Ginnie Springs Summer Outdoor Adventure

Discover the Magic of Ginnie Springs: A Summer Adventure Awaits

Ginnie Springs – Summer is approaching and the sun blazes high in the sky, there’s no better time to explore the hidden gems of Florida. As a Floridian, one such treasure around here is Ginnie Springs. It’s a haven of natural beauty and adventure that beckons travelers with its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings.

I’m going down memory lane to share to you our Ginnie Springs experience on our last visit some years ago. My friends went recently and it’s pretty much exactly the same.

Unfortunately, I have to leave my little girl Little Bit since ” NO PETS or Emotional Support Animals“ is the first thing you see on their website 🙁 Ok back to topic lol..

Location:

Nestled in the heart of High Springs, Florida, Ginnie Springs offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Ginnie Springs is one heck of a place Floridians go for the summer. And if you have not heard about this Springs, your missing your summer outdoor adventure. Here’s why you should pack your bags and head to this enchanting destination this summer.

We drove from Tampa and it is just a little over 2 hours. I added this Google Map so it will be easier for you to figure where High Springs is where Ginnie Springs is located.

Unparalleled Natural Beauty

Ginnie Springs is renowned for its stunning natural springs, which are among the clearest in Florida. The vibrant blue waters are so clear that you can see straight to the sandy bottom, creating a picturesque setting that’s perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Here, it looks greenish on the picture because of the reflection of green trees but it really clear blue.

Water Temperature

The springs maintain a refreshing temperature of 72 degrees year-round, making them an ideal spot for swimming and cooling off during the hot summer months. If you are photography enthusiasts like me and wants to take a photo before it gets crowded, you have to come early as it opens @ 8 AM.

Exciting Water Activities:

For those who crave adventure, Ginnie Springs offers a plethora of water activities. Tubing down the Santa Fe River is a favorite pastime, providing a leisurely way to take in the scenic beauty of the area. Kayaking, snorkeling and canoeing are also popular, allowing visitors to explore the springs and river at their own pace. For a truly unique experience, try stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters.

Tubing Down Santa Fe River

The experience of tubing down the Santa Fe River was fun, since we went summertime it was crowded but so much fun. We just started at Ginnie Spring and usually it will take you an hour or so lazily tubing down the river up to the Tube Exit at Twin Spring. When you exit at Twin Spring, just follow the Tube Trail to go back to Ginnie Spring, it will take you about fifteen-minute walk back to the parking lot.

I finally found the map on their website where it says you start at Beaver Landing and exits at Twin Spring..so yayy!! This is screenshot of a complete information about tubing down the Santa Fe River. And the other one is I mapped it out in google map. This will take you about 2 hours from start to exit.

Once you enter the Santa Fe river, it is that part where it gets crowded, as you float down the river you can hear guests of all ages screaming including me because it’s just fun!! LOL. But oh boi!! On that day, the river was packed like hundreds of tubes floating next to each other which made it more fun lol.

We were like, shall we go? The River is full of tubers lol. This is just when we entered, down the river, it’s packed. We didn’t bring our camera while tubing to avoid it getting wet.

Fun Fun Fun with family & friends

Ginnie Springs is the perfect destination for families. The shallow areas of the springs provide safe swimming spots for children, and the picnic areas are great for family gatherings. The park also hosts various events and activities throughout the summer, ensuring there’s always something fun happening. Whether you’re building sandcastles on the riverbanks or exploring nature trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and we were just having a blast as well as other guests.

The picture below depicts the definition of lazy tubing..just chilling, floating down Santa Fe River.

Snorkeling

Diving and Snorkeling Paradise

Ginnie Springs is a world-renowned destination for diving enthusiasts. With its extensive underwater cave system, it attracts divers from around the globe. Certified divers can explore the intricate cave networks, while those new to the sport can enjoy the vibrant underwater landscapes through snorkeling. The crystal-clear visibility makes it easy to spot an array of aquatic life, from fish to turtles.

These are certified snorkelers in full gear and we watched them go down the springs.

Some of us went snorkeling but since I have fear of underwater and I just stayed afloat..lol..I heard this is one of the best place for snorkeling where you will see experts just go underwater, pretty exciting.

Our little snorkeler in full gear..

Picnics

The Pavilion during our visit was free but this was few years ago or maybe it was not reserved at that day. Currently, their website says it is $ 65.00 for pavillion reservation and free to public if they are not reserved. The pavillion is big and can accomodate 40 people. The Pavillion is equipped with electricity, water, large smoker grill. The Pavilions are close to parking areas, bathhouse/changing areas.

This is really perfect for family/friends outdoor adventure especially if you have kids. Once you rent the Pavilion, it is yours for the whole day from 8-6 pm.

Parking is very close to the Pavillion and also close to the Springs.

Best way to spend quality time with friends..

Yummyyyy…

Our group called ” My Squad ” are very close, we travel and go to places when we get the chance but lately because of kids growing up and busy schedules it kinda slowed us down. We are a group of Physical Therapists, Doctors of PT and Occupational Therapists and treat each other like family.

To be honest, this Pavilion that we got is the perfect spot. The closest to the parking lot and at the entrance of the springs. They have 5 Pavilions for rent. Click here to get to the Pavilion Rental information.

Practical Information

Location and Directions

Ginnie Springs is located at 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643. It’s easily accessible by car from major cities:

From Gainesville: Approximately 45 minutes via US-441 N.
From Jacksonville: About 1 hour and 45 minutes via I-10 W and US-41 S.
From Tampa Bay: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes vie I-75.

Admission and Hours

Ginnie Springs is open year-round. Hours vary by season, but typically, the park opens at 8 AM and closes at sunset.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 8AM- 5PM

Friday & Saturday: 8AM – 7PM

Sunday: 8AM – 6PM

Daily Admissions:

Admission fees:
- Adults Off Season Rate: $15.00
- Adult Season Rate: $20.00
- Children (5-12): $5.00
- Children under 5: Free.

Camping

Primitive campsites: $30 per person per night.
Water and electric campsites: $40 per person per night.
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.

Equipment Rentals

Tubes, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented on-site.
Prices vary, with tube rentals starting at around $8 for single tube and $16 for double tube per day.

Amenities

Full-service dive shop.
General store with snacks, drinks, and supplies.
Bathhouses with showers and restrooms nearby
Picnic areas with grills with 5 Pavilions for rent

Map, Prices & Rules: Full Information

Finally I found a full information on their website. CLICK HERE to get you to the page. They have important general rules you need to know before going.

Plan Your Visit

To make the most of your trip to Ginnie Springs, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Weekends and holidays can be busy, so consider visiting during the week for a more peaceful experience. Don’t forget to bring essentials like sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof camera like to capture the stunning scenery. Next time, I’m gonna try with my Insta 360.

Conclusion

This summer, let Ginnie Springs be your destination for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re floating down the Santa Fe river, diving into the depths of the springs, or simply basking in the natural beauty, Ginnie Springs offers something for everyone. Like us, we really had a good time. So, plan you visit with your family and friends, and head to this Floridian paradise for a summer experience you’ll cherish forever.