Blue Spring State Park

This dive site, Blue Spring State Park, is a renowned freshwater spring located in Florida. Divers can explore a unique underwater environment, starting from a large spring boil that leads into a spring run towards the St. Johns River. While there's no specific historical 'wreck' story, the site's natural history revolves around its constant 72°F (22°C) water flow and its significance as a manatee refuge. Navigation typically follows the flow of the spring run, or divers can explore deeper into the spring vent and cavern system for appropriately certified individuals.
The diverse freshwater ecosystem hosts various fish species including bluegill, bass, cichlids, catfish, and tilapia. During the cooler winter months, the park becomes a critical warm-water refuge, offering excellent opportunities for encounters with West Indian manatees. Alligators and different species of turtles are also possible sightings throughout the year, adding to the unique wildlife experience.
The best time to visit for manatee sightings is during the winter months (November to March) when they seek refuge in the spring's warm waters. Visibility is generally excellent year-round due to the spring's clear outflow. Divers should be aware of potential currents in the run and strictly observe manatees from a respectful distance as they are protected. For freedivers, the clear, relatively shallow waters of the spring run offer an ideal environment for breath-hold diving and wildlife observation, while certified cave divers can explore the deeper, darker passages of the spring system.