Dixie County’s Gulf coastline is shallow and clear – perfect for one of the area’s favorite summer pastimes: scalloping. Each year during scallop season (July into early September), families launch boats from Horseshoe Beach or the mouth of the Suwannee River, don masks and snorkels, and float in the waist-deep seagrass beds searching for bay scallops. It’s like an underwater treasure hunt! You’ll peer down through clear water for the scallops’ fan-shaped shells, then take a breath and dive a few feet to scoop them up. No scuba gear needed – just a keen eye and a sense of adventure (plus a mesh bag for your catch). After a fun day “diving” for scallops, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a fresh seafood feast back on land. This family-friendly snorkel adventure makes diving in Dixie County a unique and delicious experience anyone can try.

Gilchrist County’s springs aren’t just for swimming – they’re world-renowned among scuba enthusiasts, especially those seeking cave diving adventures. Places like Ginnie Springs and the Devil’s Ear cave system attract experienced divers from around the globe to explore underwater caverns in crystal-clear water. Certified cave divers glide through submerged passages with flashlights, but even if you’re not one of them, you can snorkel above and watch their bubbly trails rising from below! For open-water divers or beginners, Ginnie Springs also offers a spacious spring basin and cavern where you can get a taste of diving without special training. Even if you stay on land, it’s fun to watch scuba divers gear up – it might inspire the kids to become divers one day. In Gilchrist County, the underwater world is as fascinating as the one above, offering a unique realm of adventure beneath the surface of the springs.

Levy County has some spectacular spots for underwater explorers. Near Williston, you’ll find Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto – two famous freshwater springs beloved by scuba enthusiasts. Devil’s Den is an otherworldly prehistoric cave spring: descend stone steps into a cavern of crystal-clear water with fossil shells in the rock walls. A beam of sunlight from above makes for an unforgettable sight as divers and snorkelers explore below. Blue Grotto, just down the road, offers another unique dive in a deep blue basin (with an underwater air bell to pause and chat). For a more casual experience, head to Manatee Springs State Park, where anyone can snorkel in the spring run and spot fish, turtles, and maybe a gentle manatee. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, Levy County’s clear springs offer a unique and safe underwater adventure the whole family can enjoy together.

While Taylor County’s Gulf waters are relatively shallow, they offer a unique “diving” adventure in the summer: scalloping! During scallop season (usually July into early fall), families flock to places like Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach, don masks, snorkels and fins, and snorkel in the waist-deep seagrass beds to hunt for bay scallops. It’s like an underwater Easter egg hunt – kids and adults alike love peering down to spot the scallops’ bright blue eyes and grabbing these tasty little shellfish. You don’t need scuba gear or special training, just a boat ride to the flats (often provided by local guides) and a sense of adventure. The reward is a delicious harvest you can cook up together later! It’s an easy, fun introduction to “diving” for all ages – one that combines snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and the joy of bringing home your own seafood dinner.