Visit timing, crowd patterns, and water-clarity context.
Spring-fed park with clear water, guided diving, and easy shore access.
Spring-fed park with clear water, guided diving, and easy shore access.
Scuba is instructional only and must be run by a certified, insured instructor with a current Florida State Parks dive permit.
De Leon Springs is a freshwater spring state park in Volusia County with a swimming basin, a short run, and an easy park layout. The pool has shallow edges and a distinct boil at the opening, so it suits controlled practice and guided instruction more than wide-ranging exploration. Park rules keep scuba tightly managed, and snorkeling stays in the designated swimming area because the run is shared with boats and wildlife. It also works well as a family day trip, with trails, picnic space, and a restaurant.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0.5m - 9.1m
Depth Note
Shallow edges taper to about 30 ft at the spring boil.
Best Season
Year-round; weekdays and early mornings are quieter, while spring and summer bring the heaviest day-trip traffic.
Typical Conditions
Constant-temperature freshwater that stays clear and calm in the pool, with stronger movement concentrated at the boil and into the run.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
No lifeguards are on duty. Stay out of Spring Garden Run when swimming, watch children closely, and leave the water if lightning is detected within 6 miles.
Access Restrictions
Swimming is limited to the designated spring pool; Spring Garden Run is not open to swimmers. Recreational scuba and free-diving into the cave are not permitted; scuba is instructional only with a certified, insured instructor and a current Florida State Parks dive permit. Snorkeling is allowed in the swimming area only.
Legal Notes
Artifacts in the spring are protected by state law and must not be disturbed or collected. Metal detectors, magnetometers, and similar devices are prohibited in the park.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Scuba is instructional only and must be led by a certified, insured instructor with a current Florida State Parks dive permit. Recreational scuba is not allowed.
Freediving
Free-diving into the spring cave is not permitted, so this is not a freedive cave site.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is allowed in the designated swimming area only. The run is off-limits to snorkelers because of boats and wildlife.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Visit timing, crowd patterns, and water-clarity context.
Rules, swimming area boundaries, scuba limits, snorkel limits, and safety restrictions.
Depth, access, and visibility context.
Recent dive clip with an approximate 30 ft visibility report.
Spring layout, low boil, and park-side infrastructure.
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Clear freshwater spring with easy shore access and winter manatees.