Yes. All Florida Dive Company tours include guaranteed
entry into Blue Spring State Park, even if the park reaches capacity for
general day-use visitors.

Guests are still responsible for paying the standard park entry fee at the front gate, but a separate day-use reservation is not
required when you have a confirmed Florida Dive Company tour booking

No. If you are booked on a Florida Dive Company tour, you do not need to purchase a separate day-use reservation for Blue Spring State Park.

Your Florida Dive Company booking confirmation allows you to enter the park for your scheduled tour, even on busy days when general admission may be limited.

When you arrive at the front gate, let the ranger know you are scheduled for a Florida Dive Company tour. Be prepared to show your booking confirmation if requested.

All tour guests should park at the "Upper" Day Use Area. Our building is next to the Canteen, Gift Shop, and Swimming area. If you are not able to park in the uppder day use area parking in the "Lower" day use area is your only other option.

Small bags and items can be kept in our building while you are on a tour.

We recommend arriving at Blue Spring State Park at least one hour before your scheduled tour time. This typically provides enough time to enter the park, find parking, gather your belongings, and walk to our location.

On weekends, holidays, and other peak visitation days, however, entrance lines can be significantly longer. To ensure the best possible experience, we strongly encourage guests to arrive at the park and get in the entrance line as early as possible. Traffic, park entry delays, and parking availability are beyond our control, and arriving early is the best way to avoid missing your tour.

You must check in with Florida Dive Company no later than 30 minutes before your scheduled tour begins. During this time, we'll complete check-in, verify waivers, fit any necessary equipment, and conduct the required pre-tour briefing to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

Please remember that your tour start time is the time your experience begins, not the time to arrive. Arriving at our location at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour ensures you have plenty of time to complete the check-in process and begin your adventure on time.

Guests who arrive after the required check-in time may have less time in the water, as tours operate on a fixed schedule. Guests who are unable to check in before the tour departs may be considered a no-show, and their reservation may be canceled in accordance with our booking policies.

Blue Spring maintains a consistent temperature of approximately 72°F/ 22°C year-round. While this may feel refreshing at first,many guests adjust quickly once they are in the water.

Wetsuit rentals are available for for Scuba Tours only (3mm Full Back Zip)

Yes! Guests are welcome to bring their own snorkel or scuba equipment, provided it is appropriate for the activity and in good working condition.

Snorkeling Equipment

We recommend using a traditional snorkel setup consisting of:

• Standard scuba-quality mask
• Snorkel
• Fins

Please Note: Full-face snorkel masks are not recommended, as they can make equalization more difficult and may not provide the best experience during your tour.

Scuba Equipment Requirements

(Applies to certified scuba tours only. Try Scuba and Scuba Discovery participants will be provided with all required equipment.)

Divers using their own equipment are responsible for ensuring that all life-support equipment has been properly maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

All certified scuba divers must present proof of certification and provide the following equipment:

• BCD (Horse-collar style BCDs are not permitted.)
• Regulator with alternate second stage (octopus)
• Dive computer (or a timing device and depth gauge, plus a submersible pressure gauge)
• Scuba-quality mask
• Snorkel
• Open-heel fins with dive boots (Closed-heel fins are not permitted.)
• Dive light
• Appropriate amount of weights
• Wetsuit, if desired (Blue Spring's water temperature remains approximately 72°F (22°C) year-round.)

Equipment Not Permitted

For the safety of our guests and to comply with park and tour operating procedures, the following equipment is not permitted on our guided tours:

• Cutting devices or dive knives
• Surface marker buoys (SMBs)
• Dive reels or spools
• Dive flags or personal dive floats
• Sidemount systems
• Closed-circuit rebreathers (CCRs)
• Double-cylinder configurations (Doubles)
• Diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) or underwater scooters

Equipment Rentals

Don't have everything you need? No problem! We offer a full selection of high-quality rental equipment that can be reserved during the online booking process.

Helpful Tip: We recommend using Stream2Sea reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Florida's freshwater springs and aquatic ecosystem while enjoying your adventure.

Yes. Tours may be affected by weather, water conditions, park operations, or safety-related concerns. Florida Dive Company monitors conditions and will provide guidance if a tour is impacted.

