Cliff Diving
Top 4 cliff diving spots in Florida
Whether you’re a meditative diver, an adrenaline junkie, or a curious nature lover, Florida is the perfect setting for your next cliff jump.
Between Florida’s stunning, clear blue waters, picturesque views, and all-around natural beauty, it’s no wonder that cliff diving is popular in the state. Aside from taking in the sights, cliff jumping in Florida — or in any location, for that matter — offers athletes a unique and irreplaceable thrill. David Colturi, current Wild Card Diver in the 2023 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, believes that there’s nothing like the feeling.
David Colturi at Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2022 at Copenhagen
© Romina Amato / Red Bull Content Pool
"Why we [cliff dive] is that freedom, that liberating experience of jumping from that rock, flying through the air, nothing attached to you, no mechanisms and no joysticks, you are flying, your own body mastering gravity on the way down, flipping and twisting,” Colturi shared with Red Bull. “It's such an existential experience that you get to have with yourself and connect with the environment around you."
With the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series starting again on June 3, now is the perfect time to try out cliff diving for yourself. Whether you’re a meditative diver like Colturi, an adrenaline junkie, or a curious nature lover, Florida is the perfect setting for your next cliff jump. Below is a list of three of the best cliff diving spots in Florida, along with some information about what makes each of them unique.
01
Madison Blue Spring
Located just over an hour east of Tallahassee in Lee, Madison Blue Spring State Park is one of Florida’s most popular cliff diving spots. The water averages about 70 degrees, and, if the temperature doesn’t shock your system, the thrilling dive is sure to. In between jumps, you can swim in the clear water, hang your feet off of the wooden steps, or enjoy a picnic at the tables. The state park is well-manicured, and the people are plentiful, so make sure to plan ahead to secure good parking. Even at its most crowded, the Madison Blue Spring is worth your while. More information about accessing the spring can be found on the Florida State Parks Website.
02
Ginnie Springs
This diving site, located just off of the Santa Fe river in High Springs, is home to some of the clearest waters in central Florida. Sitting at about 71 degrees all year long, Ginnie Springs are the perfect middle ground for a refreshing dive that won’t leave you shivering. The main attractions of this spot are the main Ginnie Spring and the Devil’s Eye. However, if you want to expand your horizons to snorkeling or scuba diving, the smaller July, Dogwood, and Dear springs are within your close reach.
More information about visiting Ginnie Springs, along with equipment, activity logistics, and camping fees are available on the Ginnie Springs website.
03
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Protected by the Florida Nature Conservancy and beloved by Jupiter Island locals, Blowing Rocks Preserve is home to many of southeast Florida’s endangered wildlife. It’s also the site of some of the most breathtaking cliff jumps in all of Florida. After taking a plunge of up to 15 feet, you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from 73 to 83 degrees. This Hobe Sound beach gets lots of foot traffic, but not all visitors dare to jump off of the blowing rocks. More information on Blowing Rocks Preserve can be found on The Nature Conservancy website.
04
Royal Springs
While not your traditional cliff jump, this attraction in O’Brien’s Hugh Byron Hollingsworth Sr. County Park deserves an honorable mention. With a wooden diving platform that extends outward from the Springs’ natural, 10-foot cliff, Suwannee County ensures an exciting dive. The waters below are 72 degrees — and a striking kaleidoscope of clear blues and greens. Once you’ve tried out the high dive, you can enter the Royal Springs via rope swing or make your way in the old-fashioned way. Whatever your next move is, your first should be a serene — but, undoubtedly, exciting — dive into the springs.
Dive into Florida’s jumping scene
Whether you’re in it for the thrill, or you want to become acquainted with the state’s natural wonders, Florida cliff diving is popular for good reason. Florida’s cliff diving spots have something for everyone, and they can help even the most beginner divers gain their footing. You can use the above list to scope out a spot for your next dive, and to best prepare yourself to take the plunge. By the time that the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series begins, you’ll be a well-informed — and experienced — spectator.