Florida, North America
The ultimate guide to tubing Ginnie Springs in Florida
Sep
During our Deep South road trip through the United States, we discovered Ginnie Springs in Florida. This place had been on our bucket list for a long time and honestly, it was even more beautiful than we expected. Surrounded by nature, you’ll find crystal-clear turquoise water and stunning natural springs. The water is so clear it almost feels unreal. You can go swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or enjoy the famous tubing at Ginnie Springs while floating down the river. What surprised us most was the relaxed atmosphere. This is a completely different side of Florida: no crowded beaches or theme parks, just pure nature and adventure. In this blog, you’ll discover why tubing at Ginnie Springs should absolutely be part of your Florida trip or Deep South road trip.
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Florida’s Natural Springs A.K.A. Florida Springs
Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and famous cities like Miami. Most travelers immediately think of theme parks and the coastline. However, Florida also has a completely different side.
In Central Florida, you’ll find hundreds of natural springs, also known as Florida Springs. These beautiful springs in Florida are filled with crystal-clear water flowing directly from underground cave systems. The water stays cool and clear all year round, making these spots perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Many locals visit the springs during weekends to cool off and relax, yet international tourists often skip them. That’s a shame, because the scenery is absolutely stunning. Here, you’ll discover turquoise water, lush forests, and a much more peaceful atmosphere. Some springs are also perfect for kayaking or tubing.
Why visit the Florida Springs?
Florida Springs are natural freshwater springs where crystal-clear groundwater flows directly from underground aquifers. The water stays at a constant temperature of around 72°F (22°C) year-round, making these springs popular in every season.
Most of the springs are located in North and Central Florida, mainly north of Orlando. Some of the most famous and beautiful springs in Florida include Ginnie Springs, Rainbow Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, and Three Sisters Springs.
Each spring has its own atmosphere and activities. Some are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, while others are known for kayaking, tubing, or diving. Thanks to the incredibly clear water, you can often spot fish, turtles, and underwater plants.
During the winter months, manatees also gather in certain springs. Three Sisters Springs is especially famous for manatee sightings. This makes the Florida Springs not only fun to visit, but also a unique experience during a Florida road trip.
Below, you’ll find a map with a helpful overview of the Florida Springs.
Ginnie Springs
When we started planning our Deep South road trip, a few places were immediately non-negotiable and Ginnie Springs was one of them. This natural spring had been on our bucket list for a long time.
Ginnie Springs is a large nature area located along the Santa Fe River in North Florida. Throughout the property, you’ll find several natural springs connected to the river, all famous for their crystal-clear turquoise water. Each spring has its own atmosphere and activities. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, go diving, or enjoy tubing at Ginnie Springs.
While researching the different beautiful springs in Florida, we came across many stunning places. Still, Ginnie Springs truly stood out to us. The combination of clear water, outdoor activities, and the laid-back atmosphere immediately caught our attention.
Another reason we chose Ginnie Springs was its perfect location along our Deep South road trip route. It allowed us to combine nature, relaxation, and adventure in one unforgettable stop.
How to get to Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs is located in North Florida, near the small town of High Springs and about 45 minutes from Gainesville. From Orlando, it’s roughly a two-hour drive to the springs, while from Miami the drive takes around five hours.
The easiest way to visit Ginnie Springs is by rental car, as public transportation in this area is very limited. That’s why this destination is best combined with a Florida or Deep South road trip. Along the way, you’ll pass forests, small towns, and scenic country roads, giving you a completely different side of Florida compared to the well-known coastal areas.
It’s also good to know that you can drive between the different springs within the Ginnie Springs property. This makes it easy to explore several spots during your visit, so having a rental car definitely comes in handy.
Keep in mind that weekends and holidays can get very busy, especially with locals visiting the springs to cool off and relax. We recommend arriving early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and the best light around the water.
Planning a trip to the United States? Then I’d also recommend reading my blog with 10 essential USA travel tips. There, you’ll find all the practical information you need to prepare for your trip, from booking flights and renting a car to driving, payments, and tipping in the United States.
What is the best time to visit Ginnie Springs and other Florida Springs?
You can visit the Florida Springs all year round, as the water temperature remains fairly constant throughout the seasons. This means the springs are still enjoyable even during the cooler months.
