Diving in Florida Springs

Explore 120 dive sites in Florida Springs, United States. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Florida Springs

The warmest water temperatures in Florida Springs occur in August, averaging 31.3°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 15.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.9°C
  • February: 16.7°C
  • March: 20.4°C
  • April: 23.4°C
  • May: 26.8°C
  • June: 29.5°C
  • July: 30.9°C
  • August: 31.3°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 25.6°C (air: 22.4°C)
  • November: 21.3°C (air: 18.1°C)
  • December: 17.6°C (air: 14.8°C)

Marine Life in Florida Springs

Home to 145 recorded species including 122 reef fish, 8 other, 4 sharks & rays, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Florida Springs

Florida Springs has 3 beginner dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Florida Springs

Based on average water temperature of 24.1°C, currents 1 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Florida Springs

  • Cumberland Island National Seashore - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Capers Island - Heritage Preserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Daws Island - Heritage Preserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Deveaux Bank - Heritage Preserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • St. Catherines Island Bar - Natural Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Egg Island Bar Natural Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Pelican Spit Natural Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Satilla River Marsh Island Natural Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve / - Wildlife Management Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Anastasia State Park - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Fort Clinch State Park Aquati State Park - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Nassau River - St. Johns River Marshes Aquatic Preserve - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Fort Sumter National Monument - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Fort Pulaski National Monument - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Bay Point Shoal - Seabird Sanctuary (IUCN Category V)
  • Joiner Bank - Seabird Sanctuary (IUCN Category V)
  • Deveaux Bank - Seabird Sanctuary (IUCN Category V)
  • Little Tybee River Macrosite - Easement (IUCN Category V)
  • St. Catherines Bar Natural Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Guana Tolomato Matanzas - National Estuarine Research Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Satilla River Marsh Island - Natural Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Bird Key-Stono - Seabird Sanctuary (IUCN Category V)
  • Crab Bank - Seabird Sanctuary (IUCN Category V)
  • Egg Island Bar NA - State Natural Area (GADNR) (IUCN Category V)
  • Pelican Spit Natural Area - Natural Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic - Preserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Us-Sc-1-34 - Conservation Easement (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Us-Sc-1-37 - Conservation Easement (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Marsh View - Trail (IUCN Category Not Assigned)

Getting to Florida Springs - Nearest Airports

  • St Simons Island Airport (SSI), St Simons Island - 66 km away, approx 87 min travel time
  • Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), Savannah - 97 km away, approx 120 min travel time
  • Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Jacksonville - 132 km away, approx 159 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions like for diving in Florida Springs, including temperature and visibility?
Diving in Florida Springs offers exceptional conditions with crystal-clear freshwater visibility. The water temperature remains a constant 22°C year-round, providing a consistent and comfortable diving environment.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Florida Springs, and are there any specific highlights like manatees?
The provided data for Florida Springs does not detail specific marine life or highlights such as manatees. Divers interested in wildlife sightings should consult additional resources or local dive operators for more information.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Florida Springs region for different types of diving?
For diverse diving experiences in Florida Springs, Ginnie Springs is a popular intermediate reef dive. Cave diving enthusiasts can explore Lake Hollywood, suitable for beginners, or the intermediate Forty Fathom Grotto and Crystal River - Three Sisters Springs.
What experience levels are suitable for diving in Florida Springs, from open water to cavern or cave diving?
Florida Springs accommodates various experience levels, from beginners to intermediate divers. Beginner cave divers can explore sites like Lake Hollywood, while intermediate divers have options such as the reef at Ginnie Springs or the cave systems of Forty Fathom Grotto and Crystal River - Three Sisters Springs.
How do seasonal variations affect diving in Florida Springs, particularly regarding crowds and marine life sightings?
Diving in Florida Springs is unique due to the constant 22°C water temperature year-round, meaning conditions do not vary seasonally in that regard. However, the provided data does not offer specific information on how seasonal variations affect crowds or marine life sightings. For details on optimal diving times, you might consult when to dive resources.
What essential gear is recommended for scuba diving in Florida Springs, considering the freshwater environment and consistent water temperature?
Given the constant 22°C freshwater environment in Florida Springs, a 5mm wetsuit is generally recommended for comfort. Divers should also bring standard scuba equipment, keeping in mind that freshwater buoyancy differs slightly from saltwater.
Are there any specific safety considerations or unique challenges divers should be aware of when exploring Florida Springs?
The provided data for Florida Springs does not outline specific safety considerations or unique challenges. However, as with any dive, especially in cave environments like Forty Fathom Grotto or Crystal River - Three Sisters Springs, divers should always adhere to their training, dive within their limits, and follow local guidelines.
Where are the most popular Florida Springs dive sites located, and how accessible are they for travelers?
Popular dive sites in Florida Springs include Ginnie Springs, Blue Spring, Devil's Den, and Crystal River - Three Sisters Springs. These sites are situated within the broader Florida Springs area in the United States, though specific accessibility details for travelers are not provided in the current data.