Very dry I came to show the springs to my grand kids with my husband. We got a little disappointed…read moreat least too great pictures. Will be back later time. Its a beautiful place to be with family.

This is a great state park! Only $4 per car and offers access for scuba divers to the springs…read more There is open water diving allowed here at orange grove. No lights though! The park also has cave diving with Peacock I, Peacock III, and Bonnet. You can enter Peacock I either at orange grove or the main entrance also. Bonnet has more restrictions and is limited to only a few cave divers a day. The dirt road can get bad when it's been raining but the try to maintain it.

If using them for dive gear repair, beware. They sent off my regulator set to be repaired (had I…read moreknown they'd ship it off, I'd have taken it back to where I bought it to begin with). I was warned it would be a while because of lack of parts manufacturing which was no big deal so when months had passed, I didn't think anything of it. 7 months rolls around, they sent the USPS tracking info and said we needed to take it to the post office and locate it--it had been lost. USPS system only goes back 6 months--therefore, USPS can't do anything since it had been so long. The Dive Outpost tells me there's nothing they can do and then proceeds to tell me that I can buy a new set from them for $600 or a consigned set for $400. All said and done I have lost a $600 regulator set with no offer to replace or at the very least discount a new one. Bad way of doing business.

This is a place where you can sleep, cook, and get all the dive gear/ tank fills you need for cave…read morediving in the area. They feature several different rooms in mobile home type buildings rooms offered are: Back trailer: 2 beds on one side with a shared bathroom and 4 beds on the other side. The other 2 cabin type buildings I haven't been in but one has a bed for 2 people and the other I think has 2 beds sleeping 4 people. (call them for more details) Also inside the main building there is a room that sleeps 4 in 2 sets of bunk beds. The rooms are clean and the owner is very welcoming. They have a full shared kitchen on site for those who prefer to cook their own meals. The dive shop features rental gear and all the big or little things you would need to cave dive they have available to buy. 32% Nitrox is banked so filling tanks is a quick process here, always a good fill.

Royal Springs is exceedingly pretty as long as it's not flooded out--which can happen with heavy…read moreseasonal rainfall and the Suwannee River creeping into the spring. When that happens, it becomes murky and not much fun--if even safe for swimming. But when clear, it's very beautiful and there's a dock to jump off into the spring which is always fun. In the warmer months on sunny days this spring can get very crowded and a bit rowdy too: it's not a State Park but a county park (I think, maybe in conjunction with the Water Management District) so it's not as sedate as a State Park, either. Expect a lot of teens and a party atmosphere but that's really part of the fun. If you've ever sought out an "ol' swimmin' hole", this really IS it--but when in its best shape. On several visits the water was too murky from the river getting up high to swim or dive in, though.

On our second day of glamping, January 25th, we were looking at a few things to do and settled on…read moregoing to the Royal Springs watering hole and diving platform. With temperatures around 67F as the high today, we got into shirts swimsuits n towels and piled into the vanmobile for a short drive over from our AirBnB (Margaritaville). Of course we have been having so much fun with lows 40s n 50s, so why not give a dip a try! LOL. Now I dare not jump off the diving platform due to ankle healing, but did follow a stairwell trail down the opposite side to the shallow entry into the water. Tested the water first was about 70 degrees ish...definitely warmer relatively speaking..lol, as the surround air was cooler. Oh and being much dryer air here than in Miami, I was surprised how easily I acclimated to the colder temperatures! We stayed awhile in this watering hole, gorgeous clear water colors, fun watching the shenanigans of my two friends up on the platform psyching each other out while trying to run n jump at the same time only to abort at last second. Eventually they went in. As for me, with water shoes put on, had made way carefully through the shallow are over slippery shallow area to the drop off point into deeper water, staring down and seeing fish swim underneath. Some of us went in, some stayed outside, hanging here awhile and treading water to stay somewhat warm. It was therapudic with the crisp water, the the surround woods, calmness. It was nice! Eventually the cold gets to you as the sun further descends around 4pm, so I got out dried off and warmed up. Not only is there a watering hole here, but after drying off warming up, I made my way down another path to a gentle babbling brook glistening in the sun to which I can see the trail of water coming from the Suwanee river! I also am able to briefly see a jet skier quickly pass back and forth. Later on learned there is a boat ramp as we walked about. This another perk of glamping / living nearby here! Having enough of this outing, we headed back to our AirBnb where I took a HOT shower to warm up my core :D

