10 Prettiest Natural Springs in Florida to Swim and Kayak
While Florida may be known for the iconic beaches, the real hidden gem is their stunning natural springs.
Not only are the springs in Florida the most beautiful crystal clear turquoise color, they maintain a consistent temperature of 68-74°F and ideal for swimming year-round.
Florida’s Springs are created from natural rain water that percolates underground until enough pressure is exerted, releasing it through natural openings (also known as a spring vent).
Florida Natural Springs
Best Springs in Florida
Prettiest Natural Springs: Rock Springs “Emerald Cut”
Clearest Natural Springs: Silver Glen Springs
Best for Tubing: Ichetucknee Springs
Best to Swim and Dive: Ginnie Springs
1) Emerald Cut of Rock Springs Run
Paddling the Emerald Cut along Rock Springs Run
The most beautiful natural springs in Florida is definitely Rock Springs, specifically along the “Emerald Cut.”
While you can swim at the headwaters, you don’t want to miss paddling the 2 miles (roundtrip) through The Emerald Cut. It is quite an ethereal landscape to kayak through with the dense forest draping over you as you paddle down the clear, turquoise blue water.
Location
Rock Springs Run is located 35 minutes NW of Orlando, near Apoka, Florida.
To access the Emerald Cut you’ll have to paddle from either Kings Landing or Kelly Park. You cannot just swim to the Emerald Cut and will to rent or use your own kayak or SUP. Rentals can only be purchased at Kings Landing.
Things to Do
Swim in the Spring headwaters at Kelly Park
Kayak Emerald Cut from Kings Landing or Camp Joy at Kelly Park
Camp at Kelly Park
Kayak the entire 8.5mi of Rock Springs Run
Cost
Camp Joy/Kelly Park: $3 for entry and is for those who plan to swim at the headwaters or are bringing their own kayak for the Emerald Cut
Kings Landing: $10 to launch your own vessel or rentals start at $49 for a kayak
2) Silver Glen Springs
If you wanted to swim in one of the largest and prettiest spring headwaters and get the chance to see manatees during the winter season, Silver Glen Springs is a must visit!
These deep blue, first-magnitude springs maintain a constant 72°F year-round and make an incredible family trip for entire day of fun from swimming, kayaking, volleyball, and even a hiking trail.
Location
Silver Glen Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest, 67 miles North of Orlando, FL.
Things to Do
Snorkel in the Headwater Springs
Have a picnic (various tables and charcoal grills throughout)
Hike Lake George Trail
Play sand volleyball
Cost
Entry to the park is $12 (+tax) a person
Weekends from May 27-Sept 1, you’ll need a parking permit for $15 and should be reserved in advance as the park fills up fast
3) Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs - Florida
Ginnie Springs is made up of seven different natural springs and is known for having some of the prettiest water in the state! It is also one of the best places to scuba dive in Florida.
After all, the water is clear and there are a ton of underwater caves to explore, including spots like Devil’s Spring, Devil’s Ear, and Devil Eye. Just remember that you must be certified before you dive since this is required to enter the water or rent equipment on-site.
Additionally, because Ginnie Springs is privately owned, drinking is allowed on-site. Therefore, this natural spring has become quite popular among college kids.
To avoid the crowds, try visiting during the week or any time between October and April. Fall is the perfect time to visit since the weather is warm and crowds are minimal. That being said, Ginnie Springs is one of the lesser-known springs in Florida and never really fills to capacity.
Location
Ginnie Springs is located 6.5 miles from High Springs in Northern Florida.
Things to Do
Swim and snorkel at the springs
Dive to see the underwater caves
Tube or kayak the Sante Fe River
Camp overnight in RV or tent
Cost
Adults: $15 a person in off-season, $20 in peak season
Children (5-12): $5 and kids under 5 are free
Explored by Victoria of Florida Trippers
4) Three Sister Springs
Three Sisters Springs is one of the most popular places to view the hundreds of manatees that come to live here during winter.
While the springs and manatees can be viewed from a platform within the park, the only way to swim in the springs is by entering from Crystal River on a canoe or kayak. Keep in mind, the springs may close for public swimming during this time for the safety of the manatees.
It is free to enter Three Sisters Springs from Crystal River on your own non-motorized water vessel.
If you prefer to view the springs from on land, there is an entrance fee to the park. Additionally, inside the park various birds can be viewed at Three Sisters Springs and tours are led on land through the US Fish and Wildlife Service during manatee season.
