Kings Spring

Kings Spring is a first-magnitude freshwater spring in Kings Bay centered on a deep limestone vent and a horseshoe-shaped cavern marked by a brass manatee statue. The site offers a mix of a well-lit shallow cavern and open-water bay diving and is widely known for its large wintering population of West Indian manatees that gather in the warm clear water. Dives typically reach about 60 feet with visibility often 30 to 40 feet on clear days and a year-round water temperature near 72°F, so wetsuits or dry suits are advised. Access is by boat only; boats moor or anchor nearby and divers paddle a short distance to the vent. Divers usually descend outside the spring and swim into the cavern chamber, which has overhead cover but is naturally lit during daylight; outside the cavern the bottom is sandy with scattered vegetation. The spring outflow produces only gentle currents and the bay is otherwise calm, though visibility can be reduced if bottom sediment is stirred. During manatee season (Nov 15 - Mar 31) scuba divers must remain within the marked "keyhole" zone above the spring and avoid nearby manatee sanctuaries; outside those dates the spring area is open under refuge regulations.