I grew up going there many times a year. I've been to all of those spots. Many have been closed off. Those off shoot springs in the woods are fun but the mosquitos and banana spiders can be overwhelming! Great place to snorkel when there are not too many kids around.
@@leegouldbourn5039 I hear you. Its just like anywhere else that once was beautiful and somewhat secluded. The masses find it, and screw it all up. Like another example Ginnie Springs.
@@Handle56142 hi Ben, gators live all up and down the runs created by the springs. They even come up into the spring heads if it is real cold out. Silver springs is known for exceptionallyarge gators. I have seen gators at rainbow springs, and just outside of wekiva springs a person got killed by a gator years ago. Check out this vid you can see gators and manatees at blue springs ua-cam.com/video/T6TDWzeOASg/v-deo.html
I visited Apopka, FL as a young boy in the early 1970s, before Disney World. My grandfather drove my sister & me to this park. Then, no boardwalks or improvements. I recall feeling as if I had been dropped into a tropical paradise. The rock & sand are limestone. And, yes, there are gators in the area, but rarely seen near swimming area. Thank you for the fond memories, Joe.
Awesome video. Living 30 minutes away from the Springs, our crew loves heading out there and occasionally filming. You showed a few things not many would see about the park, even us locals. Again, great vid, thanks for sharing...
Thank you! I would love to, it's been a bit tough lately to travel. But more to come soon! Thanks for watching. Are there any particular places you think would make good videos?
@@JoeOceanside Thank you for your reply. Yes, there are many springs in the Central Florida area. Blue Springs in Orange City, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen and Juniper all three within the Ocala Nat'l forest. Do you live in FL? I grew up in FL and miss swimming in the springs. I relive those days through your videos.
I was there in late October. It was slow at 8am, but pretty well packed by 9:30. Lots of teens who decided to not go to school, but they were cool. Really beautiful place.
Hi Joe, I just found your channel. I grew up in S, California and snorkeled quite a bit. I live in Delray Florida now, Actually I've been Fulltime in my RV for over three years. I'm at the space coast and have 14 springs on my list the next month. I've subscribed looking forward to seeing the next video. Ian
I just tried to measure it on Google Earth, it seems about a half a mile long for the tubing run. There are 2 exits from the run, the first is very close to the parking lot. The second exit is about a 10 minute walk back to the parking lot. Thanks for watching
In the minute 6:29 , while passing a log under water, attached to it, appears to be a something that looks like a starfish. It really looks like a starfish but this is freshwater 🤷🤷🤷 What could it be? BTW, awesome video. Beautiful takes.
@@JoeOceanside Free-diver, snorkeler. I live in Dallas TX actually. I visited springs in Florida and dove. They are just mind blowing. My favorite is Alexander springs.
New to your channel bro and I am absolutely loving it. If you ever come down under to Australia we have some of the most beautiful Springs and reefs to dive
Awesome Jon, glad you like the channel! I would love to go to Aus one day. New Zealand was the closest I ever got to you. I watch YBS and Adam freediver alot and your country looks amazing.
Back in the Stone age is we used to swim into the boil and went out the side we used to bring a keg of beer when you go inside your several caves inside unfortunately some people went in too far and they couldn't come out and that's what you do when you're young
Yeah it is a nice place! Unfortunately the last time I was there it was closed for swimming due to covid. I do not know if the spring is open to swimming again. Thanks for watching
used to stay in the water even when all the tourists would run out from the lightning alarm, the rain hitting the water gently while being the only one in the run.. unforgettable, even almost ten years later.
I usually use mint toothpaste. Wipe it on dry and rinse it out mostly, Ieave little toothpaste residue near the edges of the lens. It helps but sometimes fog is unavoidable, you just have to keep clearing your mask in the water.
@@JoeOceanside Snorkels fog up? I have been scuba diving and snorkeling for at least 45 years now, and never had my snorkel fog up on me. My mask now is a different story. Ha.....
