Given Florida’s unique geography, it’s no surprise that many people flock to our state to experience as many water activities as possible. Some of the best swimming holes in Florida can be found in a few of the most obvious places. It makes sense that visitors would come to Florida to seek out the clearest and most beautiful water in the state. Florida has so many places that fit this description, it’s easier to explain them by region and highlight a few special places than to try to name every single one. We included some of our favorite spots for each area, but please let us know about any of your personal favorites that we might not have mentioned.

1. The Keys
Flickr/Giggs Huang
The water surrounding the Florida Keys is renowned for its snorkeling and diving opportunities because of its clarity and gorgeous turquoise hue. This also gives the Keys a Caribbean quality that makes them so popular for vacationers from the rest of the state and around the world. Don't miss Sandspur Beach at Bahia Honda State Park, which is often considered the best in Keys. Dry Tortugas National Park also offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kayaking or snorkeling in the colorful water surrounding Fort Jefferson. Pictured: Dry Tortugas National Park.
2. Southeast Florida
Flickr/karthik l
Though the state's west coast beaches tend to get all of the attention, some of the most stunning, sparkling waters can be found in the Southeast Florida beaches near Miami. Visitors rave about the water at both Hollywood Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach. The palm trees give these beaches their iconic South Florida/tropical vacation feel. Pictured: Hollywood Beach.

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3. Panhandle Beaches
Flickr/David Kosmos Smith
Some of the clearest and most beautiful water can be found at Florida's Gulf Coast beaches. Visitors are especially drawn to the jewel-toned waters of the Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida. Pictured: Miramar Beach.
4. Florida's Springs
Flickr/Julia Putnam
You don't have to go to the beach to find clear water in Florida. That's because some of the absolute clearest and most beautiful water (even at greater depths) can be found in Florida's many springs. Some of our favorite places to enjoy crystal-clear water include Rainbow Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Three Sisters Springs (temporarily closed), and Ichetucknee Springs State Park. There are plenty of other activities, like tubing and cave diving, that have visitors flocking to the springs. The water remains cool all year long, making them especially popular in summer months. Pictured: Ginnie Springs.
5. Southwest Florida
Flickr/Thomas Orger
Though they are perhaps better known for some of the finest white sand in the country, the beaches in Southwest Florida are also blessed with the warm, clear water of the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the most beautiful area beaches can be found on Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island. Pictured: Siesta Beach.

Still searching for more swimming holes in Florida and perfect places to swim this summer? Check out our lists of Florida’s 15 Finest Swimming Holes and 13 of Florida’s Best Beaches.

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Best Swimming Holes In Florida

Marisa Roman | June 15, 2019

Where is the bluest water in Florida?

Depending on your preference, the bluest water in Florida can be found in a few different places. Some visitors might think that the swimming holes in Florida that are spring-fed feature some of the bluest water around. However, it could also be said that the swimming areas in Florida near the Dry Tortugas are blue like the Caribbean.

Does Florida have any man-made swimming holes?

While Florida is more prone to have natural swimming holes like the oceans and springs that pepper the state, there are still man-made options to check out, too. For instance, the Lagoon at Epperson is a man-made crystal lagoon over 7.5-acres in size with amenities that rival the best tropical vacation.

Do I need to look out for algae blooms in Florida?

Yes, algae blooms in Florida occur often, especially on the west coast near the Gulf of Mexico. Florida’s toxic “Red Tide” algae bloom can plague the coastline at any given moment, so it is important to make sure to check the swimming areas in Florida first before visiting.

What are the best beaches in Florida?

Florida is home to so many beautiful, pristine beaches it is hard to choose which is the best. However, there are a few more popular beaches to consider when you visit, including Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Siesta Key, Delray Beach, Sanibel Island, Miami Beach, and Marco Island.

Do any Florida beaches have waves?

While it might not be conveyed throughout traveler photos, Florida does have waves along many of the beaches. South Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale do not usually have waves, however, the more north you go along the coast, the better chance you’ll have to find waves. Sebastian Inlet and Cocoa Beach are two of the best beaches to find waves in Florida.

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