Rain does not cancel a tour, but lightning, severe weather, unsafe water conditions, or park closures may affect operations.

If a tour is canceled due to the above a refund is provided.

No. All Florida Dive Company tours are conducted from shore, no boats are used.

Guests enter and exit the water using Blue Spring State Park's dedicated swim platforms and stairways equipped with sturdy handrails, providing a comfortable and convenient way to access the water. This makes our tours easy to begin and end without the need to board a boat or transfer equipment on the water.

Whether you're snorkeling or scuba diving, our shore-entry approach allows for a relaxed, efficient, and enjoyable experience from start to finish

Maybe! While manatee sightings are always possible, we cannot guarantee that you will see manatees during your tour.

Blue Spring State Park is a designated manatee refuge and one of Florida's most important winter habitats for the Florida manatee. During the cooler months, many manatees return to the spring to enjoy its constant 72°F (22°C) water. During the warmer months, they typically leave the spring to explore the St. Johns River and surrounding waterways, making sightings less common.

Please Remember: Manatees are protected under state and federal law. It is illegal to approach, pursue, harass, or touch a manatee. Every encounter happens on the manatee's terms and they choose whether to approach us.

At Florida Dive Company, we proudly follow all Florida State Park and wildlife conservation guidelines and ask our guests to do the same. By respecting these incredible animals and their habitat, we help ensure Blue Spring remains a safe refuge for future generations.

Whether or not you see a manatee, you'll experience crystal-clear spring water, abundant wildlife, and one of Florida's most beautiful freshwater ecosystems.

Blue Spring State Park is home to a unique freshwater ecosystem filled with a variety of native and non-native aquatic species. While every tour is different and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, guests commonly enjoy observing the incredible diversity of life found in the crystal-clear waters of the spring.

During your tour, you may see:

• Freshwater Fish – Blue Spring provides an amazing opportunity to observe fish in their natural environment. Guests may see native Florida species such as mullet, sunfish, bass, and gar. The spring is also home to several non-native species that have become established in Florida waterways, including pacu, tilapia, plecos (suckermouth catfish), and carp. Our guides help guests understand the role these species play within the ecosystem and the importance of protecting Florida's native habitats.
• Freshwater Turtles – Turtles are a common and fascinating part of the Blue Spring ecosystem. Guests may observe Florida cooters, sliders, and other native turtles basking along the shoreline, resting on submerged logs, or swimming through the clear spring water.

Our guides provide an educational experience focused on the ecology of Blue Spring, helping guests better understand the plants, animals, and natural processes that make Florida's springs such a unique environment.

Every visit to Blue Spring is different. Taking the time to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the wildlife around you is what makes exploring this incredible freshwater ecosystem so special.

Florida Dive Company offers a variety of guided freshwater experiences inside Blue Spring State Park designed for guests of all experience levels. Whether you are visiting the park for the first time or are an experienced diver, our goal is to provide a professional, educational, and memorable experience while exploring one of Florida's most beautiful natural springs.

Our guided experiences include:

• Private Snorkel Tours – Enjoy a personalized snorkeling experience with your own dedicated guide. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups looking for a relaxed pace and an educational introduction to Florida's freshwater springs.
  Minimum Age: 8 years old
  Tour Length: Approximately 45–55 minutes
• Group Snorkel Tours – Explore Blue Spring with other adventurers while learning about the spring's unique ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts from our experienced guides.
  Minimum Age: 10 years old
  Tour Length: Approximately 45–55 minutes
• Scuba Tours – Certified divers can experience the crystal-clear waters of Blue Spring on a guided scuba adventure through one of Florida's most iconic freshwater springs. Our scuba tours are designed for certified divers who want to explore, learn, and appreciate the natural beauty beneath the surface.
  Minimum Age: 10 years old
  Tour Length: Approximately 60 minutes
• Try Scuba & Scuba Discovery Experiences – New to scuba diving? These introductory experiences allow guests to experience breathing underwater while exploring the spring environment under the direct supervision of a professional instructor.
  Minimum Age: 15 years old
  Tour Length: Approximately 60 minutes

Please Note: Actual in-water time may vary based on the activity, group size, participant comfort, and other operational considerations.

