Outbound Collective logo

Snorkel at Ichetucknee Blue Hole

O'Brien, Florida

4.8/5
based on 9 reviews

Description

Added by Jennifer Adler

Short half-mile hike to Blue Hole. Great spot for freediving. Great views of 'Old Florida'.

At Ichetucknee Springs State Park, there are 2 main entrances - to get to Blue Hole (aka Jug Hole), go to the NORTH entrance. This is also where the main headspring is. If you accidentally go to the south entrance, you are only a few miles away, don't worry! Ask for directions at the guard shack. You pay a small state park entrance fee then follow the road to the parking lot. During the busy summer season, they limit the number of visitors who can come into the park, in order to protect the river. I recommend coming early in the morning or mid-week in the summer, or during the off-season, although Blue Hole never seems to be too crowded!

Once you park, walk towards the main spring. You will see a boardwalk on your left before the picnic area. Follow the boardwalk, which ends after about a hundred yards, and turns into a dirt trail that leads you 1/2 mile through the woods to the spring. It only takes 10-15 minutes and is worth every second. The max depth of the spring is about 30-40 feet, depending on water levels in the river, and there is always quite a bit of flow coming from the spring vent. There is also a cave that is popular with cave divers, but it is only open May-November (cave divers must register at the guard shack). Swimming at Blue Hole is allowed all year round.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Swimming
Diving
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Swimming Hole

Snorkel at Ichetucknee Blue Hole Reviews

Beautiful clear water with 72° water I wish I had brought my wetsuit

Last year in March for my birthday. I was able to take a paddle boarding and snorkeling trip here. We started at the north end entrance of the river and paddled to the different diving spots along the way. From there we just let the boards float above the different springs while we snorkeled around exploring. This is a great trip that I recommend to anyone in the Southeast.

I go here all the time with my friends. Definitely worth it. Bring goggles!! ❤️❤️

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Swim at Ginnie Springs

Dive Devil's Spring System: Eye and Ear

Swim at Blue Springs Park

Hike to Big Shoals via Florida Trail

Sweetwater Wetlands Park Loop

La Chua Trail

Escape to the Sunshine

VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.

Learn More