Florida’s national reserves are a huge asset to the state.
In total, there are more than 100 parks and reserves in Florida, which have everything from museums and cultivated gardens to entire islands and vast areas of wildlife.
The first of the national parks and reserves in Florida was opened back in 1921, and the youngest of them are not yet ten years old.
Most of them are open to tourists and campers.
Today I will tell you about Homosassa Springs, Florida, National Park.
If you stay in Orlando, then it will be easy for you to take a day trip to Homosassa Springs, Florida, National Park and many other attractions in the area.
It is located about a ten-minute drive from Crystal Springs National Wildlife Refuge, and the 210-acre Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park is a fun place to see and learn about the region’s wildlife, both in the water and on land.
Homosassa Springs is characterized by extensive wetlands that cover most of the area, followed by alligators and crocodiles, which the swamps provide a natural home for.
What Is There to Do in Homosassa Springs?
In Homosassa Spring, you can:
- Walk along prepared trails and paths;
- Have a picnic in a specially equipped area;
- sunbathe and swim;
- To fish;
- Rent a kayak or canoe;
- Ride bicycles;
- Come for a long camping trip.
- Some also go scuba diving.
- Order a full tour;
- Just admire the magnificent nature.
If you are looking to explore the local wildlife, then this is the place for you.
This is where you can see anything from a panther to a flock of flamingos, Florida’s “unofficial” state bird.
Otters and alligators show up regularly, while the park’s education center offers a number of fun hands-on exhibits.
This is a place where you’ll find one of the purest springs in the Sunshine State.
It is a popular place among swimmers, tubers, snorkelers, and divers.
Add this place to your must-see list as it offers incredible freshwater dives and over 1,000 feet of underground passages for cave divers.
If you’re a wildlife lover, few experiences are more thrilling than coming face-to-face underwater with the endangered 1,500-pound manatee.
These gentle giants, sometimes referred to as sea cows, swim in the warm waters of Homosassa, about 90 minutes by car northwest of Orlando.
There are some excursions led by wildlife experts that include the opportunity to snorkel and swim with the animals in their natural habitat.
Usually they can be found at any time of the year, but November through March is the best time when they come here to avoid the cold sea water.
Those who prefer to stay dry can watch manatees in winter from the boardwalk.
There are even crocodiles in the park.
If you are unlucky to find the crocodiles, do not despair.
Entrepreneurs used them as attractions in their parks and farms.
Outside Homosassa Springs National Park, there are many farms that offer crocodile feeding performances and other tricks with trained crocodiles.
The snake show is definitely part of the program at every farm.
Farms are like zoos; if you go there, be sure to check out the reptile terrariums, bird cages, and more.
A special hovercraft is also inseparable from Homosassa Springs National Park.
An airboat is a popular vehicle that will take you across the surface of the water between grasses and other plants.
It drives slowly, but they also know how to drive fast.
At high speeds, the propeller makes a lot of noise, so you will have to borrow good headphones during landing.
How Long Does It Take to Go Through Homosassa Springs?
It takes around 20 min to go through Homosassa Springs but take a boat tour of 1.5-hour so you will enjoy wildlife along the way.
You can get to the park from the visitor center by tram or by boat along the river, where you can see wildlife along the way.
A boat tour is led by professional guides.
This full-day tour from Orlando includes a 1.5-hour visit to Homosassa Springs Park, a Crystal River cruise, the opportunity to snorkel with manatees, and a ride on the Homosassa River where you can see more alligators, panthers, and bears.
Snorkeling equipment, meals, entrance fees, as well as transfers from the hotel and back are included in the price.
Remember that mass accumulations of manatees can be found only in the winter; by April, only a few animals remain in the park.
When traveling by boat, sea cows swim up and expose their sides to be scratched.
In order not to run into manatees during the season, sometimes you will have to drag the boat ashore so as not to accidentally harm the animals.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Homosassa Springs Park?
November-May.
Summer in Florida has high humidity and abundant rainfall, so the main tourist season in Homosassa Springs Park is from November to May, when mosquitoes will not bother you.
For me, spring in Florida is the perfect time to fish, and with the variety of fish that live in Homosassa, anglers are most fortunate with the abundance of speckled trout.
So, grab your favorite rod and reel and hit the water for a great day of quiet solitude and spring fishing.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Into Homosassa Springs?
The entrance cost is $13 for adults and $5 for children.
You can return here at any time or come from the other side.
The park also offers overnight campsites, but some are only accessible by boat.