Florida Dive Company is more than just a snorkel or dive tour. We provide guided eco-tourism experiences focused on education, conservation, and creating a deeper connection with Florida's freshwater springs. We believe that with the opportunity to experience these incredible natural resources comes the responsibility to help protect and preserve them for future generations.

Our tours are not simply a trip through the water. They are fun, interactive, and educational experiences designed to engage our guests. Our knowledgeable guides bring the spring to life by sharing the history, wildlife, ecology, and unique features of Blue Spring State Park while encouraging guests to ask questions, explore, and truly connect with the environment around them.

Unlike a traditional equipment rental or self-guided experience, our guests are accompanied by experienced guides who provide more than just direction. They provide insight, stories, and a deeper understanding of the natural resources you are experiencing. Our goal is to help guests understand and appreciate Florida's freshwater ecosystems, not just see them.

As the only approved approved snorkel and dive concessionaire at Blue Spring State Park, Florida Dive Company is dedicated to providing professional, educational, and responsible recreation opportunities within one of Florida's most treasured natural areas.

At Florida Dive Company, we focus on more than just showing you the water. We provide educational eco-tourism experiences that highlight the history, wildlife, and conservation of Florida's freshwater springs.

Florida Dive Company supports the mission of the Florida Park Service by providing resource-based recreation opportunities while helping preserve, interpret, and protect Florida's natural and cultural resources. Through education, responsible recreation, and conservation-focused experiences, we strive to help guests better understand and appreciate the unique ecosystems that make Florida's springs so special.

Don't visit Florida, experience it.

Both our private and group scuba tours provide a guided opportunity to experience the crystal-clear waters of Blue Spring State Park with a knowledgeable Florida Dive Company guide. The main difference is the level of personalization and flexibility during your experience.

Private Scuba Tour

A private scuba tour is reserved exclusively for you and your party. This option provides a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide focused on your group’s goals, comfort level, and pace throughout the dive.

Benefits of a private scuba tour include:

• Your own dedicated Florida Dive Company guide
• A more personalized dive experience tailored to your group
• More flexibility with pace, questions, and areas of interest
• Guaranteed park entry as part of your reservation
• Scheduled early access to the park before general admission

Private scuba tours are ideal for families, couples, small groups, or divers looking for a more exclusive and customized experience.

Group Scuba Tour

A group scuba tour is a guided experience that may include other certified divers. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to explore Blue Spring with fellow divers while still receiving guidance and education from a Florida Dive Company professional.

During a group scuba tour, the pace and flow of the dive are based on the needs and comfort level of the group as a whole. Our guides focus on providing an enjoyable, educational experience while ensuring all participants have the opportunity to appreciate the unique beauty of Blue Spring.

Whether you choose a private or group scuba tour, Florida Dive Company is committed to providing a professional, educational, and memorable freshwater diving experience while helping guests better understand and appreciate Florida's natural springs.

Both our private and group snorkel tours provide a guided opportunity to experience the crystal-clear waters of Blue Spring State Park while learning about the spring's unique ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts. The main difference is the level of personalization, flexibility, and guide attention during your experience.

Private Snorkel Tour

A private snorkel tour is reserved exclusively for you and your party. This option provides a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide who can focus on your group's comfort level, interests, and pace throughout the tour.

Benefits of a private snorkel tour include:

• Your own dedicated Florida Dive Company guide
• A more relaxed and personalized experience
• More flexibility with pace, questions, and areas of interest
• Ideal for families, couples, and small groups looking for a private experience
• Minimum age of 8 years old

Private snorkel tours are a great choice for guests who prefer a more customized adventure or want to enjoy Blue Spring at their own pace with the people they are traveling with.

Group Snorkel Tour

A group snorkel tour is a guided experience shared with other guests who want to explore Blue Spring and learn about the spring's natural environment. These tours are a great option for guests who enjoy meeting new people while experiencing the beauty of the spring with an experienced guide.

During a group snorkel tour, the pace and flow of the experience are based on the group as a whole. Our guides work to create an engaging and educational experience while ensuring all participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the unique features of Blue Spring.

