Kayak & Freedive at Alexander Springs | Healing Adventure in Ocala National Forest

As a veteran and retired law enforcement officer, I’ve learned that healing doesn’t always come from a doctor’s office or medication sometimes it comes from stepping outside, breathing fresh air, and reconnecting with nature. My journey after an on-duty injury led me to the Florida springs, where I discovered peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

In this adventure, I take you with me to Alexander Springs, one of the most beautiful and accessible springs in the Ocala National Forest. This spring is part of the St. Johns River Water Management District and flows millions of gallons of crystal-clear water every single day.

🌿 Kayaking Alexander Springs Creek
The day began on the calm waters of Alexander Springs Creek. With no one else around, it felt like my own personal slice of paradise. Along the way, I encountered turtles basking on logs, a few curious fish swimming by, a variety of birds calling overhead, and even an alligator sighting in the distance. The solitude and serenity of this paddle were unmatched, reminding me why the outdoors is such a powerful tool for recovery.

🤿 Freediving the Head Spring
After exploring the creek, I returned to the head spring — the heart of Alexander Springs. The water is a constant 72°F year-round, making it refreshing in Florida’s heat and inviting for divers and snorkelers. I took a deep breath and descended nearly 30 feet down into the spring vent. The clarity was breathtaking. Down below, a massive Florida gar hovered silently, almost like a guardian of the spring.

These are the moments that stay with you. As a veteran, I know the weight of invisible wounds, and being submerged in a place like this helps silence the noise and bring focus back to what really matters.

✨ Why I Share These Journeys
This channel, BlueWater Vets, is about more than just kayaking and diving. It’s about Resiliency through Exploration. My mission is to inspire other veterans, first responders, and anyone who may feel lost or burdened by life to find their own path to healing through adventure. Whether it’s paddling down a quiet creek, freediving a spring vent, or simply walking a forest trail, nature has the power to restore us.

📍 About Alexander Springs

Location: Ocala National Forest, Florida

Activities: kayaking, swimming, freediving, snorkeling, hiking, camping

Wildlife: alligators, turtles, fish, birds, Florida gar

Water temperature: 72°F year-round

Notes: Alexander Springs is one of only 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida

👉 If you’re planning a trip, Alexander Springs offers a full day of adventure. You can kayak the spring run, swim in the head spring, explore the trails, and even camp overnight. It’s one of the few springs where you can experience so many activities in one place.

💬 Join the Conversation
Have you ever visited Alexander Springs or another Florida spring? What’s your favorite outdoor escape for peace and recovery? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your stories and recommendations.

⚓ Support the Mission
If you’re a veteran, first responder, or someone searching for a way to reset and recharge, I hope this video inspires you. Your support helps me keep sharing these adventures and building a community around healing in the outdoors.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future explorations across Florida’s springs, rivers, and coastal treasures. Every click helps this mission grow.
Chapters
0:00 Intro – Alexander Springs Adventure
1:54 Kayak Trail Walk
3:39 Kayak Launch at Alexander Springs Creek
4:45 Bird Sighting
5:04 Alligator Encounter
5:42 Turtle on the Creek
7:18 Peaceful Paddle
7:56 Fish Along the Creek
8:15 Alexander Springs Park Walkthrough
11:44 Designated Swimming Area
12:42 Diving the Spring Head (Crystal Clear Water)
14:26 Huge Florida Gar Fish at Spring Head


#VeteranRecovery #AlexanderSprings #OcalaNationalForest #FloridaSprings #BlueWaterVets #KayakingFlorida #FreedivingFlorida #SnorkelingFlorida #FirstResponderHealing #ResiliencyThroughExploration #FloridaTravel #HiddenGemsFlorida #CrystalClearWater #VeteranLife #MentalHealthAwareness #NatureHeals