Stretching over 250 feet, Morrison Springs in northwest Florida is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling sites in the state. Crystal clear water that glows a bright blue in sunlight flows up from an underground aquifer through three cavities to the tune of 48 million gallons every day. At the center of a pool is a deep cave; a lone tree trunk stretches across one side, providing an underwater seat for scuba divers. In fact, of the three cavities, the deepest is 300 feet, where it opens into another large cavern.
Morrison Springs is bordered by large bald cypress growing straight out of the water. When the spring is running high, schools of mullet swim between the trunks while freshwater turtles are easy to spot from a raised boardwalk. Because the water bubbles up from an aquifer, the spring is the same cool temperature all year round, offering swimmers the possibility of refreshing dips even in the heat of the July and August. As a result, summer is the most popular season here.
The spring is easily accessed from a wooden boardwalk with an attached dock or along a small sandy beach. A picnic pavilion, freshwater showers, and restrooms are on-site for divers, swimmers, and those just enjoying the view. A boat launch is available a short distance down the road from the main parking area.
If visitors are interested in diving for the first time, local scuba shops offer lessons. The nearest scuba and snorkel rental establishment is located a 15-minute drive away at Vortex Spring.
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