Travel

Shiners and juvenile bass move through the shallows of an algae-choked Florida spring. An unfortunate reality is that many springs are becoming more and more unhealthy due to agricultural runoff killing native plants and perpetuating algae growth. Life can still be found but the aesthetics are quite depressing
 

When divers or underwater photographers think of Florida, what typically comes to mind first is the state’s stellar shark diving, the shallow reefs of the Florida Keys, or the world-renowned macro haven of Blue Heron Bridge. While these saltwater destinations are an undeniable draw, focusing solely on them overlooks one of Florida’s most remarkable and unique underwater treasures: its freshwater ecosystems.

The most iconic of these ecosystems are Florida’s natural springs—crystal-clear windows into a hidden world shaped by limestone geology and fed by vast underground aquifers. These springs maintain a constant flow and temperature year-round, creating stable environments that support an exceptional diversity of life. They serve as vital refuges for manatees during colder months and are home to alligators, turtles, crustaceans, countless species of fish, and even the occasional stingray that has wandered inland.

Beyond their ecological importance, the springs are stunningly beautiful. Visibility often reaches several hundreds feet, with sunlight piercing through the water and illuminating waving eelgrass, fallen cypress trees, and dramatic sand boils where water emerges, seemingly from the center of the earth. For divers and photographers, this combination of abundant wildlife, pristine clarity, and otherworldly scenery makes Florida’s springs not just an alternative to ocean diving, but a world-class destination in their own right.
 

A common sight in Florida springs is the bluegill. Common, yes. Stunning, also yes. This large male was picking microscopic food bits out of a spring boil and allowed a close approach. The spectacular orange coloration contrasts beautifully against the bright blue spring surroundings
 

While the first inclination for most people, myself included, is to shoot wide in the spring habitats, it would be a mistake to ignore the smaller side of things. There are some truly gorgeous macro critters to be found in many springs, like this male bluefin killifish. Barely an inch long, but that incredible blue coloration commands attention from both rivals and photographers
 

Gar are a sought-after subject for many of those who visit Florida's freshwater environments. Their unique appearance makes them a wonderful subject but they are very, very difficult to shoot. Timing your visit with breeding season for your target subjects is a good approach as most freshwater fish are only productively photographed when their hormones are all jacked up for spawning activity!
 

A river cooter hangs motionless at the surface, catching a few breaths before he'll descend back towards the algae-covered bottom of the spring. Turtles are a common sight in the springs but, as with many of the fish species, they can be quite difficult to approach. Slowly following them as they ascend to breath can be a good time to sneak up for some pictures
 

A male largemouth bass cleans out a potential nest, under the watchful eye of a potential mate. Spoiler alert: the male must've done a good job as he was able to win the female's affections and she laid her eggs in the nest he crafted
 

A HIGHLY uncommon visitor to Florida spring ecosystems, a pipefish! While it is likely that this is a Gulf pipefish, there is some thought that the individuals that are occasionally seen in spring environments are their own species. This individual would've had to make it through nearly 100 miles of freshwater river to get from the ocean to this spring
 

Mosquitofish are among those species that are so common as to be completely overlooked. However, they are beautiful little fish and their preference for hanging out at the surface makes for some interesting images with the reflections
 

Arguably Florida's most famous freshwater resident, the humble and adorable manatee. These superstar species are the main draw to Florida's springs, especially during the winter months when they move out of the chillier ocean waters and into the springs which remain 72 degrees, year round. It is a privilege any time you get to spend time with a manatee, especially one that seeks out your attention and time
 

Seagrasses are a harbinger of healthy springs. They feed larger animals, and provide cover and shelter for countless smaller species like these bluenose shiners
 

A common snapping turtle emerging from a cloud of algae. We may no longer get to enjoy the dinosaurs, but we are lucky enough to share a planet with some very prehistoric creatures
 

Springs at night unleash a whole host of creatures that are rarely, if ever seen during the day. Blue crabs seemingly emerge out of nowhere (they're buried in the sand), and go on the prowl for prey under the cover of darkness
 

Even in the springs I can indulge my fascination with weird fish! Hogchokers are a type of flatfish that can transition between fresh and saltwater environments but are much more frequently seen in the springs than elsewhere. Their little whiskers, close-set eyes, and small, tooth-lined mouth give them an unusual appearance, even for flounders
 

While those of us who live in Florida may sometimes take the wild places for granted, the springs are truly surreal places and so incredibly beautiful. While this spring isn't the healthiest, it retains a lot of its beauty and the manatees still enjoy it during the winter months!
 

The Atlantic stingray is the only true freshwater stingray in North America. There is some debate as to whether this population is its own species or just a freshwater adapted variant of a marine species. Either way, a stingray in crystal clear freshwater is unusual but a fantastic opportunity to capture some cool images!
 

A truly special encounter, an alligator in a spring at night. While they aren't infrequently seen in spring habitats, being able to make a close approach to one is quuite infrequent. Being face to face with the habitat's apex predator is always a thrill and the darkness emphasizes that! All that being said, I do not recommend approaching alligators, they are apex predators for a reason and there is an element of risk
 

A cool, but unfortunately unpleasant resident of just about every freshwater body of water in Florida. Armored catfish, aka plecos, were introduced via the aquarium trade and their populations have exploded. Just about every native resident to the Florida springs, hate them. Manatees especially seem driven to madness by the fish, whenever they land on them
 

Arguably the most famous individual snapping turtle in the world. This large, blind snapper inhabits a popular spring and is a favorite of visitors, especially photographers. She seems to navigate entirely by smell. Snappers, despite their reputation, are quite curious underwater and much less intimidating than when cornered on land
 

Loggerhead musk turtles are ubiquitous around the freshwater ecosystems of northern Florida. They can be quite difficult to approach or get images of, but waiting for them to head to the surface to breathe can be a great time to snap a picture. It also is one of the few times you can photograph them in such a pleasing aesthetic
 

A prehistoric longnose gar hangs above a beautiful seagrass meadow beneath sun rays. Despite their fearsome appearance and large size (up to 6ft), longnose gar are exceptionally shy. This spring-fed river is off limits to swimming or snorkeling (without a permit) and it has for sure helped the river stay healthier