Blue Spring State park is a great open water dive close to Orlando, FL, as long as you time it right-
A few things to know: 1) There’s a decent walk to the spring 2) No dive lights can be carried on you unless certified/registered as cave or cavern river. 3) They close when the manatees start showing up around November until usually around March, so call first if during those times. 4) When school is out there can be a 2+ hour wait to get in on weekends, so go at opening or avoid weekends/holidays entirely. 5) You have to check in (with a buddy) before 3pm with PHYSICAL proof of scuba certification (card or printout), and check out by 5pm
Temps stay about 72 F year round and has a max depth (non-cave/cavern) of about 60’ Walk geared up to the river entry, then walk close to the right side until at the boil. On the way back you can drift the river to the last big swim area dock, for rinse showers, restrooms and shorter walk back to the car:)
