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Crystal clear water, huge schools of striped bass, and the occasional visit of manatee: Silver Glen Springs, in the Ocala National Forest, is one of Florida’s most outstanding springs. Its large, semicircular pool, filled with freshwater at a constant 72 degrees, makes it a great snorkeling location, that definitely worth the trip.

Silver Glen Springs, Florida
Silver Glen Springs pool boasts a blue, crystalline water.

How to get to Silver Glen Springs snorkeling spot?

Silver Glen Springs is in the Ocala National Forest, on the western shore of Lake George. It is located 6 miles north of SR40 along SR19. Admission costs $8 per person on weekdays and $11 per person on weekends (2022). The recreation area has parking, toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. Scuba diving and freediving are not allowed in the pool.

In the same area, two other springs can be snorkeled: Salt Springs, 10 miles north of Silver Glen Springs, and the amazing Alexander Springs, 17 miles south.

Silver Glen Springs snorkeling map, Florida

Water entrance for snorkeling Silver Glen Springs

A ramp, equipped with a non-slip coating, allows entering the pool. It is located on the east side of the swimming pool (see map above, main water access).

Silver Glen Springs snorkeling exploration tips

You can snorkel the whole spring pool, which is about 60m wide. On the spring run side, it is delimited by a line of buoys. The swimming area is safe, as it doesn’t allow boats. Most of the spring pool is only 2 to 4ft deep, the deepest area being around the outflow holes, about 18ft deep.

Snorkeler observing a school of bass in Silver Glen Springs
Hundreds of striped bass can be seen shoaling in the pool.

The pool bottom is mostly sandy, interspersed with limestone, roots and algae. Several species of freshwater and saltwater fish can be seen here, such as mullet, sunfish, and shoals of hundreds of huge striped bass. Freshwater turtles also live in the pool, generally found close to the shore.

During the winter months, manatees occasionally enter the pool, where they enjoy the spring warm water. Don’t disturb them.

Underwater view of Silver Glen Springs
The pool beds are mostly sandy, with some rocky areas.

Silver Glen Spring is renowned for its gin-clear water, which provides amazing underwater visibility. The water temperature, at a constant 72°F, makes snorkeling pleasant year-round.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There is no restaurant nearby, but you can take your picnic with you.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Protected areaSilver Glen Springs Recreation Area
  • Maximum depth4ft in most of the pool, 18ft near the vents
  • Water entranceFrom a ramp
  • Visitor numbersMedium to high
  • Access costs$8 pp. on weekdays and $11 pp. on weekends
  • Restaurants nearbyNo

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.