It doesn’t get better than the majestic Juniper Springs Recreation Area in Silver Springs, Florida. Water temps peak in the mid-80Fs in summer, but can drop to the high 50Fs in winter. All Guests must be SCUBA-certified and 10 years of age or older to participate. The 21-acre facility is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology which is used to analyze and improve your swing. Come travel with Divers Supply. How To Get There The Keys start less than an hour south of Miami on US 1. Long popular with the beachcombing and Spring Break sets, Panama City also draws its share of divers. Few sites in the world provide you with the opportunity to find things that could pay for the diving, short of illegally stripping an historic shipwreck. Silver Springsboasts a plethora of activities, including bird watching, glass bottom boats, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. Nestled between Pensacola and Panama City, Destin revels in its luscious stretches of prime Panhandle beach. The clear waterway is ideal for swimmers, kayakers, and canoers alike. Florida’s Crystal River, with its warm springs, is one of the best-known spots for viewing and snorkeling with manatees. There's also the Corridor, a collection of "shipreefs" just 10 minutes from Palm Beach Inlet that you can dive on a single tank. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, High Springs, 14. Popular water activities include swimming and fishing. Top dives include the famous 1000 Steps, the Hilmer Hooker wreck, and Bari Reef. The peninsula hangs like a fishing pole into the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, lapped by water on three (yes, three!) Calusa Beach at Bahia Honda State Park is among the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Both ends are open, making the passages safe for open-water divers. King’s Bay is fed by 28 natural springs, which maintain a constant temperature of 72 °F (22 °C) — a temperature that the Manatees love. Snorkelling, swimming, hiking, geo-seeking, and paddling are all popular activities at the park. The spring of Devil’s Den is 120 feet in diameter and averages 72 degrees year around. The Corridor includes the 185-foot Greek luxury liner Mizpah in 90 feet of water, the PC1170, a retired 165-foot patrol boat that sits off her bow, and a path of rubble that leads to the Amaryllis, a 441-foot freighter that slammed into Singer Island in 1965. Water Conditions Summer is ideal for water temperatures off Jacksonville and St. Augustine — soaring to the low 80Fs — and vis, which ranges from 20 feet to up to 100 feet well offshore, averages around 50. You’ll be able to dive right into this fresh, clear swimming hole, or tube down the river for an extra dose of daily fun. The spring itself is oblong in shape, spanning 125 metres in length. We take monthly trips to destinations such as the Florida Springs, Keys, and West Palm Beach. And even if you don't bag a "charter tooth" — a tooth worth enough to pay for your dive trip — you'll probably still find enough little ones to make a keepsake necklace. what you need to know about scuba diving in Rainbow River, what it's like to go scuba diving in an aquarium, How I Overcame my Fear of Water by Learning to Scuba Dive, Sea Lion Diving Package in Loreto, Mexico, How to Get a Discount on SeaLife's Underwater iPhone Housing, Mediterranean Oil Spill Causes Millions in Damage to Israeli Coast. Sites include the Miss Patricia, a 65-foot steel tug, two M60 tanks, the 110-foot Billy's Barge, Ben's Antennae Reef and the Miss Karline, a 100-footer lodged in the sand almost within sight of the Patricia. What ancient shark teeth will you find? Countries I've visited include the United States, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, New Zealand, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. This Florida natural spring has some of the best camping and diving facilities in the state. Only 16 people get to dive it each day, so book it early. Ceremony ID required. The King's Bay area is a major mecca for manatees, which congregate here en masse November through April, when they swim in from the Gulf of Mexico to stay warm. The wreck is now packed with marine life, including permit, Nassau grouper, reef octopus and hawksbill turtles. It has 67 units, toilets, and a picnicking area. The charges used to sink the Eagle blew diver-friendly penetration holes in her hull. Valid on wedding groups only. Other sites include fish-attracting artificial reefs composed of old concrete culverts, as well as Nine Mile North, a limestone ledge that runs from Jacksonville to Daytona. I can for a scuba diving trip and saw a good bit of wildlife under the water also. This Florida natural spring has some of the best camping and diving facilities in the state. Dive Info For the Florida Panhandle. More than 1,000 tons of black tar has washed up on Israel’s coastline from Libyan-owned tanker that was spilling the crude oil into the Mediterranean Sea. There are also "grouper ghetto" pyramid-shaped concrete structures that lure tons of fish, as well as shore diving from the jetty. 