Double check that it is not closed. I was there 2 weeks ago and it was closed because of Covi d. If it is open it's about a 10 minute walk back from the end, and through a path through in the forest, very pretty. Keep in mind there are 2 entrances, one at the swim area and one at the head spring. Make sure you start at the headspring and keep going past the wide swim area, then you will see the whole run. After you tube the run you can go down the street to kings landing and rent a kayak and do that part too. If it is closed, consider Kings Landing, Wekiva springs, or wekiva Island
Yeah, your rent from the bar. It is down the street, you have to put in your car and drive a short distance. Or bring cheap pool tubes. Thanks for watching
Do u recommend it or no cause like my sister is 9 and likes to swim and explore so idk if it’s safe like is there a problem with the current or alligators
Check the video description, I think I linked it there. It is a Tilos Spearfishing rashguard. I bought it at divers direct, I think they are also on AMAZON
It is an old oneill wetsuit. I can not find a link to it. I now use soapy water in my mask. I mix a little water and some organic dishsoap mad rub it inside the mask, and I do NOT rinse it out. The soapy residue prevents the fog. However if you get water inside your mask then clear it, the residue will be gone and your mask will fog again. Thanks for watching.
First of all it's not a hidden gem, it was private property in the beginning and year's later when Dr Kelly died his family donated it to the county, an second I have NEVER seen an Alligator in Rock Springs just snake's and otters. And please learn the history of all of the Springs that are in Florida, I'm 5 generation Floridian.
@@carolfarrar7992 I bet your a real sweet lady to know...NOT lol. Thank for the update "Karen"... p.s. he still did a great job even if it didn't satisfy you
It's not at all hidden ! Not for time . I was just there yesterday and Saturdays line was over 3 miles long amd full of people who have been in line since 12 midnight! Yes you have to get in line a day before the park open. I can not not belive the county allows this to go on the cops were there patrolling this line. Theres is 215 cars allowed in and then 50 tickets to get in park after 2 pm if amd when the parking allows. One car out one car in! I kayaked using kings landing to paddle up rock springs run! It's simply beautiful but this is wjat I Saturday....the wildlife running from tons and tons of people! The amount of people on this run in such a small area I nothing but shameful. Something must be done to control the amount of people who are less than respectful to our environment and to each other. It's sad what is happening to our springs . Social media is responsible for the number of people in our sacred parks, the videos of our special areas in florida(our world), to locate these gems. The wildlife and environment are hurting. I do hope those who watch this read this post. Socal media is not telling you really going on in our springs in florida!
I have been going there my whole life since the late 80s. I have a couple other favorite spots but this is one of the most beautiful.
I grew up going there many times a year. I've been to all of those spots. Many have been closed off. Those off shoot springs in the woods are fun but the mosquitos and banana spiders can be overwhelming! Great place to snorkel when there are not too many kids around.
I cant imagine living close to a beautiful spring like this. I would be there all the time. Thats just me.
It was nice before everyone posted online calling it “hidden”. I grew up there and you can’t even get in now cause everyone gets there at 6am
@@leegouldbourn5039 I hear you. Its just like anywhere else that once was beautiful and somewhat secluded. The masses find it, and screw it all up. Like another example Ginnie Springs.
In these videos, no one ever goes past the swimming area and continues on the run. The second half is amazing.
All look good for me except the alligator sign 😅
LOL, yeah they have to put that there. It is Florida so a gator could be anywhere
@@Handle56142 hi Ben, gators live all up and down the runs created by the springs. They even come up into the spring heads if it is real cold out. Silver springs is known for exceptionallyarge gators. I have seen gators at rainbow springs, and just outside of wekiva springs a person got killed by a gator years ago. Check out this vid you can see gators and manatees at blue springs
ua-cam.com/video/T6TDWzeOASg/v-deo.html
I visited Apopka, FL as a young boy in the early 1970s, before Disney World. My grandfather drove my sister & me to this park. Then, no boardwalks or improvements. I recall feeling as if I had been dropped into a tropical paradise. The rock & sand are limestone. And, yes, there are gators in the area, but rarely seen near swimming area. Thank you for the fond memories, Joe.
@@Handle56142 they can though...
Wimp
Hidden gem my foot, you've obviously not driven by early on Sunday.
Awesome video. Living 30 minutes away from the Springs, our crew loves heading out there and occasionally filming. You showed a few things not many would see about the park, even us locals. Again, great vid, thanks for sharing...
Awesome, so beautiful. Cool little hidden spring trail. Places like this has always fascinated me.
