Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.
3rd Edition by Joe Follman and Richard Buchanan

King’s (or Tarpon or Tarpon Hole) Spring
Citrus County
Summary of Features
  • Scale - 1st magnitude (estimated)
  • Scenery - excellent-outstanding
  • How Pristine? - excellent-outstanding
  • Swimming - poor, excellent snorkeling/skin-diving
  • Protection - unknown
  • Crowds - heavy with divers on weekends
  • Access - good, boat only
  • Facilities - none
  • Safety - good
  • Scuba - yes
  • Cost - free
    		•
    Directions
    About 250 feet south of alcove on south side of Banana Island in King’s Bay. The spring is adjacent to Grand Canyon Spring and Mullet’s Gullet Spring—.

    Spring Description
    The spring forms a depression about 200 feet long and 30 feet deep. An opening in the limestone splits and then goes further down another 30 feet or so in two caverns. There is a good flow from the opening, which can forms a mild boil on the surface under very calm conditions at low tide. Water flowing from the hole is clear and clean, and the area is abundant with fish as well as with manatees during the winter months.

    No boil was visible on the surface on the dates the authors visited, and viewing conditions were poor due to wind, high tide, and divers stirring up the water with their fins. They were told by a scuba diver that the water was clear on the bottom.  This spring is the largest of all the springs in Crystal River/King's Bay.

    Use/Access

    Personal Impressions
    Conditions must be ideal to visually appreciate these springs from the surface, and the authors plan to return and explore the site further.

    Nearby Springs

    Other Nearby Natural Features
    Rainbow Springs State Park
    Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
    Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
    Withlacoochie State Forest

    Contact Information