Florida Snorkeling Feels Like A Fairytale In This Crystal Basin Where Manatees Love To Mingle

If you're planning the perfect snorkeling vacation, put the gorgeous turquoise waters of Florida's Silver Glen Springs on your itinerary. Few underwater adventures match the sheer joy of donning a mask, snorkel, and fins, then diving into the aquatic fairytale landscape at this unique destination. The natural spring-fed crystal basin offers a chance to mingle with manatees while rainbows line Silver Glen's bottom. The menagerie of marine life includes striped bass, turtles, otters, and manatees — all citizens of the world's largest artesian spring, pumping out 72 million gallons a day. Just be sure you're safe and watch out for sneaky dangers of snorkeling you shouldn't ignore. 

While most visitors to Silver Glen Springs will dive right in, landlubbers will also find plenty to enjoy. The surrounding hiking trails and forests, part of the Ocala National Forest, offer a full day's worth of adventures without putting on snorkeling gear. There's no wrong time of year to get in the water, as the springs are a balmy 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Daytona Beach airport will be your closest aviation hub, about an hour's drive away. The Ocala/Marion County area offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotel suites to campgrounds, and basic hotel rooms cost between $100 and $150 per night. During the summer high season, vehicles need reservations every weekend, so check ahead to ensure you don't spend your visit cursing the lack of parking. The springs are a bring-your-own-gear operation, so pack your snorkeling equipment and some sunblock.

Your visit should start with the main draw: the inviting, crystal-clear waters. Grab snorkeling gear and dive in as soon as you arrive. Savvy divers will also bring an underwater camera to capture their encounters with wildlife. Silver Glen Springs offers run-ins with manatees, especially during winter when the cuddly marine mammals retreat to the warmer waters in the middle of Florida.

After hanging out with the marine life, enjoy some of the other adventures. Snag a kayak or canoe for a trip down the Silver River, which feeds into the springs. The waterway passes through a lush forest, some well-manicured sandhills, and subtropical vegetation. Rather stay on land? Bring your hiking boots. The Spring Boils Trail offers a short jaunt, enjoying the diverse surroundings before finishing at another relaxing spring, while the Lake George Trail is a 3-mile trek through the woods along the second-largest lake in Florida. Licensed anglers can also cast a line downstream from the designated swimming areas. When you're all done, ensure you take the one crucial step you should never skip after snorkeling: clean your gear.