That's what I thought. Used to swim there a lot when I was little. Was defiantly a nice place to cool down quick on a hot Florida Summer day
Yeah it is a great little spot
This is an amazing video! Great job! Do more videos like this! I love the FL springs.
Thank you! I would love to, it's been a bit tough lately to travel. But more to come soon! Thanks for watching. Are there any particular places you think would make good videos?
@@JoeOceanside Thank you for your reply. Yes, there are many springs in the Central Florida area. Blue Springs in Orange City, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen and Juniper all three within the Ocala Nat'l forest. Do you live in FL? I grew up in FL and miss swimming in the springs. I relive those days through your videos.
Crazy cool! Did you encounter any alligators in your dive? Curious on why this river is not infested with them or if anyone has ever spotted one.
No I did not see any that day, they are further down the river for sure and they could go up to the spring head if they want
Florida is beautiful, we have nothing like that here in California
Wish i had more friends here that were into this.
Rock Springs at Kelly Park is one of our favs! Great Video and look at it from a different perspective! Love the camera work!
Thanks, yeah it is an awesome spot. Fun for the whole family. Very relaxing and refreshing.
absolutely loved this video! beautifully made! thanks for sharing such a beautiful place
So cute
This place is amazing!
Kelly Park..
Wekiwa
Blu Springs
The parks that if you can... go!
Thanks for the tip! I really want to do blue springs next. Thanks for watching
Why no silver springs?
Tysm for making this amazing videos im going there soon and this is hyping me up so much
Awesome! I don't know if the swim area is open again. They closed for quarintin
I just love your channel! You do such a fantastic job with the filmography. Absolutely stunning. Very impressive and inviting. Well done!
I like the snot rocket
this is my favorite springs to go to in Florida its like 1 hour away from me though
SECLUDED!!! 😂😂😂😂 got there an hour after opening time and it was already full. Maybe during winter ❄️😂
I was there in late October. It was slow at 8am, but pretty well packed by 9:30. Lots of teens who decided to not go to school, but they were cool. Really beautiful place.
I live 20 mins away from this park and me and my Boy Scout troop camped here for a night and it was really pretty and fun
Loved that place!! Been there a ton of times in the 6 yrs I lived there! My dad has lived there for 20yrs and I was always there!
you did an awesome job Joe show us this gem, thank you so much. !!
Awesome Video
Awesome , Thanks Joe
Thanks so much! We’re heading to Orlando from Richmond Virginia for my 30th. Going to some springs on one of the days 🙏
It’s beautiful there. That water is not cool it’s damn cold.
Hi Joe, I just found your channel. I grew up in S, California and snorkeled quite a bit. I live in Delray Florida now, Actually I've been Fulltime in my RV for over three years. I'm at the space coast and have 14 springs on my list the next month.
I've subscribed looking forward to seeing the next video. Ian
Thats awesome! The springs are great, Florida is a great place to explore. 14 in a month, that is a busy schedule! Enjoy. Thanks for watching!
What dive watch are you using/wearing in this video?
I'm going to orlando on Wenesday so cool
Cool, I hope it is open to swimming again. It was closed a while
Awesome! Thanks for the video. How long is the run? I'm assuming you have to swim or walk back.
I just tried to measure it on Google Earth, it seems about a half a mile long for the tubing run. There are 2 exits from the run, the first is very close to the parking lot. The second exit is about a 10 minute walk back to the parking lot. Thanks for watching
Wow I didn't know that. Great video!! Have a good day and afternoon
Yes there are a lot of great springs up that way Heather. Thanks for watching.
@@JoeOceanside okay. thank you!! your welcome!!
In the minute 6:29 , while passing a log under water, attached to it, appears to be a something that looks like a starfish. It really looks like a starfish but this is freshwater 🤷🤷🤷 What could it be? BTW, awesome video. Beautiful takes.
crazy how oddly similar this looks to some forests of the pacific northwest, even though they’re on completely opposite sides of the country
I would wear some hard soled divers boots with all those rocks around.
Yeah great point Clear. Thanks for watching.
Nice! l love watching your adventures. Yes, a video about masks would be nice.
Thanks for the feedback, are you more of a scuba diver, freediver, or snorkeler?