Minimum age for group snorkel tours is 10 years old.

Whether you choose a private or group snorkel tour, Florida Dive Company provides an educational eco-tourism experience focused on the history, wildlife, and conservation of one of Florida's most beautiful freshwater springs.

Scuba Discovery, commonly known in many dive markets as Try Scuba, is an introductory scuba experience designed for guests who want to experience breathing underwater and discover what scuba diving is all about before committing to a full certification course.

This guided experience introduces first-time divers to scuba equipment, basic diving skills, and the fundamentals of underwater exploration. After completing the required preparation, participants will have the opportunity to experience the unique feeling of breathing underwater while exploring the freshwater environment of Blue Spring State Park under the direct supervision of a professional Florida Dive Company instructor.

What Is Required Before My Dive?

Advanced reservations are recommended for all Scuba Discovery experiences. Because this is an introductory scuba experience, there are a few required steps that must be completed before entering the water.

Prior to your scheduled in-water experience, guests must complete:

• New Student Registration Forms
• Medical Questionnaire to determine eligibility for scuba participation
• Online E-Learning Program that can be completed digitally from the comfort of your home and at your own pace. The e-learning takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

The required online learning must be completed before your scheduled in-water time. Completing these steps in advance allows your instructor to focus on providing the best possible in-water experience.

Who Is This Experience For?

Scuba Discovery is perfect for first-time divers, vacationers, families, and anyone curious about exploring the underwater world without beginning a full certification course.

Minimum Age: 15 years old
Tour Length: Approximately 60 minutes

At Florida Dive Company, our goal is to make your first scuba experience educational, engaging, and memorable while introducing you to the beauty of Florida's freshwater springs.

Don't visit Florida, experience it.

Yes, advance reservations are strongly recommended for all Florida Dive Company tours at Blue Spring State Park.

Our tours have limited availability and are designed around small groups, personalized experiences, and dedicated guide attention. Reserving your tour in advance helps ensure you have a confirmed spot on your preferred date and time.

Blue Spring State Park is a popular destination, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. The park may experience high visitation, extended entrance lines, and limited parking availability. While Florida Dive Company guests receive guaranteed entry as part of their reservation, arriving early and having your tour reserved in advance helps provide the smoothest experience possible.

Walk-up availability may be limited and is not guaranteed. We recommend booking online in advance to secure your preferred tour time.

To help you have the best experience at Blue Spring State Park, we recommend bringing the following items:

All Guests Should Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Water bottle or hydration
• Sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen)
• Booking confirmation
• Park entry fee

Scuba Guests Should Also Bring:

• Certification card or proof of certification for certified scuba tours
• Any personal scuba equipment you plan to use

If you are bringing your own scuba equipment, all gear must be appropriate for the activity, properly maintained, and in good working condition. Please review our equipment requirements before your visit to ensure your gear meets the needs of the dive site.

Booking your Florida Dive Company experience is easy! The fastest way to reserve your tour is through our online booking system, where you can view available dates, tour options, pricing, and real-time availability. We do not accept over the phone payments or bookings.

To book your experience:

1. Visit our website and select the tour that best fits your group.
2. Choose your preferred date and available tour time.
3. Complete the required guest information and reservation details.
4. Receive your booking confirmation and tour information by email.

Each tour has its own required waiver and participant forms that must be completed prior to your arrival. Completing these forms in advance helps ensure a faster and smoother check-in process when you arrive.

Please review your booking confirmation carefully for important information, including:

• Required waivers and participant forms
• Arrival instructions and meeting location
• Tour preparation details
• What to bring for your experience
• Any additional requirements specific to your selected tour

We recommend booking in advance, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons, as tour availability is limited and our experiences are designed around small groups and personalized guide attention.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive all the information needed to prepare for your adventure.

If you have questions before booking or need assistance selecting the right experience, our team is happy to help.

Don't visit Florida, experience it.

All Florida Dive Company tours include guaranteed entry to Blue Spring State Park.

A separate day-use park reservation is NOT required for guests booked on one of our tours.

Blue Spring State Park’s new day-use reservation program begins July 15, 2026.