Blue Spring State Park

Overview

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, about 40 minutes north of Orlando, protects a first-magnitude spring that serves as a critical winter refuge for West Indian manatees. Between November and March, hundreds of manatees gather in the warm spring water.

Highlights

• Manatee Viewing: Boardwalk and platform overlooking the spring run, where manatees are visible in clear water.
• Spring Swimming: Swimming and snorkeling in the spring run (seasonal, closed during manatee season).
• River Cruises: Two-hour pontoon boat cruises on the St. Johns River.

History

The spring has been a gathering place for thousands of years — Timucua artifacts have been found on-site. Blue Spring was designated a manatee refuge in 1972 and became a state park in 1972.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit November–March for guaranteed manatee sightings; peak counts reach 400+.
• Tip 2: The park reaches capacity early on winter weekends — arrive before 9 AM.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.