Since my last review was over a decade ago, probably time for an update. I don't come to Ginnie as…read moreoften as other area springs but it's worth a visit now and then--on weekday mornings ideally if you want to freedive, swim, and miss the crowds of the weekend. It's a good camping destination, too. For me, the main draw however is freediving and there's plenty here to see. You cannot and should not by any means enter caves as a freediver--it's forbidden and even for highly-experienced freedivers, dangerous. If we freedivers don't want to wear out our proverbial welcome, yes, we need to behave. Cave-certified SCUBA divers are the only ones to enter caves. I want to address some things which came up between my own observations and what I've read in other reviews here. For one, the food. This isn't a good place to get good food. If you want something nice, get it "in town" in High Springs or bring something to cook if camping. For that matter, bring your snacks and gear because expectedly things are a bit overpriced at the merch store here. If you don't what the place to be loud, busy, and long lines then don't come on weekends and holidays. It's that simple. This is a business and they'll let in as many people as they safely can let in. As far as loud music and uneven enforcement of rules, I think this just comes down to different employees acting their own way. Most summer help is students, they're not going to have the discernment and acumen of a veteran police officer in dealing with people. Most are nice, some are lax, some overzealous. About the bath houses and other facilities. I think things are in pretty good shape--on par with bath houses at campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest, in example. Nothing was horribly dirty any time I was there but folks--this is camping. Remember that. I don't see the need for tram or shuttle, either. Maybe for disabled or infirm folks but most of us can simply walk between springs and should. Overall I feel Ginnie is well-run for what it is, with your normal business caveats like they'll charge what they can get away with in their store which is exactly why you want to buy stuff at Walmart or whatever prior to coming here. It's a great place to camp and unique, beautiful, springs you'll remember your entire lifetime.

Ginnie springs is an amazing private property camping spot for trails, swimming in the springs and…read morea great weekend camping. Highly recommend not coming on the holidays. You get this mix of ghetto hick thugs speeding through the park flashing whatever bs they think is cool. They are trying to crack down but the park is big and there's always someone has to ruin it for visitors. Great spot on week days. One of the few places you can drink and float down the river and hit some springs. I've had many great times

Hi, I have dove with…read moreJosh and Deena on several trips to the florida keys. they are a great team and offer a very custom diving experience. Our dive party was able to video giant groupers off of Looe key. we were spontanious to the photo opportunity that was a pleasant departure from traditional dive trips.and they Love of the water! They know how to adapt to ever changing conditions! we felt safe and would send any family or friends to them for their next adventure. I want to dive with them in the crystal river basin next, manatee season. He knows of many local spots that you may not find on your own. LC oh yeah, If you get him to cook your fish you will be amazed~ They will be apart of our annual trip to the keys that we have

From the owner: Our business specializes in putting the customers needs first. Only the best dive training and dive…read moretours are provided here at Madman Moody's Scuba Diving Adventures. Here you will not be rushed and the memories and training you receive will last you a lifetime!

Lake City Dive Center is an awesome place to get your open water certification. They had great…read moreequipment, they use incredible fresh-water facilities that set up for testing, and the certification dives went like clockwork. Barry and Ginna were wonderful hosts.

