The water temperature at Gilchrist Blue Springs remains constant at 72 degrees Fahrenheit/22 degrees Celsius. Because the spring is 24 feet deep, it's possible to swim over and around it.
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Yes, swimming and scuba diving are permitted at Blue Springs, Florida. Check at the entrance if you are required to register. However, the spring run closes during the winter to protect the migratory manatees. Any water activities such as scuba, swimming or kayaking are not allowed during manatee season (Nov-March).
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is in the north central part of the state, an area well known for the many spectacular freshwater springs found along the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers.
Welcome to Madison Blue Spring State ParkThis crystal-clear, first-magnitude spring is a popular spot for swimming and cave diving. About 82 feet wide and 25 feet deep, the spring bubbles up into a limestone basin along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River.
Blue Spring offers swimming in a crystal-clear spring run. Swimming or diving with the manatees is not permitted. For the safety of visitors, climbing onto the spring banks or trees is prohibited.
Tip: the best time to visit Blue Spring State Park is in the mid morning before the sun is fully up and warming the waters. As the day goes on, the manatees work their way back into the St Johns River. In the morning there are also smaller crowds, so it's much more pleasant.
When planning your trip, consider visiting the springs in the early morning and during the middle of the week. Local springs will be less crowded on weekdays and the manatees are most active and playful in the mornings.
No food or drinks allowed inside tubes. Food and drinks are allowed when kayaking. There are accessible covered pavilions with accessible grills. All pavilions are first come, first served.
Inflatable floats and tubes are allowed in the spring and adjacent river. Visitors may bring their own float. To help protect the spring and river, no food, drink, pets, tobacco, alcohol or disposable items are allowed.
It's best to get to the spring before 10am. We were there on a Friday around 9:30am, it wasn't crowded at all. But when we left around 12:30pm, more and more people started showing up at the park. Just arrive early and enjoy the spring.
It takes anywhere from 50 to 100 years to reach the Blue Spring from its source. Why is the water so blue? The beautiful clear blue-green of the Blue Spring and Te Waihou is due to its purity as particles are removed during its journey through underground acquifers.
Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is an experience you will not forget. Float your canoe, kayak or SUP down the quarter-mile spring run as it flows from the main spring headwaters to the Santa Fe River.