Best price guarantee
Best price guarantee
3 hours
Journey with us to Blue Springs State Park, winter home to one of Florida’s largest
populations of Manatee. On most winter days we witness hundreds of manatees
relaxing in the springs. We will observe from a distance as our Florida Master Naturalist
introduces us all to the flora and fauna that make up this wild area.
During the peak migration months (Nov-March) our group will paddle up to the edge of
the protected refuge and wait for the hundreds of manatee to wake up and float under
our kayaks to the river in search of a morning meal.
In the warmer months (April-Oct), when most of the manatee have returned to the main
river and ocean, our group will paddle up to the headspring. At the head spring
everyone is welcome to swim, snorkel, and explore.
After a while, we will return to the main river in search of manatee, otter, and sun
worshipping gators. Overhead, bald eagle, osprey, and red shoulder hawks scan the
water and marshes for their next meal. On the river bank people will spot large wading
birds, coots, more hens, and the occasional wild hog.
If we have a bit of extra time we will make our way far off the mainstream to the
amazing snake creek and dead river.
This tour is perfect all year for bird watchers, animal lovers, and people who enjoy being
lost in thought instead of being lost in the crowd.
Driving Directions
Take I-4 east towards Daytona Beach, exit 111B toward Orange City. Follow the signs to Blue Springs State Park.
When you get to the park located on French Ave. PASS THE STATE PARK and continue on French Ave. (turns into a dirt road) until the road ends in about 3/4 mile. The road ends at a boat ramp where your guide will be waiting.
The last public restroom is at Valentine Park 1 mile before Blue Springs on the right.
DO NOT ENTER BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK
Take I-4 east towards Daytona Beach, exit 111B toward Orange City. Follow the signs to Blue Springs State Park. When you get to the park located on French Ave. DO NOT ENTER THE STATE PARK but follow French Ave until the road ends in about 3/4 mile. The road ends at a boat ramp on the river. Your guides will be there with a big white van pulling a trailer load of kayaks.
Note: The last public restroom is at Valentine Park 1 mile before Blue Springs on the right.
All guests must sign the release of liability waiver prior to the tour.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour time.
As the weather warms up in March, less and less manatee will be in the spring. Once this occurs we will seek them out in the main river.
If you have any questions, are running late, or get lost prior to your tour, please contact us at (407) 924-3375.
We’re looking forward to having you on our once of a lifetime Manatee Encounter tour.
