Summary of Features Scale - 1st magnitude (estimated) Scenery - excellent-outstanding How Pristine? - excellent-outstanding Swimming - poor, excellent snorkeling/skin-diving Protection - unknown Crowds - heavy with divers on weekends Access - good, boat only Facilities - none Safety - good Scuba - yes Cost - free

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 forms a depression about 200 feet long and 30 feet deep. An opening in the limestone splits and then goes further down another 30 feet or so in two caverns. There is a good flow from the opening, which can forms a mild boil on the surface under very calm conditions at low tide. Water flowing from the hole is clear and clean, and the area is abundant with fish as well as with manatees during the winter months.

No boil was visible on the surface on the dates the authors visited, and viewing conditions were poor due to wind, high tide, and divers stirring up the water with their fins. They were told by a scuba diver that the water was clear on the bottom.  This spring is the largest of all the springs in Crystal River/King's Bay.

Use/Access

• This spring, along with nearby Grand Canyon Spring and Mullet’s Gullet, are perhaps the most popular scuba spots at Crystal River. They can be very crowded on weekends, and this spring is the largest of the three.
• Because of their depth, the sites are not well suited to general swimming.
• Access to this area is restricted during winter months to protect manatees.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Contact Information

• Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
• 1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
• Crystal River, FL 34429
• 352-563-2088