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Swim like a fish: 10 can’t-miss snorkeling spots in Central Florida

Snorkelers explore the second-magnitude spring boil at Wekiwa Springs State Park on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Snorkelers explore the second-magnitude spring boil at Wekiwa Springs State Park on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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The steamy summertime has arrived in Florida and many Sunshine State residents are undoubtedly looking for ways to be outside without melting.

Luckily, this peninsula offers hundreds of natural springs with crystal-clear water and countless miles of shoreline to explore. While splashing around in the water can be fun, snorkeling provides an opportunity to observe marine animals and plants up close.

Some destinations will rent snorkeling gear to visitors; other places require guests bring their own. A starter kit with a mask, snorkel and fins can be found starting around $40.

Blue Spring State Park is working to stabilize the banks of the spring head and spring run, which means in-water activities are currently closed at the popular park. Here are 10 other Florida destinations where you can swim with the fishes and get up close to marine life.

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

A school of curious bluegill sunfish check out a snorkeler at Alexander Springs Recreation Area on August 12, 2019. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
A school of curious bluegill sunfish check out a snorkeler at Alexander Springs Recreation Area on August 12, 2019. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

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 $13 (plus tax) per person. Amid summertime crowds, it’s now possible to make an advanced reservation online at $20 per vehicle.

Address: 49525 County Road 445 in Altoona

More information: adventureocala.com or reserveocala.com

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 $13 per person (plus tax) and online reservations are available for weekend entry at $20 per vehicle.

Address: 5271 State Road 19 in Salt Springs

More information: adventureocala.com or reserveocala.com

Visitors enjoy a dip in the cool water at Salt Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest on Sunday, Mar 15, 2020.
Visitors enjoy a dip in the cool water at Salt Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest on Sunday, March 15, 2020. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

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 $12 (plus tax) per person day-use fee.

Address: 13851 State Route 19 in Fort McCoy

More information: fs.usda.gov

Floating through the invisible water of the aquifer, Josh Dolan, cave diving instructor at Ginnie Springs north of Gainesville, travels through the Devil's Eye into the Devil's Ear underwater cave system that goes under the Santa Fe River. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)
Floating through the invisible water of the aquifer, Josh Dolan, cave diving instructor at Ginnie Springs north of Gainesville, travels through the Devil’s Eye into the Devil’s Ear underwater cave system that goes under the Santa Fe River. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)

Ginnie Springs

Situated about 45 minutes northwest of Gainesville, privately-owned Ginnie Springs welcomes recreationists for swimming, diving, snorkeling, tubing, paddling and more. Visit several spring vents with 72-degree clear water.

A campground is also available on the property. Daily adult admission costs $20 during the season and $15 during “off-season.”

Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road in High Springs

More information: ginniespringsoutdoors.com

A snorkeler checks out the crystal-clear waters at Rainbow Springs State Park. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)
A snorkeler checks out the crystal-clear waters at Rainbow Springs State Park. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)

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. Tubing and tram cost extra.

Address: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road in Dunnellon

More information: floridastateparks.org

Phil Foster Park in Palm Beach County has an underwater snorkeling trail seen March 25, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Phil Foster Park in Palm Beach County has an underwater snorkeling trail seen March 25, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

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 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

Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly experiences Crystal River's biggest tourist draw: swimming with manatees. (Courtesy Fun 2 Dive)
Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly experiences Crystal River’s biggest tourist draw: swimming with manatees. (Courtesy Fun 2 Dive)

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.

Address: 440 SE Kings Bay Drive in Crystal River

More information: discovercrystalriverfl.com

Visitors to Devil's Den congregate on the entrance platform at Devil's Den spring in Williston on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Visitors to Devil’s Den congregate on the entrance platform at Devil’s Den spring in Williston on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Devil’s Den

Devil’s Den is a prehistoric spring about 30 minutes outside Gainesville and popular among scuba divers. Nowadays it’s 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, estimated to be at least 10,000 years old. Snorkeling is now available by reservation only. Admission is $18 per person on weekdays and $25 per person on weekends and holidays. Snorkeling equipment rental is extra.

Address: 5390 N.E. 180th Ave. in Williston

More information: devilsden.com

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

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