Ginnie Springs, High Springs, FL

## Overview Ginnie Springs is one of Florida's most beloved natural spring destinations, located along the Santa Fe River near High Springs in Gilchrist County. The property is home to seven distinct freshwater springs, each feeding crystal-clear water into the Santa Fe River at a constant temperature of approximately 72°F (22°C) year-round. The springs are renowned for their stunning clarity and vibrant blue hues, making them a premier spot for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, tubing, and cave diving. Ginnie Springs is a privately owned and operated outdoor recreation park, meaning visitors pay an entrance fee to access the grounds. The spring system includes notable springs such as Ginnie Spring itself, Devil's Eye Spring, and Devil's Ear Spring — the latter two being famous among cave divers for their extensive underwater cave systems. Ginnie Spring proper is a first-magnitude spring that produces a powerful, constant flow of water, and the spring run is remarkably short before it merges with the Santa Fe River. The water at Ginnie Springs has historically been regarded as exceptionally clean and clear, and visitors have long reported that it tastes fresh and pure. The springs have been a popular gathering place for generations of Floridians and travelers alike. ## Directions 1. From **High Springs, FL**, head north on **US-41 / US-441**. 2. Turn west (left) onto **FL-340 (NW 182nd Avenue)**. 3. Continue for approximately 6.5 miles. 4. Turn left onto **NE 60th Street**, following signs for Ginnie Springs. 5. Continue to **7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643** — the main entrance to the Ginnie Springs Outdoors park. 6. Check in at the front gate, where you will pay the entrance fee before proceeding to the springs. *GPS coordinates: 29.830818, -82.70594* ## What to Expect Ginnie Springs Outdoors is open **8 AM – 7 PM, 7 days a week** (hours may vary seasonally — it's a good idea to check their official website before visiting). An entrance fee is required, and pricing may differ for day visitors, campers, divers, and tubers. Once inside, you'll find well-maintained grounds with boardwalks, picnic areas, and easy access points to the springs and the Santa Fe River. The main Ginnie Spring features a large, bowl-shaped pool of impossibly clear turquoise water with a sandy bottom, where you can watch the spring water boiling up from below. The flow is strong and constant, and the 72°F water feels refreshingly cool on a hot Florida day. Activities available include: - **Swimming and snorkeling** in the spring pools and along the Santa Fe River - **Scuba diving and cave diving** (certification required for cave diving; Devil's Eye and Devil's Ear are world-class cave diving sites) - **Tubing and kayaking** on the Santa Fe River - **Camping** — both tent and RV sites are available on the property The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during the summer months. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting on a weekday or during the cooler months — the constant 72°F water temperature makes it a comfortable swim even in winter. Facilities on-site include restrooms, a camp store, and equipment rentals.