Crystal River makes a great weekend getaway from Tampa or Orlando. In addition to boating down the river and swimming in the springs, there are other water sports that can be enjoyed as well as fishing and scalloping.
Location
Three Sister Springs is located in Crystal River, Fl, about 80 miles north of Tampa.
Things to Do
View the hundreds of manatees that live here during winter
Paddle from the river into the springs (Apr 1 - Nov 14)
Walk various nature trails within the park
Cost
Enter the springs from Crystal River on a kayak/SUP, there is no charge.
If you want to visit Three Sister Springs from land and see the nature park it costs:
Adults: $12.50 in summer, $20 in winter
Children (6-15): $7.50 and kids under 6 are free
Explored by Lanie of Make More Adventures
5) Ichetucknee Springs
Ichetucknee Springs Swimming Area
Ichetucknee Springs is a very unique natural springs in Florida with so many things to do here.
Additionally, there are 9 springs located along the 3.5 miles, one being a first-magnitude that is popular amongst scuba divers.
Whether you plan to swim in the headwater springs, snorkel, scuba dive at the Blue Hole, kayak the entire river, or plan to lazy float in a tube down the last 1.5 miles of the river, there is something here for everyone!
We highly recommend starting by swimming in the headwater then kayaking the entire river to see all the wildlife that makes these springs home.
Location
Ichetucknee Springs is located in Fort White, Florida.
There are 2 entrances to the state park. The North side is for swimming at the headwaters and kayaking the entire river, and the south entrance is for those planning to only tube the last section of the river.
Things to Do
Swim and snorkel in the Headwater Springs
Kayak the full 3.5 miles of Ichetucknee River
Scuba dive or snorkel at the Blue Hole
Tube the last 1.5 miles of the river
Cost
Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle
Tube Rental: $15+ (includes tram ride)
Paddle rental Kayak/Canoe/SUP: $40+ (includes shuttle service)
Shuttle for BYO Paddle: $25 (add’l person is $12.50)
6) Weeki Wachee Springs
Legendary mermaids at Weeki Wachee
What started as a roadside attraction in the 1940s is now a beloved state park that puts on one heck of a show.
Weeki Wachee Springs is all about mermaids and the stunning clear blue water. The deep springs act as an underwater stage for the legendary Weeki Wachee mermaids, who have been performing in these warm waters for over 70 years. Of course, these aren’t real mermaids, but don’t tell your kids that!
The state park is a family-friendly getaway, and it has recently been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The park is open year-round, with multiple mermaid shows each day. You’ll stay dry and watch from an aquarium-like amphitheater as the “mermaids” dive below the surface and perform tricks, blow kisses, and interact with wildlife.
Come for the mermaids, and stay for the scenery! After you catch a show, you can rent a kayak and look for manatees, visit the waterpark on Buccaneer Bay, or go for an evening river cruise.
Location
Weeki Wachee Springs is located in west central Florida near Spring Hills, about an hour north of the Tampa area.
Cost
Park entrance is $13 for adults and $8 for children, and this includes entrance to the mermaid shows.
Explored by A Florida Traveler
7) Rainbow Springs
One of the most beautiful springs in Florida without question is the impressive Rainbow Springs as it has some of the clearest water in the state!
The headsprings are stunning in their own and perfect for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. There is also a cute waterfall you can take a short hike to see in the State Park.
If you want some more adventurous fun, Rainbow Springs is one of the few springs in Florida which you can go tubing at from Memorial Day through to Labor Day. Tubing is open every day of the week during this time from 8am to 4pm.
Fun fact: Rainbow Springs has been used by humans for over 10,000 years! It was first used by indigenous people known as Timucua and was later developed into a privately owned amusement park in the 1920s complete with a zoo, a monorail and a rodeo. If you wander through the State Park, you can still see cages where the animals used to be.
Location
If you are looking to add a spring onto an Orlando theme park trip, Rainbow Springs State Park is perfect as it is located in Dunnellon Florida, an easy 1.5 hours’ drive from Orlando.
Cost
$2 entry to access the headsprings which are open 8am to sunset, 365 days a year
Explored by Bett, Florida Vacationers
8) Wakulla Springs State Park
A great natural spring to visit year-round in the north of Florida is Wakulla Springs State Park.
There’s a beach area right next to the spring that’s great for swimming and a platform to jump off of into the water.
But, the most popular thing to do here is take a boat ride through the park.
