Planning a spring day? Don’t forget your gear. If you’re paddling, floating, or just dipping your toes in the water, having the right stuff can really shape your Florida springs adventure. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what’s actually useful to bring and what ends up being extra weight. This list includes my must-haves, helpful finds, and a few things I wish I had known about earlier.
As an Amazon Associate and Florida Springs Passport Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There are many other links here that are not affiliate links. I either use them, have tested them, or they’re sitting in my cart for a future trip. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
- Springs Guide
- Paddleboard
- Tube
- Rechargeable Pump
- Water Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- Cooler
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Bonus – Waterproof Camera
- Swim Bag
- Related Content
Springs Guide
Before you can get out in the springs and have fun, you need to know where to go! Florida is a big state and there are more than 1000 springs here, so where and how do you find them?
The answer is in the Florida Springs Passport. Volume 1 is currently out, featuring 20 springs throughout the panhandle, North Florida, and Central Florida. Volume 2 is in the works and will list another 20 springs.
Unlike many guide books, this one is a passport that allows you to fill out a page that is all about your experience there. You can also add a badge, so it becomes a fantastic keepsake.
Oh, and the passport includes $30 worth of exclusive discounts with eco-tour companies at the springs.
Shopping link here: https://bit.ly/FloridaSpringsPassport
Mask and Snorkel
Even if you are not really into snorkeling, if you are visiting Florida’s crystal clear springs, I highly recommend getting a mask and snorkel. Getting under the water and being able to see all the fish, turtles, and other water-loving wildlife is a wonderful experience.
Shopping link here: https://amzn.to/3ZQgjUM
Fins
If you are really getting into swimming at the springs and maybe doing a little freediving, you might want to consider some fins. If you’ve never used fins, just know that they are very awkward to wear out of the water.
Paddleboard
I can write up a lot about paddleboards and which are the best, and I actually have so I’ll keep it brief here. I’ve also written extensively on paddleboarding.
Here are three detailed guides:
- The Ultimate Paddleboard Guide: The 9 Best Picks for Every Need
- Gear to Jumpstart Your Paddleboarding Journey
- 13 Things Every New Paddleboarder Needs to Know
A lot of people get nervous about paddleboards because they think they have to stand up and that they can tip easily. Neither is true. You can sit the whole time and they are very tip-resistant, especially the wider boards.
The advantage of paddleboards is they are lighter than kayaks and canoes and they are easy to get on and off of.
It’s also a great way to experience the springs without getting into the water.
Tube
A lot of springs allow tubing down their spring run. Visitors go to the spring head and then allow the current to guide them down the spring run.
And even if you decide not to go “tubing”, you can always just bring a tube to float on around the spring for a relaxed time.
Always check to make sure you can bring your own. Some places only allow rentals or have size limitations.
Also, never bring glitter tubes to the springs. The glitter is completely loose inside the tube, so if it pops or gets a hole in it, all that glitter will end up in the water. Keep the glitter tubes in the pools.
Shopping link here: https://amzn.to/4dMBugc
Rechargeable Pump
You might be thinking, wait, what do I need a pump for? If you have an inflatable paddleboard, you will want one. Save your arm strength for the actual paddle by using a rechargeable pump instead of a manual. Trust me on this one! We inflated our inflatable board ONCE with a manual pump. Never again.
You can also use a pump to inflate your tube and anything else that needs to be filled with air.
We use the Airbank Puffer Pro – it’s small, efficient, and won’t break the bank. You can use the code WALKANDPADDLE to get 5% off. What started out as a test between our old pump and the Airbank Puffer Pro led to us now only using the Airbank!
Find out more about the pump here.
Shopping link here: https://bit.ly/AirbankPufferPro
Water Shoes
Spring bottoms range from sandy or muddy to rocky limestone. Sometimes you don’t know which it is until you actually get there, so I recommend having water shoes and keeping them in your swim bag for easy access.
You don’t need to buy anything fancy, just something that will protect your feet. Flip flops are ok, but not ideal.
Shopping link here: https://amzn.to/3Xl6JrH
Sunscreen
Being out on the springs means a lot of water, but even more sun! Do not forget reef-friendly, water-resistant sunscreen. Although springs are (mostly) freshwater, they flow into other bodies of water that connect to the ocean, so it’s important to use reef-friendly products.
Shopping link here: https://amzn.to/4jzhZJn
Lip Balm with SPF
So often we forget our lips, but they need protection too. My favorite lip balm is Bitchstix because a portion of every purchase goes to support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Shopping link here: https://bitchstix.com/product-category/spf-balms/
Wide-brimmed hat
Protecting the skin on your face and shoulders is a must and a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to do it, especially when you forget to reapply that sunscreen. We all forget at one time or another.
I recommend the Florida Springs Straw Hat. It will protect you from the sun with UPF 50+, has a strap so you don’t have to worry about losing it, and a portion of all sales go to charities fighting for your springs. Everyone wins with this purchase.
Shopping link here: https://bit.ly/FloridaSpringsHat
Polarized sunglasses
Sunglasses are a given, but polarized lenses will cut all the glare and help you see into the spring water so much better! One of the biggest draws of the springs, beside the cool refreshing water, is their beauty and you won’t be able to see it all with all the glare.
I use the Knockaround Seventy Nine Polarized Sunglasses. They are for men and women, work really well, and are budget-friendly.
Shopping link here: https://amzn.to/41iwMRN
Cooler
If you are going during the summer, a cooler is a must. Make sure you know the rules regarding coolers. Some places will check your cooler, limit the size, or have other restrictions.
We have a couple different coolers depending on when and where we are going.
When it’s super hot outside, I like bringing a hard-sided small cooler. Here’s a fantastic 9-quart Coleman that is reasonably priced. It can double as somewhere to sit in a pinch too.
Shopping link for the hard-sided cooler: https://amzn.to/4gyPb2h
When the temperature is not as hot or if I need something more light-weight, I bring out our soft-sided cooler. I especially love that it is waterproof. It’s very good for paddling.
Shopping link for the soft-sided cooler: https://amzn.to/3FJzcC6
Waterproof Phone Case
Ok, total honesty time. I have yet to find the “perfect” waterproof phone case. I’ve tried many kinds and the struggle continues. They all have their pros and cons and it definitely depends on what you need.
Here are a few options:
- Keep your phone safe, dry, and able to take good photos and videos: Temdan Waterproof case: iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23
- Keep your phone safe, dry, and unsinkable: Pelican Marine Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch. Fits all phones.
- Keep your phone safe, dry, and in a diving case: VAMGRMIS Universal Waterproof Phone Case for Snorkeling and Diving. Fits many iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models.
Bonus – Waterproof Camera
If your goal is to capture your visit underwater and you plan to do it often, you might want to consider a waterproof camera such as a GoPro or Insta360. This is only if you plan on recording, editing, etc. These are not for the casual user.
Swim Bag
You won’t get very far on your spring adventure without a bag to carry all your things!
The size you need depends on how many people you are paddling with and how much gear you are bringing.
Bringing the whole family and all the gear? You’ll need the bag I have (sorry no photos of it). It’s giant, mesh, and has plenty of pockets, a zipper top, and multiple handles/straps. You can even wash it in a washing machine.
Shopping link to the family bag here: https://amzn.to/4mRsnix
Just you, a towel, snorkel, and snacks? You just need a simple mesh tote bag like this one.
Shopping link to the solo bag here: https://amzn.to/3FOzsQ7
And that’s a wrap on must-have gear for enjoying Florida’s springs! I hope you found this list helpful. If you think I missed something, let me know in the comments.
Related Content
Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Florida Springs
23 Things to Do at Florida State Parks