The best time to visit is usually between October and April. During these months, Florida is less hot and humid, making it much more comfortable to explore the springs and surrounding nature.
Summer can get extremely hot, and weekends or public holidays are often very busy. Many locals head to the springs during warm days to cool off and relax.
If you prefer a quieter experience, try to visit on a weekday and arrive early in the morning. You’ll enjoy softer light, fewer crowds, and a more peaceful atmosphere.
The winter months are also ideal for spotting manatees. Around Three Sisters Springs, many manatees gather in the warmer spring water during colder period.
Where to stay near Ginnie Springs
If you’re planning to visit Ginnie Springs, it’s best to stay near High Springs or Gainesville. Both locations are just a short drive from the springs.
We personally stayed at Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast in the charming village of Micanopy. This beautiful and atmospheric bed and breakfast is located about one hour from Ginnie Springs. The peaceful surroundings and historic charm made our experience even more special.
If you want to stay closer to the springs, you can also camp directly on the grounds of Ginnie Springs. This is especially popular with locals during weekends and holidays.
Gainesville is also a great base if you’re planning to explore several beautiful springs in Florida. The city offers a wide range of hotels and accommodations, making it easy to find a place to stay near the springs. Gainesville is also, in my opinion, one of the most fun cities in Florida. If you enjoy a bit of adventure, don’t forget to check out some of the the best hiking trails around Gainesville as well. Below, you’ll also find a handy Booking.com map where you can easily discover accommodations near Gainesville.
The different Springs at Ginnie Springs
Within the Ginnie Springs property, you’ll find several natural springs connected to the Santa Fe River. Each spring has its own atmosphere and unique features.
- Ginnie Spring: The most famous and iconic spring on the property. This is where you’ll see the crystal-clear turquoise water at its very best. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
- Devil’s Spring: A favorite among divers. This spring is known for its underwater caves and deep passages.
- Twin Springs: Two springs located right next to each other, surrounded by lush greenery. A peaceful place to swim and relax.
- Dogwood Spring: A smaller and quieter spring with a more natural atmosphere. Perfect if you want to escape the crowds for a while.
- Deer Spring: A less crowded spring surrounded by beautiful greenery. This spot feels calmer and is ideal for relaxing by the water.
- Santa Fe River: The river connects all the springs together and is the main place for kayaking and tubing at Ginnie Springs.
Thanks to the large property, it’s easy to explore several springs during one visit.
What does a day of tubing at Ginnie Springs look like?
Early in the morning, we headed towards Ginnie Springs. As a photographer, I really wanted to enjoy the best light and the peaceful atmosphere, so we aimed to be among the very first visitors of the day.
When we arrived, we still had to wait a little in the car because the park only opened at 8 AM. A few other early visitors were already waiting in the parking lot. One American tourist enthusiastically started talking to us and immediately told us we would be amazed by how beautiful the springs really are.
So our expectations were instantly high. Honestly, even before entering the park, this place already felt special. As soon as the gates opened, we drove excitedly into the property towards the crystal-clear blue water that makes Ginnie Springs so famous.
Renting equipment at Ginnie Springs
Full of excitement, we were among the first people to enter the reception area at Ginnie Springs. There, we immediately received a map of the property. To be honest, we were surprised by how large the nature area actually is. The property consists of several natural springs connected by the Santa Fe River.
The staff member explained that you can slowly float down the river in a tube while passing different springs and beautiful spots along the water. Of course, we were immediately sold. Jan and I chose a large couples tube so we could float together. After all, a road trip should have a little romance too.
Besides tubing at Ginnie Springs, you can also go kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. If you want to stay longer, you can even camp on-site or rent a cottage. We only paid for the day entrance and our tube rental. On the official website, you can find all prices and activities.
After that, we drove to the rental area to pick up our tube. Only then did we realize how enormous the thing actually was. Of course, our tube didn’t fit in the trunk, so we ended up driving with the back of the car half open while laughing all the way to the first spring.
We decided to explore all the springs first. Even though the property is quite large, it’s very easy to reach the different springs by car. Each spring also has its own parking area and restroom facilities available for visitors.
Exploring the different springs
Because it was still very quiet in the morning, we gladly took advantage of the peaceful atmosphere to take photos. We started at the most famous springs of Ginnie Springs: Ginnie Spring and Devil’s Eye. Two impressive spots that immediately capture your imagination. Thanks to the crystal-clear blue water, you can perfectly see the bottom and even several underwater cave entrances.
