Blue Hole Spring Florida Caverns State Park
Explore the only cave system in Florida and swim in the clear, historic Blue Hole Spring.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak manatee season
Blue Hole Spring Florida Caverns State Park
Best Time
Peak manatee season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the only cave system in Florida and swim in the clear, historic Blue Hole Spring.
"A must-see for its unique caverns and refreshing spring, offering great value for nature lovers."
🚗 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $6 per vehicle fee for entry into Blue Spring State Park. :moneybag:
🥾 Caverns Tour Booking
Book your Florida Caverns tour in advance, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blue Hole Spring
Florida Caverns State Park
A stunning natural spring with clear, blue waters, historically known as 'Healing Waters'.
Manatee Viewing
Blue Spring State Park (nearby)
Witness hundreds of manatees in their natural habitat during the cooler months.
Florida Caverns Tour
Florida Caverns State Park
Explore the only cave system in Florida on a guided tour, revealing stunning geological formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Manatee Encounters
Caverns & Springs: A Dual Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $6 per vehicle fee for entry into Blue Spring State Park. :moneybag:
🥾 Caverns Tour Booking
Book your Florida Caverns tour in advance, especially during peak season. :ticket:
🏊♀️ Swimming Advisory
Water clarity can vary; some visitors note it can be murky. Check conditions before swimming. :swimmer:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the park's trails and the caverns. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $6 per vehicle fee for entry into Blue Spring State Park. :moneybag:
🥾 Caverns Tour Booking
Book your Florida Caverns tour in advance, especially during peak season. :ticket:
🏊♀️ Swimming Advisory
Water clarity can vary; some visitors note it can be murky. Check conditions before swimming. :swimmer:
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the park's trails and the caverns. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera for stunning spring views and manatee sightings. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Florida Caverns State Park for its unique cave system and the refreshing Blue Hole Spring. The park offers a great value with affordable entry fees and camping options. However, some note that the spring's water clarity can be inconsistent, and concerns exist about the overall health of Florida's springs due to overuse and development.
"Looks like a great place to relax, there is even a horse camping area"
Joseph York
"Update - I personally would probably not swim in this area as it is quite cloudy and very close to where I am sure there are alligators, but it's a very pretty area. We enjoyed walking and biking in this area. Then we had an absolutely wonderful time camping at the state park campground.
Original -
Will update after we see it during the day tomorrow but it was a very nice evening walk"
gladatlast
"Small RV park nearby is nicely quiet. Sites are level and roads through the park and up to each site are newly blacktopped and smooth. Each site is level, plenty wide and freshly graveled. So it will accommodate your rig and an extra vehicle. We don't use the firepit bc we use a propane fire ring, but is offered to campers. There's also a picnic table that you can conveniently move around if needed. There's bathrooms, play area and trash receptacles nearly. Something else offered at each site is a hammock "stand". These are back in sites. We also have a car dolly and there was plenty of space to accommodate this equipment also.
Only 4 stars because the paved road up to the park is rough is several areas and tossed the contents of the RV around a bit."
Bridget Afandi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blue Hole Spring is located within Florida Caverns State Park, near Marianna, Florida. The park is accessible by car. The closest major airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), about an hour and a half drive away. Many visitors drive from other parts of Florida, with the park being a popular stop for those exploring the Panhandle region. 
Yes, Florida Caverns State Park offers parking. During peak times, especially when manatees are present at the nearby Blue Spring State Park, parking can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Blue Hole Spring is located within Florida Caverns State Park, making it easy to combine a visit to the spring with a guided tour of the caverns.
Blue Hole Spring is part of Florida Caverns State Park. Blue Spring State Park, famous for manatees, is a separate location in Orange City, Florida. If you're referring to the Blue Hole Spring within Florida Caverns State Park, then no separate travel is needed. If you mean visiting both the Blue Hole Spring (in Marianna) and the other Blue Spring State Park (in Orange City), they are about a 4-5 hour drive apart and would require separate planning.
Yes, Florida Caverns State Park has an RV park with level sites, hookups, and amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. It's noted as being quiet and well-maintained.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Florida Caverns State Park is typically $5 per vehicle. For the nearby Blue Spring State Park (known for manatees), the fee is $6 per vehicle.
