Summary of Features
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Directions
Just offshore at Hunter Spring Municipal Park in Crystal River.
The spring is about 100 feet offshore in the middle of Hunter Spring Run
on the north side. The run is on the east side of King’s Bay—see
map.
For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida
Spring Description
The spring is a limestone opening at a depth of about 15 feet. Water
flows strongly out of the hole, which is 2-3 feet in diameter, and forms
a mild slick on the surface. The spring creates a bowl in the middle
of Hunter Spring Run, which is about 100 yards across at this point.
Water in the run is greenish, but was clear and blue over the spring on
date of visit in May 2001. The spring was less clear later in the
day when it was crowded with swimmers. The vent and surrounding area
were covered in algae and silted easily when stirred. A floating
dock is moored next to the vent for swimmers and sunbathers. Land to the
north of the spring is a public park; the rest of the land is developed
for housing and apartments. In addition to having algae, the spring
and run are thick with exotic vegetation. When visited in the late
afternoon, the back part of the run was bright green with visibility of
less than 6 inches. Fish and manatees were seen at the spring, and
herons were seen along the run.
Use/Access
Local SpringianaThe spring is the site of a public park that includes picnic areas, swimming, a floating dock at the spring, bathrooms/changing rooms, and showers. A sign at the park warns bathers to shower immediately after swimming because of pollution in the water. Despite the pollution and warnings, the spring remains a very popular swim spot. The spring may be accessed by road or from Pete’s Marina, which is 5-10-minute paddle from the west.
Personal Impressions
Hunter is a beautiful spring that is becoming grossly polluted. One
can dive through the polluted layer near the surface to the clear and lovely
spring below—the flow from the spring is still clean—or at least clear—and
creates a bubble of transparent water beneath the fouled water above. Were
it
not for the pollution, Hunter would be one of the most attractive springs
in Florida.
Nearby Springs
Other Nearby Natural FeaturesOther Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils) Homosassa Springs Group Chassahowitzka Springs Group Rainbow Springs Group