30 room max (additional rooms must be approved) at Couples Tower Isle, Couples Swept Away, and Couples Negril. Learn To Dive (Open Water Scuba Lessons) At Carolina Dive Center, we know about the amazing connection that will occur when you go underwater and explore a whole new world. Land activities range from hiking to bird watching. You can’t just swim in the water, but you can snorkel or scuba dive, and the proper equipment is available to rent on site. Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, 12 Best Oceanfront Virginia Beach Hotels on Boardwalk, 16 Luxury Miami Resorts for Families with Kids, 11 Most Romantic Vermont Bed & Breakfast with Hot Tubs, Advertising, Content Marketing & Guest Posting. Plus, there are lots of campsites that surround the springs, making them easily accessible to travelers. Learn how to snorkel with the manatees. A drift dive with the current along the clear, spring-fed Rainbow River in Dunnellon is among the best freshwater scuba diving experiences in Florida. Visibility averages 25 to 50 feet, but can exceed 100 in summer and at remote offshore sites. Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Silver Springs, 11. A 2018 poll listed Bonaire as the best dive spot for beginners, conservation, freediving, macro diving, shore diving, and snorkeling. All over the state, visitors will find these natural hidden gems. "It’s everywhere — it’s even four to five inches thick in some places.”. For an out of this world experience, look no further than Devil’s Den. Scuba divers have access to a large basin and two 55-foot-long artificial caverns. Sign up for Scuba Diving’s weekly email and never miss another story. However, there are also plenty of other water sports that visitors can partake in, like canoeing and stand up paddle boarding. Take a drift down this 5.7-mile river in Dunnellon, Florida. Early settlers thought the steam rising off the spring-fed cave water looked like the smoke of hell —hence the name. Valid for travel April 16 – Dec 23, 2021 and April 16 – Dec 23, 2022. A high-quality scuba regulator that provides smooth, easy breathing is a critical part of any diver's gear setup. How To Get There I-10 passes right through the heart of the Panhandle, and most towns are within a half-hour of the Interstate. Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Altoona, 4. The park is one of the state’s newest, only opening in 2017. Fanning Springs State Park is brimming with fun water activities, from paddling to scuba diving. By submitting above, you agree to Scuba Diving's privacy policy. If you're driving, I-95 will get you there. Beyond diving, visitors can swim, jump off diving boards, or even enter the water via a rope swing. It is ideally suited for swimming, snorkelling, canoeing, and kayaking. The enormous military presence in Pensacola has not only shaped the city's commerce, but its dive sites as well. Scroll down for more on each of these regions: Swim With The Manatees Breakers Reef is a two-mile-long stretch of shallow coral reef that's populated by Caribbean tropicals, green morays, spiny lobster and the occasional pelagic. You'll find fish like barracuda, jacks and silversides have made this wreck their homebase. PADI Club members get a 20 percent discount on the SeaLife SportDiver underwater housing. The best location for friends and family to view your dive is from the upstairs viewport in the tunnel of the Living Seas Pavilion, approximately one hour after your tour begins. Read more about the wrecks and reefs of Key Largo. Crisscrossed by navigable canals, the "Venice of America" is a city obsessed by water and watersports, and this passion doesn't end at the beach. Salt Springs Recreation Area is a hidden gem within Ocala National Forest. Water Conditions Typically, central Florida's spring-fed waters are a constant 72F, but can sometimes drop to 68F. Or if you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas. Gulf Stream-powered drift diving is the name of the game in West Palm; in fact, the world's second-largest ocean current flows as fast as 70 miles a day just one mile offshore. Nearby, there is a basic campground that offers hot showers, a store, and access to the pool for a fee. Some of Florida's most treasured and impressive natural wonders are beautiful and mysterious caves. Divers rejoiced that day in 1985 when--while being towed far