Fanning Springs

A favorite for manatees and new divers, Fanning is a natural spring-fed pool. A small spring vent at 25′ spills out into a wide shallow basin with sparkling clear blue water. With depths shallow enough to stand up in, Fanning is a great choice for trying out new gear, refreshing skills, or looking for the manatees that frequently stop by to warm up in winter.

🎥 How to Dive Fanning in 60 Seconds

Access: Short walk from parking lot.

Hours: Check state park website

Admission: Pay at ranger station on entry; divers self-register at check-in station.

Parking: Plentiful.

Gear up: At your car or on picnic tables.

Conditions: Wide shallow pool (~5′) drops to 25′ around the spring vent; little to no flow.

Cave/cavern: No

Cautions: Fanning is one of the best dive sites to spot manatees. However, be forewarned: if manatees are present, divers will not be allowed to enter (and will be asked to exit) the water until the manatees move out. Do not approach closer than 50′ should you happen to find yourself in the water diving with a manatee.

Tips: Manatee Springs State Park is a short 20-min drive down the road, and offers another nice shallow dive; pair Fanning and Manatee (headspring and Catfish Hotel) together for a nice day diving three different sites.

Nearest dive shop: None! Bring gear/tanks from home and do not count on air fills.

Food: Suwannee Belle Landing in Old Town (5 min)

Hot showers: No

Rinse station: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Changing area: Yes; indoors