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Orlando is home to one of the world's largest theme parks, offering water adventures and family entertainment. It's a childhood fantasy for many and a yearly go-to for Superbowl MVPs. This Central Florida travel destination is best known for its amusement parks, Disney characters, and luxury accommodations.
But this magical kingdom has a lot more to offer than princesses and pirates. While not as well-known as Miami's snorkeling destinations, the Florida peninsula is home to hundreds of natural springs that offer some of the best snorkeling spots on the East Coast.
Water is abundant in the Sunshine State, and just a few hours away from Florida's main attraction, Disney World, you can find equally magical places to snorkel. Here are the 10 best spots for snorkeling in Florida you won't want to miss.
Image credits: Fish and Wildlife Foundation Of Florida
Drive time from Orlando: 29 min.
A stone’s throw away from Orlando is Wekiwa Springs, 1 of 600 springs in the state of Florida. Opening at 8 a.m, snorkelers are welcome to explore the clear, cool, 72-degree water of the state park.
Wekiwa Springs is home to a variety of freshwater aquatic life that can be seen by snorkelers including:
Fish: The clear waters of Wekiwa Springs are home to several species of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Turtles: Snorkelers may also spot several species of freshwater turtles at Wekiwa Springs, including Florida softshell turtles, peninsula cooters, and redear sliders.
Alligators: While not as common, there have been occasional sightings of American alligators in the Wekiwa Springs area. Snorkelers should be cautious and avoid approaching or disturbing any alligators they may encounter.
Invertebrates: The spring's underwater environment is also home to several species of freshwater invertebrates, including snails, crayfish, and freshwater clams.
Explore the second-magnitude spring that pumps out 43 million gallons of water per day. Learn more about first magnitude springs in Florida on First Magnitude Florida Website.
The price is $6 per vehicle.
Image credits: Blue Spring Florida State Park
Drive time from Orlando: 48 min.
An oasis just 45 minutes north of Orlando, Blue Spring is one of Central Florida’s most popular snorkeling destinations. A designated Manatee Refuge, Blue Spring is open for snorkelers to explore the 72-degree waters during all seasons except winter, when the spring waters provide a safe refuge for manatees.
Here are some of the aquatic life present at Blue Spring that snorkelers may encounter:
Manatees: One of the main attractions at Blue Spring is the presence of manatees, especially during the winter months. Snorkelers may be lucky enough to see these gentle giants up close as they swim in and around the spring.
Fish: The crystal clear waters of Blue Spring are home to several species of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Turtles: Snorkelers may also spot several species of freshwater turtles at Blue Spring, including Florida softshell turtles, peninsula cooters, and redear sliders.
Crayfish: The spring's underwater environment is also home to several species of freshwater invertebrates, including crayfish.
A first-magnitude spring, Blue Spring discharges 100 million gallons of water each day.
The price is $6 per vehicle.
Image credit: USDA Forest Service
Drive time from Orlando: 1 hr 6 min.
Enjoy the spring-fed turquoise waters of Alexander Springs all year long. 72-degree clear waters welcome visitors to swim, snorkel, dive and canoe in the first-magnitude, broad, shallow spring basin, ideal for snorkelers of all ages.
Check out bluegill and other sea life, then hike, bike, and kayak along the spring run. Located on the eastern side of the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs offers overnight camping as well as picnic areas.
Here are some of the aquatic life present at Alexander Springs that snorkelers may encounter:
Fish: The clear waters of Alexander Springs are home to several species of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Turtles: Snorkelers may also spot several species of freshwater turtles at Alexander Springs, including Florida softshell turtles, peninsula cooters, and redear sliders.
Invertebrates: The spring's underwater environment is home to several species of freshwater invertebrates, including snails, crayfish, and freshwater clams.
Plants: The crystal-clear waters of Alexander Springs also support a variety of aquatic plants, including water lilies and eelgrass.
You can check the last Alexander Springs Wilderness updates on their website.
The price is $6 per person.
Drive time from Orlando: 1 hr 19 min.
Along the edge of the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest, you’ll find Silver Glen Springs where snorkelers are likely to 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. And if the sun is shining, rainbows spread across the floor of the crystal clear waters.
The surrounding recreation area and waterway offers paddling, picnicking and hiking.
Here are some of the aquatic life present at Silver Glen Springs that snorkelers may encounter:
Fish: The clear waters of Silver Glen Springs are home to several species of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Turtles: Snorkelers may also spot several species of freshwater turtles at Silver Glen Springs, including Florida softshell turtles, peninsula cooters, and redear sliders.
Invertebrates: The spring's underwater environment is home to several species of freshwater invertebrates, including snails, crayfish, and freshwater clams.
Manatees: While not as common, there have been occasional sightings of manatees in the Silver Glen Springs area.
The price is $8 per person on weekdays and $11 per person on weekends.
Image Source: USDA Forest Service
Drive time from Orlando: 1 hr 28 min.
The crystal-clear waters of Salt Springs are a major attraction for visitors to the park. The spring maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a refreshing place to swim or snorkel. The spring's waters are also popular with kayakers and canoeists, who can paddle upstream on the nearby Salt Springs Run and explore the park's lush, natural surroundings.
The aquatic life present at Salt Springs is similar to the Silver Glen Springs.
The price is $6.50 per person.
Image Source: Discover Crystal River
Drive time from Orlando: 1 hr 38 min.
Crystal River is a natural freshwater river that flows through the area and is known for its clear waters and abundance of aquatic life. One of the main attractions in Crystal River is the opportunity to swim and interact with the area's resident population of West Indian manatees. Visitors can take guided tours or rent their own equipment to observe these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat. You can directly access Crystal River by Kings Bay Park.
Learn more about the activities available there on the Discovery Crystal River website.
Image Source: Rainbow Spring State Park
Drive time from Orlando: 1 hr 46 min.
The fourth-largest, and oldest (10,000 years old) spring in Florida, Rainbow Springs offer snorkelers a variety of Floridian fish, turtles, and manatees in the sapphire-blue waters.
Note: Snorkeling is only allowed in the buoyed swimming area, but snorkelers can venture out from the campground or from boats.
The entrance costs $2 per person.
Image Source: Jason Daniel Shaw Scuba Diving
Drive time from Orlando: 2 hrs.
The spring is named after the steam rising from the surface of the water, which is said to resemble smoke rising from the entrance to hell. The spring was formed over 10,000 years ago by a sinkhole that opened up in the earth's surface. The spring's waters maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a refreshing place to swim or snorkel.
The subterranean natural pool at Devil's Den is unique and otherworldly, featuring limestone formations, fossils, and even the remains of extinct animals such as mastodons. The clear waters offer visibility of up to 50 feet, making it a great spot for underwater photography and exploration.
In addition to swimming and snorkeling, Devil's Den offers scuba diving for certified divers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.
The entrance costs $15 per person on weekdays and $22 per person on weekends and holidays. Snorkeling equipment is required to enter and can be rent for $12 per person according to Devil's Den official website.
It is important to note that the aquatic life at these locations is protected, and visitors to these parks must follow park rules and regulations while snorkeling. Snorkelers should also be aware of their surroundings and watch for underwater hazards, such as rocks and fallen logs.
