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With its crystal-clear water, its unique underwaterscape of aquatic plants, and a nice diversity of freshwater fish, Alexander Springs is one of Florida’s most outstanding springs for snorkeling. The water flowing from the vent flows constantly at 72°F / 22°C, which allows for comfortable underwater exploration all year round.

Water entrance at Alexander Springs
Concrete steps allow easy water entrance to the spring.

How to go snorkeling Alexander Springs?

Alexander Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest, just over an hour’s drive north of Orlando. Parking is available at the entrance to the site. Admission to Alexander Springs is $9 pp. per day on weekdays, and $12 pp. per day on weekends (2023).

Alexander Springs snorkeling map

Water entrance for snorkeling Alexander Springs

Two concrete stairs, equipped with handrails, allow easy access to the water.

Alexander Springs snorkeling exploration tips

Snorkeling is only allowed in the swimming area, called “Alexander Pool”. It measures approximately 393ft/120m long and 229ft/70m wide.

Alexander Springs boasts translucent, inviting waters.
Alexander Springs boasts translucent, inviting waters.

The spring is mostly shallow (around 4-6ft/1.5-2m), except in a deeper area to the right of the basin, near the vent, where the depth is around 27ft/8m. The water coming out of the source is constantly around 72°F/22°C, which makes snorkeling pleasant all year round.

The bottom of the basin is mostly sandy, with some areas covered with moss and limestone rocks. The edges of the pool, particularly its northeastern corner (see map) host an abundance of water lilies and other aquatic plants, which in places forms some underwater “forests”.

Several freshwater fish species can be spotted in Alexander Springs, including the spotted bass.
Several freshwater fish species can be spotted in Alexander Springs, including large spotted bass.

Many species of freshwater fish can be spotted in the pool, particularly around the aquatic plants. Mullet, bluegill, redbreast sunfish are very common, as well as the spotted bass, generally seen lurking near the bottom. Encounters with turtles, water snakes, or small alligators are occasional possibilities in the basin.

Alexander Springs offers translucent water, where visibility usually reaches 90 to 100ft (30m). The superb aquatic landscapes of the spring, where the rich, green plants meet the crystalline blue water, make perfect conditions for underwater photography.

A freshwater turtle in Alexander Springs.
A freshwater turtle in Alexander Springs.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There’s a campground on-site. You can book through the official website.

 

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.