The springs are accessible via wooden platforms with small stairways leading into the water. Carefully, I took my first steps into the spring while Jan was setting up the camera. The water felt freezing cold at first. Even with the warm morning temperatures, I had to mentally prepare myself before fully going underwater. But once we started swimming, the water felt incredibly refreshing. After a few minutes, the cold feeling completely disappeared.
We quickly realized we weren’t alone. A few curious squirrels slowly came closer to us. They seemed completely unafraid and were especially interested in our backpacks and camera gear. At one point, we barely managed to save our camera on the tripod from falling into the water. One squirrel was literally preparing to jump straight from a branch onto the camera. Luckily, with some dramatic hand gestures and a lot of splashing, we managed to scare it away just in time.
Slowly, the first visitors also started arriving. Most of them were divers and people staying on the property itself. Devil’s Eye is especially popular among divers exploring the underwater caves.
Floating along the tube trail
After photographing the first springs, we honestly felt like we had taken enough photos for the day. The temperatures were rising quickly, and we mainly wanted to enjoy the beautiful nature around us. So, we decided it was finally time to start the famous tubing trail at Ginnie Springs.
With our enormous tube sticking halfway out of the trunk, we drove towards the starting point on the Santa Fe River. It immediately became clear that many visitors were experienced tubers. Families had connected multiple tubes together and even brought separate tubes for coolers and drinks. Of course, Jan and I hadn’t thought about that at all. We watched with a tiny bit of jealousy as other tubers relaxed with snacks and drinks while floating down the river.
Luckily, we quickly forgot about that once we were drifting peacefully on the water ourselves. Along the way, we enjoyed the stunning scenery surrounding us. Large trees leaned over the river, and small turtles were sunbathing on tree stumps along the shore.
While tubing, you can reach several springs through small side inlets connected to the river. That turned out to be more difficult than expected. Since the river current kept pulling us downstream, we had to paddle quite hard to take the correct turns. Because we hadn’t brought a paddle, one of us regularly had to jump into the water and push the tube forward manually. Jan bravely sacrificed himself while I desperately tried to keep our backpack dry.
By then, Devil’s Eye and Ginnie Spring, which had been peaceful in the morning, were completely filled with colorful tubes and swimmers. At times, it was even difficult to float through the crowds.
At Dogwood Spring, we were pleasantly surprised once again. This smaller spring felt much quieter and more peaceful. We stayed there for a while, floating calmly and enjoying the silence in the middle of nature.
Returning the equipment at Ginnie Springs
Once we arrived at the end of the tubing trail, we followed the walking path back to the Ginnie Springs rental station, where we returned our tube.
After that, we walked back to the parking area where our car was parked via a clearly marked trail. Everything on the property is very well organized, making it easy to navigate between the different springs and activities.
Before leaving, we drove back one last time to Dogwood Spring. This peaceful little spring had become one of our favorite spots of the day. Of course, we couldn’t resist taking one final refreshing swim before heading home.
We ended our day at Ginnies Grill, the restaurant located on the property. There, we enjoyed a well-deserved late lunch after a day full of nature, adventure, and tubing at Ginnie Springs.
Tips for an unforgettable visit to Ginnie Springs
- Try to visit Ginnie Springs on a weekday. Weekends can get extremely busy.
- Visiting for photography? Arrive as early as possible. The light is softer, and the springs are much quieter.
- It’s also best to start tubing in the morning, as the area gets significantly busier in the afternoon.
- Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee, as well as extra costs for rental equipment. You can find all updated information on the official website.
- Renting a large couples tube? Be aware that it usually won’t fit in a regular car trunk. You’re also allowed to bring your own tube or inflatable mattress.
- If you want to explore the springs in a more active way. You can opt for some paddle board exercise. A great way enjoy the beautiful area while working out.
- Never leave valuables unattended. Especially during busy moments, it’s best to keep your camera gear and backpack close to you.
- Bring enough drinks and snacks for the day. There’s also a small shop and food options available on the property. Or prepare a zero wast picnic for after tubing.
- A waterproof bag or dry barrel is extremely useful while tubing. It helps keep towels, phones, and cameras dry.
