Blue Spring State Park a wintertime haven for manatees
Blue Spring State Park in Volusia County is known as a summertime destination for visitors looking to cool off in crystal-clear waters, but it’s also a destination for Florida’s sea cows in winter months.
The 72-degree waters feel refreshing to swimmers during the Sunshine State’s sweltering summer. But during cooler months, generally November through April, the spring run is closed to human visitors, allowing manatees to congregate in the hundreds. Visit on an especially cool morning for the best chance of spotting them from the park’s boardwalk.
Manatees have faced an especially hard year as more than 1,000 have died in 2021, largely due to starvation. Cold stress can affect the sea cows, meaning that warm spring waters are especially important to the specie’s survival when the temperature drops.
It’s a treat to watch manatees in their natural habitat while visiting the park, but Save the Manatee Club also offers live webcams showing above and underwater views of the spring run.
Blue Spring State Park protects more than 2,600 acres of land and water, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in the park, or visitors can opt to enjoy the St. Johns River Nature Cruise on a pontoon boat.
Landlubbers can explore the 3.6-mile (one way) Pine Island Trail or try an off-road segway tour. Scuba divers and snorkelers can venture underwater (during summer months) to get a closer look at Blue Spring, a first-magnitude spring that discharges 102 million gallons of water daily.
For overnight visitors, a campground inside the park offers 51 sites surrounded by sand pine scrub. Six two-bedroom cabins are also available.
Visit this pristine Sunshine State gem to explore all of its many offerings and see wild Florida show its true colors.
Important information
Location: 2100 W. French Ave. in Orange City
Hours: Open 8 a.m. until sundown daily
Fee: $6 per vehicle (limit 2-8 people per vehicle); $4
for a single occupant vehicle; $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists or extra passengers
Amenities: Benches, concession stand, gift shop, hiking trails, boardwalk, campground, trash cans, interpretive signs, playground, pavilions, charcoal grills, restrooms, parking
Activities: Hiking, boat tours, camping, fishing (on St. Johns River), swimming, tubing and scuba diving (during summer months), picnicking, paddling, wildlife viewing
Accessibility: Blue Spring has accessible amenities including boat tours, a fishing dock, picnic facilities, campsites, restrooms and boardwalks.
What to bring: A camera
can help to capture the flora and fauna found at Blue Spring, especially manatees. Pack a picnic and consider the boat tour to make a day of your park visit.
What not to bring: Alcohol is not allowed at Blue Spring State Park, except in campgrounds. It is against the rules to disturb plants or animals.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in designated areas of the park and the campground.
Pro tips: The park is known to reach capacity, so be sure to visit early to ensure entry. Renting a kayak or paddling from nearby French Landing can be a great way to see
manatees and wildlife up close. Explore the St. Johns River while the spring run is closed to human visitors.
More information: 386-775-3663 or
floridastateparks.org