@@JoeOceanside Free-diver, snorkeler. I live in Dallas TX actually. I visited springs in Florida and dove. They are just mind blowing. My favorite is Alexander springs.
Wow man I can’t wait to move to Orlando I’m so excited and great video man.
Love the vids man
Awesome, thanks for watching
Joe Oceanside Np, keep it up, definitely deserve a bigger following
I live in Central Fla., and I would NEVER do that without dive booties or a snorkel.................................................................
Yeah booties are important, there are alot of rocks. Thanks for watching
Great video. We are going Monday. We have a hero9 never used underwater before can I ask what settings you have?
2.7k 60 fps, 16:9 gopro color on, stabilization on (not hyper smooth though) and everything else auto
New to your channel bro and I am absolutely loving it. If you ever come down under to Australia we have some of the most beautiful Springs and reefs to dive
Awesome Jon, glad you like the channel! I would love to go to Aus one day. New Zealand was the closest I ever got to you. I watch YBS and Adam freediver alot and your country looks amazing.
dude how is this place now it looks so cool
Love your vids. Ever seen any gators in the rock spring run?
Really good video sir.
Yes, great vid. Is it usually very busy there? I saw a handful of folks there but was pretty quiet as you went along it looked.
Yes it can get very busy there on weekends and summer. Winter is quieter though
i been there before the parks are nice and the water is super clear and when i got to the seaweed part i was kinda scared cuz alligater
Yeah, its Florida so Alligators could be there, but I never saw any. It may be a little cold for them there
Great video! Keep it up!
How cold is the water? Is it below 70F ? Thank you.
its around 70 - 72
Back in the Stone age is we used to swim into the boil and went out the side we used to bring a keg of beer when you go inside your several caves inside unfortunately some people went in too far and they couldn't come out and that's what you do when you're young
Is this spring good for swimming or do you recommend a different one
Yeah it is a nice place! Unfortunately the last time I was there it was closed for swimming due to covid. I do not know if the spring is open to swimming again. Thanks for watching
i can swim underwater pretty good but im not a strong swimmer swimmer. Can i still do this ?
are we allowed to collect rocks
just went today.
Dude this is an amazing video. I bet it would be fun to go down during a rain storm
Yeah that would be cool. We do get a lot of lighting strikes around here so I would be careful. Thanks for watching
It's no different when it rains it doesn't get runoff like a mountain stream dose with higher current from the runoff water.
used to stay in the water even when all the tourists would run out from the lightning alarm, the rain hitting the water gently while being the only one in the run.. unforgettable, even almost ten years later.
I'm a little confused, it's called rock springs run or Kelly rock springs, they're two different ones...if not, why call it different?
thoughts on snorkeling in Jan without wetsuit?
How do you keep your snorkel from fogging when its on your head? I’ve used spit before, but it still fogs
I usually use mint toothpaste. Wipe it on dry and rinse it out mostly, Ieave little toothpaste residue near the edges of the lens. It helps but sometimes fog is unavoidable, you just have to keep clearing your mask in the water.
Dive shop too Ducks'.... 'mask defog' $5. to 6. bucks
@@JoeOceanside Snorkels fog up? I have been scuba diving and snorkeling for at least 45 years now, and never had my snorkel fog up on me. My mask now is a different story. Ha.....
Joe, i wanna/ gonna do this this coming week as staying in Orlando. How about the walk back @ the end of the spring run?
Double check that it is not closed. I was there 2 weeks ago and it was closed because of Covi d. If it is open it's about a 10 minute walk back from the end, and through a path through in the forest, very pretty. Keep in mind there are 2 entrances, one at the swim area and one at the head spring. Make sure you start at the headspring and keep going past the wide swim area, then you will see the whole run. After you tube the run you can go down the street to kings landing and rent a kayak and do that part too. If it is closed, consider Kings Landing, Wekiva springs, or wekiva Island
As you start down the spring run trail, whats on the right hand side when you get to that first little pool before it narrows?
Cool video. Hey, is rock springs bar and grill where you can rent tubes at the entrance of rock springs run?
Yeah, your rent from the bar. It is down the street, you have to put in your car and drive a short distance. Or bring cheap pool tubes. Thanks for watching
@@JoeOceanside ok. Cool thanks.