Boat rides are an extra $8/person but are well worth it. The 45-55 minute ride takes you through Wakulla’s ecosystem where you can spot wildlife such as alligators, snakes, birds and even manatees.
The landscape is incredibly peaceful and beautiful with mossy trees and clear water. You’ll take some other passageways that are more swamp-like and it’s fun to be on the lookout for wildlife. Make sure you reserve boat tickets in advance to ensure the time you want!
If you want to swim, the summer months are best as the weather will be hot and the water refreshing. If you want to have the best chance at seeing manatees from the boat, you’ll want to visit in the winter months when they head into the spring for warmer water.
Location
It’s located just 25 minutes south of Tallahassee and happens to be the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world.
Cost
$6 entrance fee per vehicle
Explored by Ashley Jansen of Jetset Jansen
9) Silver Springs State Park
Spanish moss on a tree in Silver Springs
Silver Springs State Park is an amazing North Florida destination to explore natural springs. The park is a well known wildlife spot. If you are lucky, you may see manatees, alligators, turtles, and even monkeys.
Silver Springs State Park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset.
You cannot choose a wrong season to visit this park. But know that you cannot swim in Silver Springs. Pick winter months for a visit to increase your chances of seeing manatees and monkeys.
A Glass Bottom Boat Tour is the easiest way to explore Silver Springs. These narrated 30-minute and 90-minute tours cost extra per person. Nevertheless, they remain a very popular tourist attraction and sell out fast.
Rent or bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddle board for a self guided tour of Silver Springs. The longest, 5-mile, route takes over 3 hours to complete. Pack sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water for this journey. And hop on a shuttle back to the state park at Ray Wayside Park.
Location
Silver Springs is located near Ocala. It is a perfect day trip destination from Orlando, Tampa Bay Area, or Jacksonville. You can reach the park from all of these cities in less than 2.5 hours by car.
Cost
Admission is $2 per person if you take a boat tour, go kayaking or paddle boarding. As a hiker or biker, you will pay $5 to $8 per vehicle depending on the number of passengers.
Explored by Anastasia from TravelRealist
10) Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is a natural wonder that you won’t want to miss. The year-round accessibility, manatee encounters, and water adventures make this a special place to visit.
The park's most famous residents, the West Indian manatees, migrate during the winter months. If you’re looking to meet these gentle giants, December is the best time for a visit.
If you prefer warmer weather and activities like tubing and snorkeling, we recommend you plan your trip for the summer months. And trust us, the cool crystal-clear waters will be a refreshing escape from the Florida heat.
Beyond manatees, there are other species that call this park home. These various wildlife include alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. Make sure you bring binoculars and a waterproof camera to capture these special creatures.
The park also has some nice picnic areas with grills, so make sure you plan for lunch in this beautiful place.
Location
Orange City is the closest city to Blue Springs State Park. It's less than an hour north of Orlando and a 30-minute drive from Daytona Beach.
If you’re looking for a more complete Florida experience, we recommend exploring Orlando in December is a fun way to spend the holiday season as the city truly embraces the festive spirit.
Cost
There is an entrance fee to access the park. The entrance fee is anywhere between $2 (pedestrians) up to $4-$6 per vehicle. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until sunset.
Explored by Candice of Exploring the Gulf
Florida Natural Springs Map
Click the map for an interactive view of the best springs in Florida to visit this year.
10 Beautiful Natural Springs in Florida to swim and kayak.
What to Bring - Natural Springs
Water Vessel: at least bring a tube, and I highly recommend an inflatable SUP for exploring more of the river
Goggles and Snorkel: this adult and kids snorkel worked perfect for us
Dry Bag: this is a small, waterproof bag that you can put your keys and cell phone in and attach to your tube
Water shoes: we always swim in our Chaco sandals or water shoes
Sun hat: this straw hat is the perfect river and beach day hat
Towels: the best quick-drying Nomadix towels are super absorbent, beach-size, lightweight and somehow pack down very small
Sunscreen: Bare Republic is our go-to mineral sunscreen; it’s incredibly lightweight and isn’t harsh on marine life like normal sunscreen
Bathing Suit: she loves the high-waisted two-piece and one-piece
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![A Perfect Day at Silver Glen Springs Florida [+Swim with Manatees]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fcc02a08eda244dc49e8a8b/a4dcf466-392d-4c6b-87ac-75d6629486b4/Silver+Glen+Springs.jpg)