offshore-- she prematurely went down in 90 feet of water. Nestled on the Santa Fe River lies Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. Experience Blue Spring State Park in all its glory. It drains into the Suwannee River and is only 10 feet deep. Warm and flexible, these There aren't too many places left in this world where you can dive all day for under 30 bucks. She now rests in 100 feet of water, where thick schools of mangrove snapper and a huge jewfish populate the site. Not combinable with any other promotion. Here's what you need to know about scuba diving in Rainbow River. How To Get There Sarasota and Venice are a quick hour to an hour-and-a-half south of Tampa and St. Petersburg. It features a second magnitude spring that is ideally suited to picnicking or simply enjoying nature. Salt Springs Recreation Area, Salt Springs, 16. Spend a weekend at the secluded Hart Springs in Bell, Florida. There is also a campground specifically for RVs. But now, the 510-foot Spiegel Grove gives the area an added attraction. Emily is a freelance writer from Canada and it was during her time studying History that she became interested in travel. Nominated for Best Documentary, the Netflix film follows the enriching relationship between a man and an octopus, erasing the line between humanity and nature. On this small-group manatee a … A PADI Worldwide Company. The rigs are covered in corals and sponges and populated by grunts, snapper and the occasional bull shark. The 210-foot freighter was intentionally sunk in '98 in 50 to 105 feet of water. California Dive Charters This area is reserved for California Dive Charter Operators who are sponsors of Spearboard. The larger campground comprises 59 units and has fire rings, picnic tables, and grills throughout. Ginnie Springs, a 100-foot-diameter depression, and three smaller springs —Devil's Eye, Devil's Ear and Little Devil — feed the tannin-dyed Santa Fe River with warm, clear water. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) The Florida Keys are built on coral rock, and offshore reefs are wonderful for snorkelers and scuba divers. We offer air and EANx fills in-store by certified gas blenders. Best of all, it's a state, and that means it's linked to you by the Interstate system. For those looking to catch fish, go further downstream to Salt Springs Marina or Salt Springs Run. She was cleaned up and rechristened after the malt beverage magnate. Sunken barges, tugs, liberty ships, landing craft, airplanes, army tanks and bridge rubble are populated by grouper, flounder and cobia. And of course, there is a campsite where visitors can pitch their tents and sleep overnight. Take a gander at a map of Florida and you'll see why there are as many scuba diving opportunities in the Sunshine State as there are alligators in the Everglades. Despite its small size, there is nothing quite like spending time in this crystal clear spring water. Gornto Springs is a rural outdoor area at its finest. Nearby, there is a campground equipped with everything you could possibly need. Many of Florida's best dives are within a day's drive of the southeast and south-central United States (see the best dives in the U.S. here). Keep reading for more Florida vacation spots. With visibility up to 200 feet, it’s easy to observe the flora and fauna of the river system, from gar and turtles to otters and anhingas catching their dinner. Book Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2021. Big Pine Key makes a great base for exploration of one of the Lower Keys' greatest wrecks, the Adolphus Busch Senior. Miami's Wreck Trek is a cluster of sites that can be dived in a single tank — two if you want to see more. The 187-foot steel-hulled buoy tender Cayman Salvager transported Cuban refugees during the Mariel boatlift in the late '70s and early '80s. The shielded campground is located adjacent to the natural spring. Alternatively, stroll through the boardwalk which leads you to Suwannee River where you may spot giant sturgeons jumping from the water. However, if you plan on camping, the campground features 60 spacious campsites with grills, electrical hookups, and picnic tables. There are even clear kayaking tours available in Rock Springs if you’re looking for an ultra Instagrammable activity. Hit the springs at Fanning Springs State Park. It is one of the oldest in the area, dating back to the 1930s. Rainbow Springs is one of the best spots in Florida to get in touch with nature. There are also other outdoor options like hiking and fishing. One North Jacaranda, Orlando, Florida 32836, Phone: 877-330-7377 Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. These are the best family resorts in Florida with water … There is even a manatee encounter