OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Florida is home to a variety of natural springs with diverse ecosystems, clear waters, lively wildlife and breathtaking views. Many of the springs are protected by the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act of 2016 for their ecological significance in an effort to preserve water quality and promote aquifer recharge. With vast histories and plenty of activities, here are some of the tranquil and captivating springs in the 352.
Devil’s Den Spring
The Devil’s Den is a lush cave with a natural, prehistoric spring. The cave is limited to snorkeling and scuba diving, however the site features camping in tents, RVs and rentable cabins. On-site is John’s Oasis, a swimming pond where guests can snorkel, scuba dive and swim. Snorkeling requires masks, snorkel and fins with rentals available. Scuba divers do not have access to caves, must have an open water diving certification or above and must have a diving partner.
The cave is located at 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston with hours of operation from Mondays-Thursdays from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Fridays-Sunday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Scuba diving is $48 with rental gear available, including air fills for $10.50, full gear for $60 and partial gear for varying prices. Devil’s Den snorkeling is $30 with rentals available for mask, snorkel and fins at $5.50 for each item. John’s Oasis is $15 per person, $10 with a dive admission and free with lodging or snorkeling reservation. Reservations are required for snorkeling.
Learn more here.
Fanning Springs State Park
Fanning Springs State Park is home to a headspring connected to the nearby Suwannee River. Guests can scuba dive, swim, snorkel, paddle, hand launch and fish. Land activities feature walking, hiking, enjoying a playground, camping, visiting the amphitheater, visiting the ranger station, staying in a cabin and more. They feature pavilions and a snack bar for convenience on-site.
The park is located at 18020 NW U.S. HWY 19, Fanning Springs with hours of operation from 8 a.m. to sundown daily. Tickets are $6 per vehicle or $2 per person if entering from the Suwannee River.
Learn more here.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa Springs is home to a wildlife preservation, and no end to educational and fun-filled activities. Some of the water-based activities include swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing and more. Land-based activities include wildlife observation points, walking and hiking trails, boat tours, geocaching, picnics, camping, horseback riding, underwater viewing in the fishbowl and tours. They also host educational manatee programs where guests can observe manatees while learning about them from experts.
The spring is located at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa. The park is open from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily with the ticket counter closing at 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults, $5 for ages six-12 and free for ages five and under.
Learn more here.
Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs is a natural spring with facilities built around it by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The site features access to the spring where guests can swim or boat with non-motorized vehicles. For land-based activities, visitors can go backpacking, hiking, camping, observe nature or visit the interpretive area to learn the history of the springs. Guests can rent kayaks, visit the general store or take a shuttle to the sites.
Juniper Springs is located at 26701 E. Highway 40 with hours of operation from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased for $12 per visit or $75 for an annual pass.
Learn more here.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs is a hotspot in Dunnellon, known for its abandoned animal cages from their defunct zoo in 1970s. The park features guided kayak tours, tubing, canoeing with a launch pad, swimming and snorkeling. For some land-based activities, guests can hike through the long trails, participate in geocaching, have a peaceful picnic and observe wildlife.
The park is located at 19158 SW 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon with hours of operation from 8 a.m.-6:45 p.m. daily. Tickets are $5 per vehicle for two-eight passengers, $4 per single vehicle or motorcycle, $2 per walk-up or bicycle and amenity rentals on-site.
Learn more here.
Salt Springs Recreation Area
The Ocala National Forest is home to Salt Springs, a natural mineral spring. Some of the activities available include swimming, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, camping, canoeing and boating. For a multi-day stay, the recreational area offers camping with an RV and trailer campsite and a tent-only designated area.
The recreational area is located at 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy with the river stretching along the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers. Access to the recreational area is $14.95 with boat rentals available.
Learn more here.
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs is a large state park with a natural spring, known as the Silver River due to its clear, shiny and silvery water. A few of the activities the park features are glass-bottom boat tours, paddling, hiking and camping with a boardwalk with shops and restaurants. Not far from the river is a museum with prehistoric animal displays and a Cherokee history display.
The Silver River is located at 5656 E. Silver Springs, Blvd., Silver Springs with hours of operation from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. There is a $2 admission. Glass bottom boat tours and rentals of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are additional costs.
Learn more here.
Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is a natural spring in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge where three springs of varying sizes are located. The springs are known as Little Sister, Deep Sister and Pretty Sister and are connected to each other through a large vein of springs. Some of the amenities on-site include swimming, paddling, kayaking, observation points, a refuge and access to Magnolia Springs. For those looking for land activities, guests can walk and bike on trails or visit the boardwalk at the refuge.
To swim, kayak or paddle, guests can enter through kayak launches at Hunter Springs Park, 104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River and King’s Bay Park, 268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River. Guests arriving by water-based motorized vehicles can launch from public boat ramps, however, motorized vehicles are not allowed in the springs to protect wildlife. Guests are encouraged to park in available public parking where a shuttle will be rotating to pick up guests. There is no access to the springs through the refuge.
The refuge is open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Tickets are $20 for ages 16-54, $17.50 for ages 55 and up, $15 for military with identification, $7.50 for children ages six-15 and free for ages five and under.
Learn more here.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee features boat tours, paddling, picnicking, swimming, an amphitheater, a beach, and canoe and kayak launch. For those looking for land activities, there will be concessions and restaurants, an historic site, an animal exhibit and a playground, providing fun for all ages. The park also features fun and educational shows for anyone to check out with a Mermaid Show, Ranger Experience, Wilderness Cruise and the recently reopened Buccaneer Bay.
The spring is located at 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee with hours of operation from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Tickets are $13 for adults, $8 for children aged six to 12 and free for ages five and under.
Learn more here.