DIVE RIGHT IN

You don’t have to visit the Cayman Islands, Cozumel, or the Great Barrier Reef to enjoy an underwater adrenaline rush. Alexander Springs, in the Ocala National Forest near Astor, attracts divers from far away as Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as throughout the United States. Novice and experienced divers receive an up close and personal view of bluegill, catfish, turtles, kelp-like vegetation, and rock outcroppings.

Robert Nolan, manager of the recreation area, says Alexander Springs typically attracts 30 divers on Saturdays and 15 divers on Sundays. Nolan is a master scuba diver who has 3,000 logged dives.

“People love scuba diving here because the visibility is unlimited and it’s comfortable and relaxing,” he says. “It’s also a great place for beginning divers to earn their certification because it’s not dangerous. We have some long-time divers who come here three or four times a week to dive recreationally.”

Alexander Springs is one of only 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, meaning it gushes 100 gallons of water per cubic second from under the ground. In addition to diving, families can swim in the large spring pool, canoe down Alexander Creek, use a hiking trail, and enjoy an afternoon picnic. The spring remains 72 degrees year round.

Alexander Springs

49525 C.R. 445, Altoona/ 352.669.3522

Make A Splash

The Tavares Splash Park in downtown is open May through August and has an average annual attendance of 24,000.

With the purchase of a $2 wristband, children spend an entire day enjoying water slides or shooting water cannons, or playing at Wooton Wonderland playground. They can also fish from a dock.

Clermont has a 3,245 square-foot Champions Splash Park made from rubber foam that features video surveillance cameras for safety.

Spring Into Action

Another of Lake County’s popular springs is Wekiva Falls RV Resort, located off State Road 46 in Sorrento. The resort’s lagoon-style swimming area is great. It features both a 40-foot cement waterfall and dual tube slides for children. The swimming area is also a great place to float lazily on an tube or throw a waterproof ball. The slightly hilly shoreline is a great beach area for tanning or relaxing.

The resort has 800 RV sites and 100 tent sites. Guests can also enjoy picnicking and canoeing down the Wekiva River.

Wekiva Falls Rv Resort

30700 Wekiva River Road, Sorrento / 352.383.8055