Both are worth a trip, but they suit different travelers. Here is the honest side-by-side to help you choose — or fit both into one route.
They sit about 11 miles apart, which makes doing both in one trip realistic. Here is how they actually differ.
| Ichetucknee Springs | Ginnie Springs | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.2 / 10 | 8.9 / 10 |
| Entry fee | $6 / vehicle | ~$25 / adult (seasonal) |
| Hours | 8am – sunset | 8am – late (private park) |
| Magnitude | 1st magnitude (8 springs) | 2nd magnitude (7 springs) |
| Nearest town | Fort White | High Springs |
| Best for | The definitive Florida tubing run | Cave diving and riverside camping |
| Good for | Family-Friendly, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Swimming, Tubing | Camping, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Tubing |
| When to go | ||
| Current conditions | Open · verify capacity timing on summer weekends | Open · weekend capacity common in summer |
Ichetucknee Springs
Ichetucknee is the spring we recommend first to almost everyone. The 3.5-mile run down a crystal-clear river through untouched cypress forest is the single best tubing experience in Florida, fed by eight named springs that keep visibility glass-clear the entire float. The honest catch: everyone knows…
Local tip: Arrive before 9am on summer weekends or have a backup picked out — Gilchrist Blue is 25 minutes away. The head spring and Blue Hole are outstanding snorkeling before tube traffic picks up.
Full guide, fees & map →Ginnie Springs
Ginnie is the famous private park on the Santa Fe River: seven springs, some of the clearest water in the state, and cave systems that draw divers from around the world. Jacques Cousteau reportedly called this water 'visibility forever,' and on a good day it earns…
Local tip: Go on a weekday for the clear-water-and-quiet version of Ginnie. Divers should book gear and check certification requirements ahead. Summer weekends sell out.
Full guide, fees & map →