- Depth range
- 1.5–7.5 m4.9–24.6 ft
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Entry
- Boat or shore
- Visibility
- 15–30 m49–98 ft
- Water temperature
- 22–22°C72–72°F
Dive-site story
What makes this site worth diving
Drifting this central Florida freshwater river moves you over sandy beds, eelgrass, and active spring vents bubbling through limestone. Rainbow Springs feeds the river at a constant 22°C year-round. The mild downstream current carries divers past submerged cypress roots, freshwater fish, and turtles. Florida law requires every group or buddy team to tow a diver-down flag on a float because recreational boaters share the water.
Freshwater drift past bubbling sand boils and natural spring vents
Encounters with freshwater turtles, largemouth bass, and longnose gar
High visibility in spring-fed water year-round
Location
Find the site
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Plan this dive with care
- Florida law strictly enforces towing an approved diver-down flag on a float line at all times.
- Maintain precise neutral buoyancy in shallow water to avoid silt blowouts and damage to protected aquatic vegetation.
Seasonality
Best time to dive
- JBest
- FBest
- MBest
- ABest
- MBest
- JBest
- JBest
- ABest
- SBest
- OBest
- NBest
- DBest
Water conditions remain unchanged year-round. Dive in winter or on early morning weekdays to avoid motorized surface craft.
Marine life
What you may encounter
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoides | Common | ||||||||||||
| Suwannee CooterPseudemys concinna suwanniensis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Longnose GarLepisosteus osseus | Common | ||||||||||||
| West Indian ManateeTrichechus manatus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| North American River OtterLontra canadensis | Rare |
Marine forecast
Current and next 48 hours
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