First Magnitude Florida

The Devil’s Spring System may be the state’s most hidden gem. Hidden in plain sight. Thousands of alcohol-induced locals and college students float by this large spring system weekly, losing GoPros, sandals, and cigarette lighters along the way as they jam out to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Perhaps distracted by the ever-smaller bikini tops and freshly-swole biceps, many visitors to Ginnie Springs simply float the brownish Santa Fe River without stopping to explore the springs. Thus, this hidden-in-plain-sight Florida jewel is not much talked about beyond the circle of cave divers and spring enthusiasts. During your next visit to Ginnie, pack your mask alongside those beers!

The Devil’s Spring System is the official name for a group of three springs: Devil’s Eye, Devil’s Ear, and Little Devil. These springs combine to produce approximately 80 million gallons of fresh aquifer water daily, earning the classification as a first magnitude spring group. The beautiful diving location is best known by the title of the park which owns the land: Ginnie Springs.

A trip to visit Ginnie Springs presents the opportunity to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Launching from Rum Island Spring County Park, the Devil’s Spring System is just a 1.1 mile paddle down stream. You wind along the Santa Fe River, allowing the current to aid in your progress.

Early on in your journey, just 0.2 river miles from Rum Island, you will encounter a clear spring run. The crystal clear water comes from Gilchrist Blue Springs. Paddle up the secluded, shallow spring run and you will encounter a stunning swimming hole.

Although not a first magnitude spring, Gilchrist Blue’s water clarity is astounding and it is easy to see the reasoning behind the spring’s name. The park features a comfortable, sandy beach in which to disembark. Relax, snorkel, and take some photographs before continuing on to the main show.

After the visit to Gilchrist Spring, the journey continues as you coast down stream on the Santa Fe River (have a beer; enjoy the ride). Just under a mile later, the Devil’s Spring System will be noticeable along the river’s edge. Here, there is some shallow ground to disembark. Alternatively, for the kayak-challenged individuals, visit the springs simply by driving to Ginnie Springs park.

The Devil’s Spring System provides three distinct spring vents to explore. They are each uniquely shaped, relatively deep, and interconnected.

The Devil’s Eye is a nice, clean circular shape. The Little Devil is more elongated and slim; more like a crack in the earth. And finally, the Devil’s Ear, is difficult to see from the surface. It spews from the deeper waters of the river. With a mask, the first few feet of water will be murky and dark. Then, as you push a little deeper, the fog lifts and you are treated to a clear view of an ancient spring vent.

Visiting a spring system with someone new to the spring is always a unique treat. The springs in Florida are truly aw-striking, even for people who keep going back to them. The depth, the water pressure pumping out, the clarity, the underwater species, the nature of it all is just incredible. It is a natural experience that is hard to top anywhere in the world. Perhaps because the springs are so common to Floridians this may sound like an exaggeration, but take someone new to a first magnitude spring, and you will see the “wow” in their eyes.

Useful Tips & Information:

Simply type “Ginnie Springs” into your GPS and show up to the privately owned park, pay $20 per person, and then go for a swim. Bring a mask. The park is very popular during summer months so show up early if you can. You can rent tubes and float down the river, which is the most popular activity.

Are you a pro and own your own kayak, canoe, or paddle board? If so, then do what we did and see three springs and pay $0. Type in “Rum Island Spring State Park” into your GPS and go to the state-run park – maybe pay $6 per vehicle, but last time there was no charge as they were renovating – and launch your vessel there. There is a boat ramp and easy launch points. There is also the first spring you will encounter: Rum Island Springs.

Begin paddling downstream (to the right of where you launched). Typically, I never recommend paddling downstream to start off an adventure but this is a short ride so I’m recommending it for anyone. On your right side, you’ll see a board walk and a beautiful, clear spring run. This is the entrance to Gilchrest Blue Springs. Do not walk on the ground, as it tears up the aquatic life. Paddle (without pushing off from the ground) up the short run and you’ll be rewarded with a great 2nd magnitude swimming spot.

Continue your journey downstream and the Devil Spring System (Ginnie Springs) will be along the river on your left hand side. There will be people and wood platforms and you can’t miss it. Join the fun and do some more swimming!