6 Crystal Clear Blue Lazy Rivers In Florida You’ll Want To Spend The Day Floating Down
Getting out in nature is a great way to calm the mind and soothe the soul. Florida has some truly fantastic places in nature to check out that are isolated, secluded, and offer a little bit of respite when you are feeling low. If you’re feeling adventurous but still want to enjoy some solitude in nature, there are some beautiful lazy rivers in Florida that you can float down at your own pace, enjoying some time to yourself under the sunshine. Check them out…
You’ll know exactly what to expect with a state park that has the term "Blue Springs" in its name, right? At Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, you’ll enjoy some of the most enchanting crystal clear blue waters in Florida. You can spend an afternoon paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and more, but we recommend taking a tube and heading out on your very own journey in this stunning state park.
Address: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643
Rainbow Springs Park is a spectacular park that offers visitors a chance to truly explore the lush Florida flora and fauna. Of course, you can spend your day kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and more, it really is the lazy river that becomes the highlight of the experience. Rent yourself an inner tube and float your way down to Rainbow Springs for a slow, relaxing two-hour journey downstream.
Address: 10830 SW 180th Ave Rd., Dunnellon, FL
Ichnetucknee Springs State Park is one of the premier places in Florida where you can spot a manatee. It’s also connected to the Ichnetuckee River, which offers a wide variety of stunning Florida scenery throughout the 6-mile long river run. The only downside to this extremely well-known tubing spot is that it gets crowded, so if you want to launch without being around people, make sure to arrive early.
Address: 10830 SW 180th Ave Rd., Dunnellon, FL
While this park tends to stay off the radar in many cases, K.P. Hole County Park still offers a 4-hour float down a portion of the Rainbow River. Because the length of this float is so long, children under 3 years of age are not allowed. If four hours seems a bit much, you can always choose a local boat company to take you up the river for half the float time back down.
Address: 9425 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432-2829
Ginnie Springs in High Springs, Florida is an incredible way to spend an afternoon. Drift down the Santa Fe River on an hourlong journey from Devil’s Spring. As one of the few places to allow alcohol as you float, crack open a cold one and let your worries wash away.
Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643
Tube your way down Rock Springs Run for a mile-long trip down the blue waters. While this isn’t the longest float option offered in Florida, it certainly is one of the more enjoyable, especially if you visit when there isn’t anyone nearby. That way you can go upstream as much as you want to float your way back down.
Address: 400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712.
Make sure before you visit any of these lazy rivers, you understand the potential hazards or warnings that the park may have put on notice. Additionally, be aware that since some of these lazy rivers are natural, there may be wildlife within, including but not limited to alligators and snakes. While they do prefer to stay away from certain trafficked areas, it’s always smart to stay alert.
Have you ever floated down these tranquil lazy rivers in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you have any places you’d like to nominate in Florida for another list, then make sure to click here.
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Address: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
Address: Rainbow Springs State Park, SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL, USA
Address: Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
Address: Ginnie Springs Outdoors, LLC, 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
Address: 9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
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A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
