If you’re a scuba diver looking for something beyond the ocean, Florida’s springs need to be on your radar. Freshwater diving hits different, and once you try it for the first time, you’ll be hooked.
The visibility at these crystal-clear waters is so good it feels like you’re floating through air. Some even have underwater caverns with fossils millions of years old embedded in the walls.
These freshwater springs are incredible and range from beginner-friendly to “you better know what you’re doing” cave systems.
I’ve spent a lot of time exploring these dive sites in Florida, and no two are the same. Each spring has its own challenges and its own rewards. Some are perfect for a chill, no-stress dive, while others will test your skills and endurance.
So if you’re wondering where to scuba dive in Florida beyond the ocean, the springs are your answer.
Here’s my honest breakdown of the best Florida springs for scuba diving, what you’ll actually experience at each one, and everything you need to know before you go.
Quick Facts about Florida Springs
• Florida's springs offer incredible visibility and unique underwater environments you won't find anywhere else.
• Proper scuba certification is required at all dive sites, and some springs have additional restrictions for cavern and cave diving.
• Grab our Florida Springs Diving Map at the end of this article and the Dive Sites Chart to plan your trip.
Exploring Florida Springs for Scuba Diving
Florida’s freshwater springs are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and offer some extraordinary diving experiences.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting crystalline water experience or are intrigued by the mysterious underwater cave systems, Florida’s springs cater to a wide range of diving preferences.
1. Ginnie Springs
This one tops the list for a reason. Ginnie Springs is a favorite among Florida divers because it offers multiple diving experiences in one location. For those looking for scuba diving near Gainesville, Ginnie Springs is about 30 minutes away and worth every mile.
Ginnie Ballroom
Great for all levels, including beginners. The basin is over 100 feet across and about 15 feet deep, with a 150-foot waterway connecting it to the Santa Fe River.
The star attraction? Ginnie Cavern
With its wide entrance sitting right at the bottom of the basin, you can see other divers’ air bubbles rising along the rocks, and it’s one of those moments that reminds you why you got certified in the first place.
This is one of the best dive sites in Florida for a reason.
Devil Springs System
This includes Devil’s Eye, Devil’s Ear, and Little Devil. Fair warning: there’s a no-light rule in this system for Open Water Divers. Only Cave or Cavern-certified divers can enter the caverns with dive lights.
Devil’s Eye: A circular opening about 20 feet wide and just as deep. At the bottom, there’s a small cavern with natural features worth exploring. If you’re certified, you can go inside, but stick with the light and dive within your limits.
Devil’s Ear: The entrance feels like a mini-canyon. At the bottom, water shoots out from the cave with serious force. The water is usually crystal clear but sometimes has a layer of darker river tannins sitting on top. Here’s the cool part: you can dive under that layer and look up. It’s like the sun and trees are putting on a light show through this natural, tinted filter. Wild.
Little Devil: A tight crack about four feet wide that stretches down and out for about 50 feet. Dive to the bottom, look up, and you’ll get a view straight to the absolutely unreal sky. Worth the dive just for that moment.
🎟 The details: Ginnie Springs is privately owned with strict diving rules. Admission is $32 for certified divers and $24 for full cave-certified divers. Scuba equipment rental is available, and there’s on-site camping if you want to make a weekend of it.
2. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring
Cavern diving in Florida doesn’t get more unique than this.
Devil’s Den is a cavern dive with limited natural light, hidden inside a dry cave in Williston, Florida. You access the spring by walking down a staircase into this stunning underground space.
There’s a wide opening to the sky above that lets natural light filter through, creating this ethereal, almost prehistoric atmosphere.
The water stays around 72°F year-round, and the maximum depth is about 54 feet, making it great for both beginners and experienced divers.
You’ll see ancient rock formations, fossil beds dating back over 33 million years, and various fish swimming through this underground world.
At a certain point, you’ll come face-to-face with the “Grim Reaper Sign.” That’s your hard stop unless you’re Full Cave Certified. Take it seriously.
🎟 The details: Admission is $38 per diver. Night dives are available if you want an even more unique experience. Scuba equipment rental, tent camping, and cabin rentals are all on-site.
3. Manatee Springs and Catfish Hotel
Cave diving in Florida springs doesn’t get much better than this. Cave divers know Manatee Springs well.
It’s one of the most interesting dive sites in Florida, but heads up: there’s a considerable walk from the parking area to the springs. Something to think about if you plan to gear up in your car.
The Cave System
With over 33,000 feet of mapped passages, the Manatee Cave System is one of the longest and best-explored cave systems in the world. The cavern ceilings and walls are covered in fossils and artifacts. Do not touch or remove anything. Only take memories, leave nothing but bubbles.
Catfish Hotel
Right across from the main spring, you’ll find Catfish Hotel Sink. You’ll spot it by the thick layer of green duckweed covering the surface. I know, it doesn’t look inviting. Don’t let that stop you.
Visibility can be challenging here due to dark walls and heavy particles in the water. Open Water Divers can’t carry dive lights, so you have to be careful not to stir up the silt.
It’s this unique environment that makes Catfish Hotel one of the most talked-about dive sites at Manatee Springs.
Main Spring
You can dive the headspring, but it’s less popular because of the strong current. During manatee season (winter), manatees migrate to these warmer waters.
If you encounter them, keep a distance of at least 50 feet. The underwater environment here is serene and full of life, including various turtle species.