- Don’t leave trash or food behind. The curious squirrels and other wildlife are very interested in unattended snacks.
We look back on our day at Ginnie Springs with so much joy. This place truly exceeded all our expectations. Each spring is incredibly beautiful and surrounded by a magical natural setting. Our absolute highlight was tubing at Ginnie Springs on the Santa Fe River. Peacefully floating through nature, combined with swimming and exploring the springs, created the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. In short, tubing Ginnie Springs is the perfect day trip for both young and old – a place where nature, fun, and relaxation come together beautifully. Hopefully, my tips will help you plan your own unforgettable tubing Ginnie Springs experience at one of the most beautiful springs in Florida.
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Thanks for reading.
Yours truly,
Sarah
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Ginnie Springs looks like so much fun! I’ve only been to Florida once but would love to go back and experience floating in those tubes! ?
It was my second time in Florida and hadn’t experienced central Florida before. I fell in love with this part of the sunshine state.The nature, the springs, the food, … everything you need for an unforgettable trip. And floating those tubes was EPIC!
I will be there the last weekend of May with some friends tent camping. I’m really looking forward to my first time there. I’ve seen all the youtube videos on Ginnie springs.
OMG! You are so lucky! I whish I could go too. It’s one of the most beautiful springs I have ever seen. I hope you’ll have a blast! 🙂
Awesome views
They are amazing, aren’t they?!
I keep telling my fam we gotta goo! But only my mom is on board haha! Hope you had a blast ?
We did! And you should definitely go, it’s so much fun!
I live 20 mins from ginnie and not more than an hour to all the other springs. Absolutely prefer the springs over the beach.
I would too if I lived there. Too bad I couldn’t stay longer to explore the other springs as well. You live in such a beautiful area of the united States. I absolutely fell in love with central Florida!
Looking for a multi-genetational vacation spot. This looks perfect! Thanks!
Hope you enjoy it!
Fantastic Sarah. Thank u 4 sharing. Took some recommendations from your article for our Ginnie Springs visit. Thanks again!
Oh, so happy that my article was helpful to plan your visit 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
Hi.! We are headed to Florida soon and I’m trying to access the map with all the springs and their locations but it’s not showing up. Can you please send me the link or the map? Thank you!! Love all you’re pictures and info!
Hi Jessica,
I’m so sorry for this late reply. I was traveling. Here’s the link: https://floridasprings.org/florida-springs-map/ I will change it in the blog as well. I hope you have a great trip in Florida!
I have been to Florida numerous times and I never knew this existed. I’m either been confined to the Mouse House or Miami. Foreign tourist – your point proven. I’m going to try to hit this if I go back this winter!
I really hope you’ll get to visit. There are many springs located in Central Florida and I wish I could have visited them all.
We were limited in time and chose for the Ginnie Springs, and we are so happy we did. These springs are GORGEOUS!
I’ve never been to Florida but looks like a great day out, and it’s so pretty. I could relax in that water all day
Yes, it was such an epic day trip.
Thanks for sharing! I have been wanting to go here, I saw some photos on social media and was instantly sold as well! It looks like a beautiful destination, and your post makes me want to go even more!
It’s absolutely a must do when you’re in Florida. The springs are so gorgeous.
Sadly the natural beauty of this spectacular natural wonder is being rapidly destroyed by the hoards of partygoers who overwhelm its serenity and charm. Might as well just go to a water park. In fact, please do. This place will never be able to sustain the raucous human traffic that has been promoted here. The mismanagement is a disgrace that is purely the Disneyfication of a natural treasure.
Ah! I love Ginnie Springs! Looks like I’ll need to make a visit when I visit in a few months. 🙂
Yes, please do! You’re not going to regret it.
Wow your photos are amazing!! It makes me want to plan a trip!
Thank you. An I hope you do. Ginnie Spring is such a great place!
Your photos are stunning! I love how this place looks kinda like the Mexican cenotes! xx
Thank you. And yes they look a bit like the cenotes. They are so stunning.
Such a gem, it seems like there are not many tourists there. Also I absolutely adore how blue the water is!
There are a lot of tourist, but the pictures were taken when the park just opened. We are always super early to shoot 🙂
wow, such a beautiful place! well, when you mentioned the cold water, I’m totally not surprised, as I imagine our last trip to a small river/spring hidden inside the countryside of Italy, it was in Aug, and it was around noontime, the water was like from the fridge!!!
