by Adele Woodyard
Actually when it’s in the 90s outside, they’re darn cold. That 72 degrees feels more like 32 when you first step in water so clear it’s like looking through a glass. Do you go in bit by bit? Or take a quick, body-shocking plunge? Whichever your approach, there’s nothing better to beat the dog days of late summer. Of the 700+ springs in the state, those best suited for recreation, snorkel, scuba and cave diving are in 17 state parks or private, like the Ginnie Springs resort and campground near High Springs. The majority are located in north and central Florida. Here are some of the few, for a day or a weekend. Click for all fun things to do at these and others: http://www.floridastateparks.org http://www.floridasprings.org http://ginniespringsoutdoors.com
Tubing:
From Memorial Day to Labor Day the visitor’s favorite pastime at Ichetucknee Springs State Park is floating down the crystaline river in a huge inner tube. In fact it’s so popular the river can look like a waterborne traffic jam, so go early. Only have a kid’s round rubber ring? Tube, snorkel and diving equipment can be rented from vendors outside the park. No campground. $6 per vehicle, up to 8 people; $5 tubing. Fort White. 386-497-2511.
Rainbow Springs State Park was a privately owned attraction during the 1930s through the 70s. Today the Rainbow River is a great swim, snorkel, paddle spot and like the Ichetucknee, perfect for tubing. NOTE: Tubers are not permitted at headsprings. Tube entrance 1.4 miles south of campground on SW 180th Ave., about 2 miles south of S.R.40. Tuber entrance open April-Sept 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 per vehicle up to 8 people; plus $10 including tube and tram service; $8 with own tube. 352-465-8555.
Swim/Snorkel:
The spring run at Troy Spring State Park has an interesting sight for snorkelers—remains of a Civil War-era steamboat. The Madison was scuttled there in 1863 to prevent capture. Open water scuba diving is also permitted in the 70 foot deep, first magnitude spring. $3 per vehicle up to 8 people. No campground. Branford. 386-935-4835.
Wakulla Springs State Park has one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs. As such it’s caves and caverns have not been fully explored. During the 1940s it was a site for some of the Tarzan movies and later, such Hollywood offerings as the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Lodge, no camping.. $6 per vehicle up to 8 people. Wakulla Springs. 850-224-5950
Scuba/Cave Diving:
Divers must be certified and have a partner to tackle the caves at Peacock Springs State Park. Along with two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes, it has one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States. About 28,000 feet has been surveyed by cave divers. No campgrounds. $4 per vehicle, up to 8 people; Luraville. 386-776-3194.
Ginnie Springs Resort and Campground has 7 freshwater springs, 4 of them diveable, on 200 acres along the Santa Fe River. There P.A.D.I certified dive-center for open water, cavern and cave diving rules that Scuba must register and sign waiver during store hours . Fully certified cave divers pay $22 per person, all other divers $30 per person; General admission $12 adult, $3 ages 7-14, plus tax. High Springs. 386-454-7188. . .
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