🎟 The details: Park entry is $6, no extra fee for diving. All divers must show certification at the entrance. No scuba equipment rental available. First-come, first-served basis. Glamping is available for extended stays.
4. Troy Springs
A hidden gem connected to the Suwannee River, and one of the Florida springs with high visibility that often gets overlooked.
Troy Springs has a broad, open basin about 70 feet wide that plunges to roughly the same depth. It’s a short walk down the boardwalk to the spring entrance, maybe 2 minutes depending on where you park.
The main attraction here? The Steamship Madison, a sunken Civil War-era steamboat sitting at the bottom.
There’s nothing quite like diving around a piece of history like that. Troy Springs doesn’t have extensive cavern systems, but the historical significance makes it worth the trip.
🎟 The details: Entry fee is $5 per vehicle. Suitable for all certified skill levels. No scuba equipment rental available.
5. Rainbow River
This one is completely different from everything else on this list. For those who want crystal clear springs for diving in Florida without the cavern intensity, Rainbow River delivers.
Rainbow River is a drift dive, and it’s one of the most relaxing underwater experiences you’ll have in Florida.
You’ll launch from KP Hole Park. If you don’t have a boat, book a shuttle with Rainbow River Taxi to drop you off upstream. Bonus: your family can join you here since this section is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing.
The river runs crystal-clear for about 7 miles, and the current gently carries you along. This is drift diving at its finest – it’s pretty much just you floating through some of the clearest water in Florida.
Visibility can exceed 100 feet on a good day. You’ll see lush grass beds, turtles, fish, and maybe even an otter if you’re lucky.
🎟 The details: Entry fee is $20, which doesn’t include the water taxi. Go early morning to avoid the afternoon crowds.
6. Alexander Springs
Super chill. This is one of the best Florida springs for beginners, or anyone looking for an easy dive or testing new gear. It’s actually my favorite for when I just want to get some water time.
Alexander Springs sits inside the Ocala National Forest with crystal-clear water that stays around 72°F year-round. Maximum depth is only 28 feet, but the visibility is incredible. You’ll see lots of fish, interesting plant life, and a small cavern about 10 feet deep.
Oh, and this is one of the few places in Florida where you might see mermaids while scuba diving. Real ones. (You’ll see when you get there. 😉)
Important Notice Regarding Alexander Springs: Due to alligator sightings and incidents, Alexander Springs has been known to close a few times per year to ensure the safety of visitors. Before you go, check their website for updates, and remember…safety first, always!
🎟 The details: Entry is $8 per person on weekdays, $11 on weekends. Concessionaire and campground available for extended stays.
7. Paradise Springs
If you want to experience underwater caves in Florida without full cave certification, this is about as close as you’ll get.
Paradise Springs is only open to Certified Divers. No families splashing around here. This is a karst entrance to an underwater cavern, and it feels like stepping into another world.
You’ll gear up in the parking area, walk down a staircase, and descend through a natural limestone opening.
The water is crystal clear, and as you go down, the light from above creates this blue glow that’s hard to describe. You’ll see fossils embedded in the walls that are millions of years old.
At around 20 feet, follow the permanent yellow line guiding you to the bottom chamber at 99 feet. At this depth, daylight fades to near darkness, but you can still catch the faint glow from the surface above.
You’ll eventually reach the “Grim Reaper Sign.” Same as Devil’s Den: only Full Cave Certified divers continue past this point.
Beyond the sign is a narrow passage dropping to 140 feet. Without the right certification and gear, do not go past the sign. EVER.
🎟 The details: Entry is $30, cash only. All divers must have a main dive light and a backup. No rentals available. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
8. Royal Springs
A smaller, quieter dive site with a peaceful vibe. One of those freshwater diving spots in Florida that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
The spring basin is about 160 feet in diameter and drops to around 42-50 feet. You’ll see a submerged tree that makes for some great underwater photos, plus an underwater platform where you can pause and take it all in.
I spent way too long on that platform and got a fantastic leg cramp. Not fun.
Visibility here is probably the worst of all the springs on this list, but you’ll still spot turtles, especially at the start of your dive.
Since it’s a smaller site, I’d recommend pairing Royal Springs with another dive location on the same day.
🎟 The details: Free admission. No equipment rental available.
What to Wear For Florida Spring Dives
Don’t underestimate the water temperature. Most Florida springs stay around 72°F year-round, which sounds mild but gets cold fast when you’re underwater for a while.
Wetsuit: A 5mm to 7mm wetsuit works well. I use a 5mm on all my spring dives.
Thermal accessories: If you get cold easily, like I do, add a dive hood, gloves, and booties.
My recommendations:
If you’re renting gear, test everything before you get in the water to make sure it works for you.
Final Thoughts
Scuba diving in Florida’s springs is one of those experiences that stays with you. Whether you’re planning a scuba diving road trip through Florida or just looking for a single-day trip, these springs won’t disappoint.
Whether you’re exploring the mysterious depths of Paradise Springs or floating through the crystal-clear waters of Rainbow River, each dive site offers something different.
Before you go, always check the dive site’s website for current conditions, accessibility, and fees. Practice responsible diving. Minimize your impact. Keep these underwater treasures as pristine as you found them.
And most importantly, enjoy the dive.
📍 Download our Florida Springs Diving Map
📍 Download our Dive Sites Chart
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Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.