It is highly recommended to book your guided tour of the Florida Caverns in advance, especially during busy seasons, as tours can sell out.
Park hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most up-to-date operating hours for both the park and the caverns tour times.
Blue Hole Spring is generally open for swimming, but access can be restricted during manatee season at the other Blue Spring State Park (November-March). At Florida Caverns State Park, swimming is usually permitted, but water clarity can vary.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the per-vehicle fee is quite affordable, especially for groups. Check the Florida State Parks website for any potential senior or military discounts.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Florida Caverns State Park, you can take a guided tour of the caverns, swim in Blue Hole Spring, hike nature trails, picnic, and camp. The nearby Blue Spring State Park (in Orange City) is renowned for manatee viewing during winter months.
Yes, Blue Hole Spring is open for swimming. However, some visitors have noted that the water can sometimes be murky.
Natural springs in Florida typically maintain a consistent temperature year-round, often around 72°F (22°C). This makes them refreshing in the summer and a welcome warmth in cooler months.
Yes, Florida Caverns State Park offers hiking trails that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area surrounding the spring and caverns.
Blue Hole Spring is generally safe for children to swim in, but adult supervision is always recommended. The water depth can vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant blue water of the spring itself is a prime photo opportunity. The surrounding lush vegetation and the entrance to the caverns also offer picturesque scenes.
Photography is typically allowed inside the caverns, but flash photography is often prohibited to protect the delicate formations. Always check with your tour guide for specific rules.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the clarity of the spring water. However, the vibrant blue is often visible throughout the day.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect wildlife. It's best to check the park's specific regulations.
A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for the spring. For the caverns, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, though flash is usually restricted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the spring and caverns, the park has hiking trails suitable for family exploration and picnic areas for a relaxed meal. The nearby RV park is also a great option for families looking for a comfortable camping experience. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as amenities within the park can be limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Combine your visit to Blue Hole Spring with the affordable guided cavern tour for a full day of exploration without breaking the bank. Packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park's scenic spots will further save on dining costs. For those looking to stay overnight, the campground offers a budget-friendly accommodation option.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Spotters
+1If you visit during the winter months (November-March), a trip to the nearby Blue Spring State Park is essential for witnessing the incredible spectacle of hundreds of manatees. This is a prime location for wildlife photography and quiet observation of these magnificent marine mammals.
+2Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Florida Caverns
Visitors often describe the caverns as 'trippy' and 'psychedelic' due to the unique shapes and the dramatic lighting used to illuminate the formations. The tour guides are knowledgeable and share insights into the geological processes and the history of the caves, which were once inhabited by Native American tribes. It's a fascinating glimpse into Florida's subterranean world, a stark contrast to the state's more famous beaches and springs.
While the caverns are a major draw, remember that flash photography is usually not permitted to preserve the delicate cave environment. This encourages visitors to be present and absorb the natural wonder without the distraction of constant picture-taking. The experience is designed to be immersive and educational, offering a different perspective on Florida's natural heritage.
Blue Hole Spring: More Than Just a Swim
While swimming is a popular activity, the spring's clarity can vary. Some visitors have noted that the water can appear murky at times, and caution is advised due to the potential presence of alligators in the surrounding waters.
It's important to note that the spring's condition can be influenced by environmental factors. Concerns about overdevelopment and water overuse have been raised regarding Florida's natural springs, impacting their flow and clarity. Visiting responsibly and respecting the environment is crucial for preserving these natural resources for future generations.
Manatee Encounters at Nearby Blue Spring State Park
+2During manatee season, the spring run at Blue Spring State Park is closed to swimming and water activities to protect these gentle giants. However, visitors can still observe them from the boardwalks that line the spring run. It's a truly magical experience to see so many manatees congregating in one place, often described as 'adorable' and 'cute.'
+1To maximize your chances of seeing a large number of manatees, visiting on a cooler morning during the manatee season is recommended. The park's $6 per vehicle entrance fee is a small price to pay for the incredible wildlife viewing opportunity. Remember to be quiet and respectful to avoid disturbing the manatees.
+1
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