72 degrees year around. Warm for manatees, but cold for us humans. If you plan to spend any amount of time in the water a wet suit is recommended.
Any list of the top springs has to start with the first magnitude springs. They the ones that draw the biggest crowds. My list of top springs is drawn from my personal experiences. It is not meant to be scientific or better than someone else’s list. Just follow along, and judge for yourself.
My list is composed only of springs that are accessible on public lands. The popular Ginnie Springs near High Springs is not on the list because it is privately owned.
Here’s my dazzling dozen of Florida World Class Springs in no particular order:
Three Sister’s Spring (Kings Bay, Crystal River)
Manatee at 3 Sisters Spring. Photo by Kathy Jones
This is the largest spring in the King’s Bay network, and most noted as the only place in Florida where you can actually get in the water and swim with manatees. Manatee season is roughly late November to March. There are outfitters who provide you with all the swim gear and transport you to the spring head. You can also go with kayak outfitters, many offering the popular see-thru kayaks. Hundreds of manatees crowd into the spring during cold snaps. Florida World Class Springs
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs (State Park in Volusia County)
This spring flows out to the St. Johns River, near Orange City. Nearly a thousand manatees have been known to pack the spring run in the winter months. Admission during manatee season is a challenge, as the parking lots fill up early. If you can’t get there early, then your chances of admission improve in the afternoon as people leave. No swimming or paddling is allowed in the spring run when manatees are present.
Weeki Wachee Spring (State Park in Hernando County)
Famous for its underwater mermaid shows, this spring is also a manatee haven during the winter. Its underwater cave network is believed to be the deepest spring in the country.
Homosassa Spring (State Park in Citrus County)
This spring is part of the park that has become an open air zoo, home of native Florida animals that cannot be returned to the wild because of injuries…like black bears, Florida panthers, Red Wolf, Key Deer. Some manatees can be found here year-round. Florida World Class Springs
Silver Springs (State Park in Ocala)
Silver Springs
Just outside the city limits of Ocala, Silver Springs is one of the most historic and visited springs in the state. It is famous for its Glass Bottom Boat tours of the spring and river. Manatees can be found here in the winter. You can also find monkeys along the Silver River, ancestors of primates that were released here after the filming of a Tarzan movie nearly a century ago. Florida World Class Springs
Wekiwa Springs (State Park in Seminole County)
This is the closest spring to Orlando, and one of the hardest to get admission to in the summer and spring break. The park has experimented with a timed reservation system during peak months. There are no manatees in the spring, but some can be found in the Wekiwa River where it flows to the St. Johns River.
You can also visit King’s Landing, Rock Springs, in nearby Apopka. It gets crowded too, so arriving early is recommended.
Wakulla Springs (State Park south of Tallahassee)
This is another spring with a Hollywood history. The Creature from the Black Lagoon was filmed here in 1954. A Tarzan movie was shot here in 1941. The large spring and river are explored on boat tours, or you can bring your own kayak. The Wakulla Lodge dates back to the 1920’s and has been restored to reflect its early history. The restaurant is staffed by hospitality majors from Florida State University. This a probably my favorite spring, because of stays at the lodge and the restaurant.
Ichetucknee Springs (Fort White, near Lake City)
This spring is best noted for its tranquil tubing downstream on the Ichetucknee River. There are two spring heads, one that accesses a deep cave network that only certified cave divers are allowed entry to.
Silver Glen Spring (Ocala National Forest in Marion County)
There are several large springs in the national forest that are bigger than Silver Glen, but this spring get high marks because it is less crowded, and the water quality is amazingly clear.
Rainbow Springs (Dunnellon)
This spring and river network are among my favorites for paddling, and floating along while snorkeling (tethered to your kayak). Readily accessed from the Tampa Bay and Orlando regions, this park draws big crowds. I’ve never seen a manatee here, but there are alligators in the river.
Manatee Springs (near Chiefland)
This spring feeds into the Suwannee River, and manatees will herd up here during the winter months. Swimming is not allowed when manatees are present. I’ve never been to this spring, but it’s on my to-do list.
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