Florida

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Enjoy the Sunshine State's incredible beaches, or take an adventure within the unique ecosystem of the Everglades. Find great, diving, swimming, hiking and more.

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Swim and Cliff Jump at Madison Blue Springs

Lee, Florida

4.6

This natural spring is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida. The pool of water is crystal clear for swimming, scuba-diving, and jumping in from off on a cliff to the side. The water is also about 70 degrees - a perfect compliment to the hot, humid climate of Florida. A rip current in the shallower rocky area leads to a river as well as more places to lay out in the sun. Since it's a st...

Swim at Ginnie Springs

High Springs, Florida

4.9

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 sprin...

Snorkel at Ichetucknee Blue Hole

O'Brien, Florida

4.8

At Ichetucknee Springs State Park, there are 2 main entrances - to get to Blue Hole (aka Jug Hole), go to the NORTH entrance. This is also where the main headspring is. If you accidentally go to the south entrance, you are only a few miles away, don't worry! Ask for directions at the guard shack. You pay a small state park entrance fee then follow the road to the parking lot. During the busy su...

Exploring the Ruins of Fort Dade

Saint Petersburg, Florida

5.0

Egmont Key Sate Park is only accessibly by boat, so be sure to book ahead if you need a ride. Several tour companies offer relatively cheap rides to and from the island, paired with snorkeling excursions at the ruins on the west side of the island.The island ferry departs from Fort De Soto State Park, which is easily accessible and offers admission for only $5 per car. To make the most of your ...

Kayak Extreme Emerald Cut

Apopka, Florida

3.0

Start at King's Landing. Here you can either drop your own kayaks in or choose to rent. Kayak/Canoe rentals are $30 for the day. Using your own kayak is $20, if you choose to have them pick you up at Wekiva Springs and shuttle you back. During summer months, get there early (before 11), as they typically sell out. Head upstream to the right first. This is Extreme Emerald Cut, which was easily t...

Kayak the South Lido Mangrove Tunnels

Sarasota, Florida

4.8

Before entering South Lido County Park, take a left turn on Taft Drive for the kayak launch area. Parking is available at the end of the road. Multiple companies offer kayak and stand up paddle (SUP) rentals and tours at the launch site, but feel free to bring your own. Launch your kayak or SUP between mangroves into Sarasota Bay and continue South along the mangrove tunnels. Visit this website...

Paddle to Cypress Spring

Vernon, Florida

3.8

1 mi

Starting at Cotton Landing, you paddle about a quarter of a mile downstream until you encounter the spring run to the right/north. Another tenth of a mile or so up the run will take you to one of the most beautiful spring-fed swimming holes you will ever find. Fed by a 2nd magnitude spring, this circular shaped swimming hole is over 100 feet wide and approximately 26 feet deep. It's surrounded ...

Kayak & Swim with Manatees at Three Sisters Spring

Crystal River, Florida

4.8

When the ocean becomes too cold for the manatees, they take refuge in the 70 degree water at Three Sisters Spring. So, the best time to see the manatees in the spring is just after a cold front has come through. We also learned that they will swim back out to the ocean before low tide to avoid becoming trapped in the spring.Not owning our own boats, we started our adventure at Hunter's Kayaks j...

Cave Dive at Ginnie Springs

High Springs, Florida

5.0

Nestled on the banks of the Santa Fe River, at the end of a long country road, six springs add a burst of clear water to the dark, winding river. These springs make up a park called "Ginnie Springs," a popular place for both locals and international visitors - and it's not just the clear water and river tubing that attract people in the masses.Now for the "advanced" skill level part: There is a...

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