Ichetucknee Blue Hole in Florida 2024-2025

Ichetucknee Springs State Park located not far from Fort White, Florida, is famous for its spring-fed rivers, canopied woods, wildlife, and stunning swimming holes. The 2,669-acre (1,080 ha) park is home to beaver, otter, soft-shell turtle, wild turkey, and wood duck. However, visitors are mostly attracted by its eight crystalline springs that jointly create the Ichetucknee River.

Ichetucknee Blue Hole Spring (aka Jug Hole) is the most scenic part of the park that is accessible from the north entrance. The water in the spring remains at a constant 72 ºF (22 ºC) year-round, so it's an all-season experience. In the summer, the park gets very busy and limits the number of visitors to protect the river. However, it's a perfect season to spend a day with a picnic and tubing down the river. From the end of May until early September, many visitors come to cool down at the Ichetucknee River, so for a more tranquil experience, the best time to come here is during the off-season. Winter offers a fun gathering on the Ichy Nippy Dip day which is based on the polar plunge concept. It's also worth to know that scuba diving is allowed at the Blue Hole from October to March.

It takes about 10-15 minutes walking through the woods to reach the Blue Hole Spring. The basin is about 30-40 ft (9-10 m) in depth, and there is always some flow coming from the spring, so only experienced divers can try this adventure. Keep in mind that diving is not permitted in the other places along the river.