Do u recommend it or no cause like my sister is 9 and likes to swim and explore so idk if it’s safe like is there a problem with the current or alligators
Yes you can bring a tube and float down. It is great for kids and families. But I think the swimming area is closed from Vorona Cirus
👍🐟🎣💯
Spider webs in the woods. Yep I'm out haha
Yeah, big spider web in the face is not fun!
fun fact: you're always within 5 feet of a spider no matter where you are...
There are spider webs every where
I'm headed there from Miami in 2 weeks. How early do I have to get there on a Sunday to get in??
I have not been back in a while. I tried to go last year and it was closed for cor..a v.r.s
Get there as early as you can if going on a weekend because they only allow so many people in and then they will close it until later in the day
That little side trip that he took? Yeah the park rangers will kick you out now of days if they catch you.
Whoops, good thing nobody filmed it LOL. Thanks for watching
What kind (make/model) of camera are you operating ?
Gopro
This vid is old so probably the 8 on this one. I use 9 now
Hi joe
Where can purchase that kind shirt cover the head 👕,,
Check the video description, I think I linked it there. It is a Tilos Spearfishing rashguard. I bought it at divers direct, I think they are also on AMAZON
what kind of wetsuit are you using here? Link? Also i have the same goggles you use and can get them to stop fogging any tips?
It is an old oneill wetsuit. I can not find a link to it. I now use soapy water in my mask. I mix a little water and some organic dishsoap mad rub it inside the mask, and I do NOT rinse it out. The soapy residue prevents the fog. However if you get water inside your mask then clear it, the residue will be gone and your mask will fog again. Thanks for watching.
You can buy anti-fog gel
6:29
Is that a starfish???? a in the log
No this is freshwater, no starfish here
How do you get back to where you started?
2:14 what is that fish looking at
here
hey Joe is this place still open
I dont know, they had it closed last year for.... whatever reason
You didn’t show the cave!
Listo en Español
You should wear wat e r shoes to protect your feet.
I do now
Yea that’s 6ft to a girl mabye lol but besides the joke looks cool nice vid bro
What about going with a buddy 😂 😂 😂 😂
I had a buddy, they just were not on camera
That’s not secluded though, it’s actually very popular and well known
Devils den and Ginny
I just did Ginnie not too long ago, it was great ua-cam.com/video/MiNK6RCMhiA/v-deo.html
that "mini spring" is quick sand. don't walk on that kind of stuff people...
Fun fact guy was tubing down that run and an alligator bit him.on top of his head lots of snakes too look out!!
🇺🇲⚫🔵🔵🔵⚫🇺🇲
🇺🇲⚫🔴🔴⚫🇺🇲
You really need to do some research on Rock Springs because you have crap all screwed up.
Is there anything specific you would like to correct? I'm always open to learning
Carol what are you talking about?!? He did an excellent job showing and talking about it. You are rude!
First of all it's not a hidden gem, it was private property in the beginning and year's later when Dr Kelly died his family donated it to the county, an second I have NEVER seen an Alligator in Rock Springs just snake's and otters. And please learn the history of all of the Springs that are in Florida, I'm 5 generation Floridian.
@@carolfarrar7992 I bet your a real sweet lady to know...NOT lol. Thank for the update "Karen"... p.s. he still did a great job even if it didn't satisfy you
This is not hidden. at all
It's not at all hidden ! Not for time . I was just there yesterday and Saturdays line was over 3 miles long amd full of people who have been in line since 12 midnight! Yes you have to get in line a day before the park open. I can not not belive the county allows this to go on the cops were there patrolling this line. Theres is 215 cars allowed in and then 50 tickets to get in park after 2 pm if amd when the parking allows. One car out one car in! I kayaked using kings landing to paddle up rock springs run! It's simply beautiful but this is wjat I Saturday....the wildlife running from tons and tons of people! The amount of people on this run in such a small area I nothing but shameful. Something must be done to control the amount of people who are less than respectful to our environment and to each other. It's sad what is happening to our springs . Social media is responsible for the number of people in our sacred parks, the videos of our special areas in florida(our world), to locate these gems. The wildlife and environment are hurting. I do hope those who watch this read this post. Socal media is not telling you really going on in our springs in florida!