Scuba Diving Around The Villages Of Citrus Hills

Ivana Dragojevic
02/16/2016

Surrounded by water on three sides, Citrus County is a prime destination for scuba diving. 

There is an endless amount of excitement that can be found exploring the waters of Citrus County, and we have discussed many ways to see some of the most popular locations by boat, tube, or by jumping in and snorkeling. 

But when you find yourself ready to take your exploring to the next level, scuba diving is the next logical step. 

The waters of Citrus County offer a number of features that make this one of the most interesting places in the world for scuba diving. 

What Makes Citrus County Unique? 

First and foremost, our fresh-water springs keep many of the waters here warm all year round. Even when winter temperatures drop down into the 50s, the spring waters are still a warm 72 degrees.

https://blog.citrushills.com/blog/swimming-with-manatees-near-the-villages-of-citrus-hills

Those consistently warm fresh-water areas attract a unique combination of wildlife that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world. Seeing massive manatees interact with other fresh-water fish up close and personal is a tremendous experience. 

Another thing that makes scuba diving in Citrus County unique is that all of those fresh-water springs have created some amazing underwater caves. If you are a certified cave diver, Citrus County is a destination that should be at the top of your list!

The number of great dive spots around the Villages of Citrus Hills is staggering, so if you are just getting acclimated to the area, here are six of the most popular options.

Crystal River 

Crystal River is one of the popular snorkeling locations in Citrus County because this is one of the best places around to swim alongside manatees. It is also a wonderful location for anyone new to scuba diving to get acclimated to the water and their equipment.

In most parts, the water is about 30 feet deep and there is cavern called King’s Spring Cavern that is filled with all kinds of fish all the way down to a depth of about 50 feet.

Rainbow River  

The Rainbow River is best known for its tubing adventures, but divers will marvel at the visibility they find in this crystal clear water. The deepest part of the river maxes out at about 25 feet, but on a good day you can see as much as 200 feet of fresh-water wildlife ahead of you.

Manatee Springs

At Manatee Springs, you will find a little bit deeper dive is possible, as you can go down about 60 feet here. You will find yourself swimming right alongside many different fish, and this is a great place to let the strong current of the spring guide you along.

Blue Grotto 

Getting even deeper as we move through the list, divers at Blue Grotto can make their way down about 100 feet in total. One of the reasons this site is so popular is that there are powered underwater lights at about 35 feet that allow you to see all kinds of fish, as well as the limestone walls.

 

 

Devils Den 

An interesting dive site in Citrus County would have to be Devils Den, which got its name from early settlers when they witnessed the steam coming out of this cavern on cool mornings. This is a great location for anyone who enjoys exploring caverns and swim-throughs.

Paradise Springs

Divers at Paradise Springs can descend about 105 feet into a prehistoric cavern that is filled with fossils. At the bottom, you will find yourself in a place called “The Ballroom.” This semi-enclosed space has been carved out by the crystal clear water over many years. 

As you advance in your diving skills, you will find that there are more and more incredible locations to explore all over Citrus County. You might also want to try exploring some of these popular locations at night for a completely different experience. 

No matter what your experience level is, there are dozens of dive shops all over the area that can help you with equipment, training, certifications, and guided tours. It doesn’t matter what type of scuba diving experience you are looking for; you will find it in Citrus County.

Download The Citrus Hills Brochure

 

Terms and Conditions:

No purchase necessary to enter or win. One (1) entry per tour will be provided upon completion of an in-person tour of The Villages of Citrus Hills between May 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026, regardless of the number of tours completed.
Prize consists of a trip for two (2) to the 2026 U.S. Open, including event tickets for one day of play, round-trip coach airfare, and standard hotel accommodations. Drawing will be held on or about July 17, 2026.
Winner will be notified via phone and/or email and must accept the prize within 5 days or an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Travel dates, event tickets, and accommodations are subject to availability and may be determined at Citrus Hills’ sole discretion. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash alternative, and cannot be substituted except at sponsor’s discretion. Taxes, upgrades, and additional expenses not expressly included are the responsibility of the winner.
Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply.
The US Open is a registered trademark of the United States Tennis Association. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USTA. 

Terms and conditions:

Offer valid on new construction homes purchased through Citrus Hills Construction with a fully executed purchase agreement between May 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026. Citrus Hills Construction will pay the buyer’s customary lender and title closing costs when the home is closed through Manatee Title, LLC. Closing costs must be verified by an official Closing Disclosure prepared by Manatee Title, LLC. Citrus Hills Construction will provide a credit at closing for eligible closing costs as reflected on the final settlement statement. Offer does not include prepaid items, property taxes, homeowners insurance, optional upgrades, or non-standard lender fees.
Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with other incentives unless expressly approved in writing. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for details.

GET YOUR FREE BROCHURE

By clicking submit, I agree to be contacted by Citrus Hills Investment Properties and affiliates via call, email, and text. Communications may include newsletters, promotional emails featuring move-in ready homes, travel incentives, seasonal updates, and club and activity information. To opt-out, you can reply “Stop” at any time or click the unsubscribe link in emails. Message and data rates may apply.