Haha, It was super cold, but in the end so refreshing. I just love swimming in natural springs. 🙂
It seems you had a great time.
Yes, we had the best time, definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
Wow! love the pictures. Definitely adding it my list 🙂
Thank you! I hope you can visit in the future!
Absolutely love this hidden gem in Florida. We did a bunch of springs on a Florida trip last year but missed this one. We will be back!
Oh yes, definitely one to add to your bucket list 🙂
Oh my goodness I want to go here now! Definitely adding this to my Florida bucket list. Your photos are gorgeous!!
Thank you so much! Hope you get to visit soon!
This looks like the perfect slice of paradise! I’ve never been to Florida before, but I’ll make the Ginnie Springs a must when I get there!
Yes, these springs are definitely the place to go on a trip through Florida.
Omg how do people not know about these springs! They are so gorgeous!!
I know right? They are so gorgeous!
I would love to try this! It looks like so much fun.
Nicola, hope you do. It’s awesome 🙂
I was just there. It is beautiful but definitely not fun trying to chase children around there. Or trying to explain thongs and and strings cover nipple top. I would absolutely love to go back, without kids. Its a great trip for gal pals or a group of couples, but wouldn’t recommend it for families with children under the age of 8.
Haha, really? When I was there it was ok, but I went during the week on slower day. 🙂
Me and my family went there this past weekend. Although I feel your statements are accurate you left out a lot. This place is full of drunk, weed smoking and rowdy crowds. AND, I don’t know how you forgot about the temperature of the water. I found it quite Impossible. There were kids in the water but there little lips were blue. My sons entire body was shaking from the water temperature. It is defined as a cold water spring. Please don’t go there expecting a pleasant day tubing. You will be disappointed. It’s unorganized and confusing to navigate. The staff are not helpful. I would not recommend anyone travel to this place. If your in the area it’s good to swing by. But don’t go out there just for this unless you like cold water and rowdy crowds.
Hi Evette, so sorry you feel this way and that it wasn’t a pleasant experience for you and your family. When I was there, it was not like that at all. And of course I can only write about my own experiences. Good that you share yours here as well.
It looks so serene there!! I have to ask though. And gators in the area. I always here about them in Florida. I even here about the Santee lake in SC… I’m a ks boy, not used to those. Thank you for sharing!!
No, there were no gators in the Ginnie Springs. 🙂
There are Alligators in the Santa Fe River adjacent to the Springs. I’ve seen one as long as 6 foot within 100′ of Springs. This place is definitely not for kids. Very crouded, party scene. Loud music, thousands of tubers, garbage dropped and left in river, no respect for the environment.
Really? When I visited it wasn’t like that at all. There were a lot of families with childeren, but no parties at all. I was there during the week, and I was told that weekends are quite busy, maybe that’s the difference. This blog is based on my experiences, so it’s subjective. Everyone has different experiences and opinions.
First time their a couple of days ago. Loved it had an awesome time with the family ???
So glad to hear that!!! 🙂
Amazing pics and very detailed explanation about Gennie springs which will make us feel to go right away and dive in. Can you suggest nearby place that we could stay since I am coming from other state driving 12-14 hrs. ? I am planning to reach Gennie at around 8:00 am. I would also like to know the tubing is recommended for 8 year old ? Will there be 3 seater tube or do we need to purchase from outside ?
Hi Dolly, we stayed in B&B Herlong Mansion in Micanopy, as I mentioned in the article. It’s not so close to Ginnie Springs (about 1 h drive) but definitely recommended. We had a great time there. You can also camp in Ginnie Springs of rent a cottage. Or stay a bit further in Gainesville. I think it’s best to check Ginnie’s springs official site to see if they have the right equipment for tubing with 3 or tubing with kids.
Sorry if I missed it, but how long did you spend at the Springs total? From taking pictures, touring the springs and tubing?
Hi Amanda, we did Ginnie Springs in one day. We were there when it opened and we left in the early evening. We took the photos in the morning when there was almost noone and around noon we went tubing, afterwards we spend a little bit of time swimming. So it’s definitely possible to visit Ginnie Springs in 1 day.