A very neat place to see. Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring is…read moretucked away beside Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens in Williston, Florida. Both locations are literally right next to each other. The Devil's Den is a fascinating hidden gem that offers a true taste of Florida's unique geology. A cenote is a natural sinkhole formed when limestone bedrock collapses. Most are very unique and all share that they seem to have crystal-clear groundwater beneath and an opening above for sunlight to reach the water through a hole in the ceiling. It is essentially a window into an underground aquifer. The springs typically have 72-degree spring water making it cool and refreshing no matter how hot it is outside. The experience is especially rewarding if you're visiting a cenote for the first time. The entrance is easy to miss from the walkway. We walked right past it. Gear rentals are available on-site, making it accessible even for beginners. You check in at the office and pay your fee and sign the waivers and then you can enter and descend a set of stairs with a notably low ceiling. Watch your head!. It is a little bit dark on the first landing but it had plenty of light at the large landing by the water. Below, the cavern opens up to reveal the stunning underground spring, perfect for snorkeling. We did not go snorkeling this visit but may try it the next time. Right next to the cenote is a pleasant above-ground pool area with a beach area and chairs. Right next to the cenote entrance are several covered tables for groups.. It's a convenient spot to dry off, eat a snack, or simply enjoy the surroundings after your swim. Overall, Devil's Den is a neat and unique geological feature that's well worth the stop, especially if you're exploring central Florida's springs. It's not a large site, so you won't spend all day there, but the chance to snorkel inside a real cenote creates a memorable, bucket-list moment.

What a cool place this is! We're camping here and get to take advantage of all the amenities…read more Regarding the Den itself: There's a huge swimming pond. You can play volleyball in the water (or on the lawn), make your way to the middle island in the pond and relax on a hammock, or simply relax in the water. The spring itself is down some stairs. It costs $30 to snorkel and I think $50 to scuba. You have to have mask and fins on at all times - you can't just swim in the spring. We're here in the "off" season and it hasn't been crowded at all. If you want to enjoy just the swimming pond / Oasis it's $15 a day. It's free if you camp here. The campground itself is small, only 30 sites. Most have full hookups and 5-6 are electric only. It's shady and quiet in the campground. We will definitely stay here again!

We were so impressed with our scuba cert program through SpringAdventures!…read more Honestly, when we hit the targeted ads, we were a little dubious because of some of the web design choices, and how low the prices were. SO GLAD we took a chance. It's a one-man operation, and he's incredible. His prices are all in, and he really does knock it out in just 2 days with great flexible local dives near the High Springs area. If you have a special request, just call him - he was able to add our NitrOx cert as well on the fly. I was blown away watching this man transition from charismatic comedy, making learning fun but still hitting all the key points, right into suddenly supportive teacher mode when we were in the practical portions and he was helping a student who was struggling, using a disarming compassionate demeanor. At least in our session, class sizes were very small, and he not only equipped us mentally for our scuba expeditions, but he gave us incredible insight and recommendations beyond the certification on what kind of gear to look for, good habits, inside tips for the industry. Just 11/10. He also does have gear available for sale, customized to the diver, which is I assume how he keeps his prices so low, but he wasn't pushy at all and advised us for what we NEEDED not what he sold. I was actively trying to buy gear from him, and he advised me that I might need something special and that also some other websites unrelated to him are having a pretty good sale right now so he chose our equipment and savings over his own revenue. Just couldn't be more impressed. (Also, if you come down here for just the class from out of town, I highly recommend the "getaway" tiny home cabins nearby for lodging. They're clean, super cheap, nice close by, and easy. Including two nights lodging, you could get your scuba cert here for like a thousand or $1,200 cheaper than you can in most major cities.)

From the owner: Providing 2-Day PADI eLearning Open Water Certification in our North Florida springs. We use…read morebetter training gear and have smaller class sizes than our local competitors. Come "Spring into Diving" with us! We are the most economical choice at $385 for full certification!

I was looking for someone to teach me how to swim which is no easy undertaking when you are 57…read moreyears old. The wonderful instructors at Scuba Monkey ( Amber and Tracy) helped me and guided me every step of the way. They are kind,patient,resourceful and can think outside the box which is exactly what I needed. Wonderful people and a beautiful state of the art facility! If you or your kids need swimming lessons, there is no better place. Thank you,Alex.

Friendly and knowledgeable instructors. They make you feel like family. Active dive club. Great…read moreplace to learn and meet dive buddies

This company took very good care of us and made sure we had the best experience. Juan and Ralph are…read moreknowledgeable about the manatee and wildlife in the area It was a very chilly morning but they made sure we were comfortable with blankets and hot chocolate! They take care of the photos which means we were just able to take in and enjoy our time with the manatees.

Great experience and knowledgable friendly staff. Gorgeous day and boat was clean and safe.read more