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Swim at Ginnie Springs

High Springs, Florida

4.6/5
based on 8 reviews

Description

Added by Jennifer Adler

Crystal clear water. Great spot for Swimming, Tubing, and Snorkeling. Camping located nearby.

A few hours north and many worlds away from Disney, the Santa Fe River winds its way through the woods of north central Florida, headed for the Suwannee River. This is the real Florida. Although the river is dark during most of the year (except the dry summer months), there are dozens of crystal clear springs that add a burst of clear, refreshing water to the Santa Fe. Six of these larger springs make up Ginnie Springs Outdoors.

Hot summer days bring large crowds to the river and campground (they allow drinking, so it can get a bit crazy), but if you bring (or rent) a mask and snorkel, you will be rewarded with magnificent, clear water. Devil's Eye/Ear and the main Ginnie Spring are the most popular, but don't forget to check out July Spring (a quick swim across the river from Devil's Eye/Ear), Dogwood Spring (my personal favorite), Twin Spring, and Deer Spring - they're all smaller but pretty! Open water divers can explore the "Ballroom," an underwater cavern in the main spring that is as close to a cave dive as you can get with an open water certification. Get in the water and explore Devil's Eye, a circular spring vent that goes down to about 25 feet, and Devil's Ear about 50 feet closer to the river. When the river is dark, you can dive down into the Ear and look up to see what looks like fire in the sky.

If you're up for a trip in the off-season (late fall through early spring), you will be rewarded with no crowds and warm water - the springs are 70-72 degrees F year round. They cool you off in the summer, and warm you up when it's 40 degrees F outside. During the winter, they really feel like hot springs. It's getting out that's the hard part!

For those who are camping, there are charcoal grills, bathrooms with running water and showers, and a store with firewood, a few provisions, and camping supplies, just in case you forgot something. As for water activities, bring all your snorkeling and diving gear and something to float on, or alternatively rent everything on site. If you're an open water diver, don't forget your light for the Ballroom (but don't bring it in the water at Devil's Eye/Ear). You can rent tanks or get air fills at the store.

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Swimming
Diving
Adult Beverages
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Groups
River
Swimming Hole

Swim at Ginnie Springs Reviews

Crystal clear blue water. There are lots of turtles and fish. It's worth it to rent tubes and float the whole spring, but expect lots of crowds and people partying. Camping is awesome if you are able to find a spot on the spring away from the noise and crowds

I suggest visiting in the spring. There are a lot less crowds in the spring so it is better for scuba diving!

I’ve been coming here since I was a child, and it’s always worth it to come back.

This is definitely a park to come to when you have more than a couple hours available. Really big and a great day trip with the family! Currently it's a 15.00 dollar entrance fee per person which is a little pricey. But all springs are beautiful and clear. And on another positive note, I had at least 5 turtles swim past me at different times! So cool!

Crystal clear waters and clean campsites. We rented paddle boards and went up the Santa Fe river. You are guaranteed to run into a few turtles once you're on the river.

Loved this place after a long day of being outside and being hot. The spring was very refreshing. Awesome place to go and relax with family or friends.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Dive Devil's Spring System: Eye and Ear

Swim at Blue Springs Park

Snorkel at Ichetucknee Blue Hole

Sweetwater Wetlands Park Loop

La Chua Trail

Snorkel & Dive at Devil's Den

Escape to the Sunshine

VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.

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