The St. Johns River: Deep Enough for Your Dad Jokes, Not Quite Deep Enough for Your Submarine
Hey there, fellow Floridian geographers (or maybe just curious landlubbers)! Today we're diving deep (well, not that deep) into the murky mystery of the St. Johns River's depth in Jacksonville. Buckle up, because this wild ride is about to get wetter than a gator's belly after a buffet of tourists' pool noodles.
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| How Deep Is The St Johns River In Jacksonville Florida |
Jacksonville's River: More Like a Bathtub, Less Like the Mariana Trench
So, how deep does the St. Johns get around Jacksonville? Unlike your uncle Steve's political opinions at Thanksgiving dinner, the answer is pretty straightforward: around 40 feet (12 meters). That's enough for a decent-sized boat to cruise through, but not quite enough to hide your embarrassing high school yearbook photo (although, if you throw it in there, we wouldn't judge).
Now, before you start prepping your scuba gear for a sunken treasure hunt, there's a catch (pun intended). This 40-foot depth applies mainly to the shipping channel, which is basically a designated highway for boats. Most other areas of the river are considerably shallower, perfect for wading in to cool off on a scorching Florida day (just watch out for those pesky manatees).
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Fun Facts That Won't Sink Your Day (Unless You're Made of Sugar)
- The St. Johns River holds the title of Florida's longest (big surprise, right?). At 310 miles, it stretches further than your aunt Mildred's complaints about the mashed potatoes.
- Nicknamed the "Lazy River," the current is about as fast as a sloth on a sugar crash. You might even be able to outrun it on a paddleboard (don't try this at home, folks).
- Jacksonville isn't the only place the St. Johns gets deep. As it approaches the Atlantic Ocean, the river widens into a massive estuary, reaching depths of up to 80 feet (24 meters) in some spots. That's where things get a little more interesting for those who enjoy diving with the fishes (or, you know, the occasional sunken shopping cart).
How Deep is the St. Johns River: Frequently Asked Questions (But Hopefully Not Asked at Family Gatherings)
How to measure the depth of the St. Johns River?
Unless you're a professional diver or have access to a fancy sonar thingy, leave the measuring to the experts. There are charts and stuff that show the river's depths, but for most of us, just enjoying the water is enough.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
How deep is the St. Johns River good for swimming?
Stick to the designated swimming areas and avoid channels where big boats zoom around. Generally, shallower areas are better for wading and splashing.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
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How deep is too deep for my kayak?
Most kayaks can handle the St. Johns River's depths just fine. Just make sure yours is in good condition before setting sail (or paddle).
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
How deep can a manatee dive?
Manatees are surprisingly graceful underwater gliders. They can dive down to depths of up to 20 feet (6 meters) to munch on yummy seagrass.
How deep is my love for the St. Johns River?
That, my friend, is a question only you can answer. But let's be honest, it's pretty darn deep, right?
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