kayaking tour available in the park that will take you on a 3 hour eco adventure. How To Get There Miami and Fort Lauderdale are easily reached by all major airlines. The Thrill Of Diving! You can go tubing, canoeing, and snorkelling. Fortunately, all of her crew made it to lifeboats before she sank. The Lady Luck is one of the many artificial wrecks added along shores of Palm Beach County. Rates start from $535 per night. The campground has plenty of amenities, such as picnic tables, running water, and electricity. This natural mineral spring can be found in Central Florida and is also home to the largest campground in Ocala. If you want to stay overnight, there is a campground with 51 campsites. A buoyed line leads from the center of the basin down to the natural cavern entrance at 60 feet--the limit of safe penetration for all but certified cavern divers. 18 Best Natural Springs in Florida with Camping, 2. Water Conditions Though year-round diving is possible, the Keys are perhaps best dived spring through fall, when visibility is best, water temps peak in the mid-80Fs, and weather conditions allow a better chance of visiting the good sites. A small platform extends into the spring, allowing active kids to run, jump and cause a splash in the water. The Eagle is much bigger, a 269-foot Dutch freighter, that sank in 1985. Fanning Springs State Park, Fanning Springs, 6. Beyond diving, visitors can swim, jump off diving boards, or even enter the water via a rope swing. The Looe Key Artificial Reef Association bought the former Ocean Alley and towed it from Haiti. They may promote their upcoming trips here and … As you glide slowly over the tropical reef watching the ballet of thousands of beautifully colored marine creatures, you're immersed in a spirit of inner space that is nearly overwhelming and beckons you to stay. The sheer diversity of activities available in the Palm Beaches is the region’s strength. A scuba set is any breathing apparatus that is carried entirely by an underwater diver and provides the diver with breathing gas at the ambient pressure. There are also volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts in the surrounding area. This makes it a popular spot for both swimming and snorkelling. If you only have a day to explore the area, this is definitely the best way to do it! That’s right, the Sunshine State has plenty of freshwater springs for visitors and locals to enjoy. Visitors are free to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the shore. That’s right, this stunning natural wonder first opened to the public in Florida in the 1870s. scubadiving.com is part of PADI Media, a division of PADI Worldwide. Water Conditions Water temps at dive destinations in this part of the Gulf of Mexico are typically warmer than their Atlantic counterparts, often peaking in the mid-80Fs in summer, but temps can drop to the mid-60Fs in winter. Dannon bottles its spring water at Ginnie Springs — an awesome endorsement for the quality and clarity of these waters. There is even a Rainbow Springs clear kayak tour available to visitors. All rights reserved. Not only is there turquoise blue water, but also plenty of exciting wildlife like manatees! No visit to Key West would be complete without taking a dive on the 520-foot artificial reef made up of the former USNS Vandenberg. The wreck is an oasis of fish life in a vast desert of sand, where snapper flow in and out of cracks in the hull. An aggressive artificial reef program has sent not only dozens of wrecks to the seafloor, but also three retired oil platforms called Tenneco Towers. Multiple cabins complete with beds, linens, living rooms, and refrigerators are available to rent. You don't have to be cave- or cavern-certified, and you can reach a max depth of 100 feet and you're all but guaranteed to run into Virgil, the spring's resident Florida softshelled turtle . This is a great place to do cave diving if your rained. extended bottom times. This subterranean spring is located near Williston, Florida. 3 night minimum stay required. Find sea lions, mobula rays, angel sharks, giant electric rays and unique macro critters including a wide variety of nudibranchs…. To go hiking, follow the Bear Swamp Trail or Salt Springs Wildlife Observation Trail. There are plenty of great water activities to do here, like swimming and snorkelling. Beyond the fun water activities available at each spring, there are also conveniently located campgrounds near each. 1. Talk about a scuba diver’s dream! Blue Grotto is one such place, the largest clear-water cavern in Florida. Show your credentials, and you're allowed to penetrate 65 feet into the passageway that leads to the cave, but turn around when surface light is no longer visible.