Ichetucknee Springs. Fort White, Florida

Since I was 13 and had the realization that bucket lists are usually not touched until we find out we are dying, I’ve been working on checking off those boxes of mine every second I can. One of those items was to swim in a natural spring. So when we took a family vacation to Florida last summer, you bet we stopped to do this adventure. The day was hot, the water was cool, the sunburns were plenty. We came, we swam, we conquered and now I am giving you all the best tips to making your trip to the Ichetucknee Springs a success.

1. Everybody recommends you tube down the river. I, however, highly disagree. Your options of transportation down the river are one of three things, tubing, swimming, or kayaking. If you go on the swimming route, prepared to get really tired if you are not used to swimming long distances. And if you are not okay with your legs and feet touching lots of plants in the water, this is also not going to be the best option for you. But the pro’s to this option, you really don’t need to rent anything if you have your own snorkel gear. Next, we have tubing. This is what my family and I chose to do. You pick a tube rental on the side of the road, strap the tubes to your car, drive to the head of the springs and jump in. But here’s the thing with tubes: it’s super slow, you’re bound to get stuck multiples times in multiple places, and the sunburn you’ll get on your legs will not be pretty. Next time I visit the Ichetucknee Springs, I’d definitely rent kayaks instead of tubes. Kayaks are harder to get stuck in, and it doesn’t take as long to float down the river in.

2. Bring so much sunscreen. Like more than you think you need. No matter if you are tubing or kayaking, reapply your sunscreen multiple times on your journey down the river. You can thank me later. I recommend any sunscreen brand that is vegan and reef safe.

3. Wear shoes that can get wet, but also that you won’t loose. There are places along the side of the river you can get out, trees to jump off of, and an exit halfway through the river you can get out on. You don’t want to get off the river and walk barefoot through the trees to get to your car in the parking lot. You also don’t want to end up loosing your shoes in the water wither. I recommend Chacos or any other type of water-shoes.

4. Pack lots of water and snacks. Whether you chose to tube or kayak the Ichetucknee Springs, the sun with dehydrate you really fast. Bring a reusable water bottle with you to keep in the kayak or attached to your tube. Snacks are also a good thing to pack so when you are done swimming or floating around, you can fuel up before you keep exploring.

5. Go when it’s hot outside. The water in the spring is very cold which is perfect for a hot Florida summer day. The sun will heat you up and the water will cool you down. I especially recommend snorkeling in the blue hole and the top of the springs after you tube or kayak down the river.

6. Go early. The later you go, the more sun exposure you have and the more crowded the springs get. Go early in the morning, right when they open so you miss the crowds and get the springs to yourself.

7. It’s totally worth the experience and the memories. So yes my sister’s back got burned (red as a lobster might I add), and we got completely stuck at one point that I didn’t think we could make it out, but this experience was one hundred percent worth it. We left that day with stories to share, sunburns as proof of our adventures and hopes of making it back to the springs again for another go.