Rainbow Springs — Local services in Ocala

The water is really clear and pretty thats the only good i can say. we had to make several trips back to our truck because they dont post what water floats are allowed signs posted say approved floats and the grouchy c*&^ at the pay window points and says those are not allowed on the third attempt to pay (we had several people with us that arrived at different times and some were much older and could not walk as much so i was the runner) i asked so what are approved floats she boasted noodles only like everyone in the U.S. should have known, only way to know ahead is if someone tells you that has already been. Next its basically a spring feed swimming pool, you can only swim and snorkel inside the roped area which i would guesstimate to be 100'x100' and is all open bare sand under water, im just over 6' tall and when you step off its over my head. getting in and out of the water is already difficult being its deep but all steps and ladders were covered with people holding on or sitting on them blocking them. the sign posted says no lifeguard on duty but they watch like a hawk to catch anyone breaking the rules. so if want to float on a noodle in a big natural spring swimming pool thats packed and policed like a kindergarten playground this is it for you but if want good pics and places to explore go to basically any...

Absolutely beautiful place!! Highly recommended!!! Ancient history: Fossils of mastodons and mammoths have been found in the Rainbow River, along with relics of the Timucua indigenous people, who used the river for transportation and fishing.

• Historical tourist attraction: In the 1930s, Rainbow Springs became a private tourist attraction that offered submarine rides with underwater windows, mermaid shows and a monorail with leaf-shaped gondolas.

• Artificial waterfalls: The picturesque waterfalls of the park were built on mounds of waste from ancient phosphate mines, transforming an industrial past into a scenic beauty.

• Impressive flow: The Rainbow Springs spring is the largest quarter in Florida, producing more than 490 million gallons of water daily.

• Constant temperature: The spring water maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22°C) throughout the year, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

• Special designations: The Rainbow River has been recognized as a Registered Natural Monument in 1972, Aquatic Reserve in 1986 and "Florida Outstanding River Via" in 1987, reflecting its ecological importance and natural beauty.

• Community Renaissance: After the closure of the attraction in 1974, local volunteers worked hard to restore the park, which was reopened to the public in 1995 as...

My family and friends had a unforgettable day in this park. Beautiful views, the water of the spring very nice and clear, cold but nice. I just have one suggestion for the park that might prevent accidents in the future. Many people get to the dock of the natural pool and jump right in, the problem is that because the water is so clear they think the floor or bottom is close and reachable, I saw many jumping with no life vest or noodles and when they realize they can’t reach the floor they run out of breath and start trying to get back to a dock that is filled with people seated on it. I would highly recommend you put on the floor the average deep of the water or visible sign. I believe its more than 10 feet deep. Parents go with little kids that do not know how to swim and believe me I saw it happen people see the floor but do not know how deep it is. It is risky and mostly irresponsible not to take the measurements and security to let people know the depth of the water. I consider it a safety issue and an act of carelessness and lack of love to others life. Other than this the park is beyond beautiful. It is a place to enjoy, have fun and take care of for many generations to enjoy. So recommendation for visitors bring your life vest or your noodles. Or buy them at the gift shop before...