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There are tons of springs scattered across the sunshine state and a few of these natural gems are less than an hour from Orlando. One of the most popular springs in central Florida, Blue Springs State Park is known for the high volume of manatees that seek refuge in the winter months and its crisp, crystal clear water to cool off in during the summer months. Paddling, tubing, swimming, and snorkeling are all popular activities at Blue Springs. Kayaking Blue Springs in Florida is the perfect addition to your Florida vacation or even a quick afternoon on the water for the locals.
Located about an hour from Orlando, Blue Springs State Park is very close to the city’s theme parks and attractions which makes it an easy way to get out into nature during your Florida vacation.
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Blue Springs has been a state park for decades and with it’s increased protection of the manatee, it now hosts hundreds of them every winter as they seek refuge from the cold waters of the ocean. The park opens at 8:00 am every day, but it’s very important to arrive early.
Looking for a place to stay near Blue Springs State Park? Check out the Alling House Bed & Breakfast for the cutest place to stay!
The cost to enter Blue Springs State Park is $6 per vehicle that has 2-8 occupants or $4 per vehicle with a single occupant.
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It is only a $2 charge for pedestrians, bikers or extra people in the car with someone who holds an annual pass to the Florida state parks.
As with most springs in Florida, there really is no wrong time to visit. For kayaking Blue Springs, however, there are a few things to consider.
As the temperatures cool down, the manatees will seek refuge in the warmer spring water at Blue Spring. Due to the high volume of manatees, Blue Spring State Park will close off the spring run.
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Therefore, any swimming activities, tubing, and kayaking are all prohibited close to the spring. You are still able to view the manatees from the walking path above the spring, but it is not possible to enter the water near the spring during this time.
You can, however, still rent a kayak or launch from St. John’s River Cruises (more on that later). You’ll be able to paddle around the outskirts of the spring and potentially even see some Blue Spring manatee! The water might not be as crystal clear, but it is still beautiful!
During the summer months, it is possible to kayak Blue Springs. You’ll be able to paddle along the spring run from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and enjoy the crystal clear water.
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At 11:00 am the spring is off-limits to kayakers and only reserved for tubers and swimmers. As mentioned before, weekends and holidays can be very busy. Be aware that you will be sharing the spring with tons of other swimmers and tubers.
Your Blue Springs packing list might vary depending on what activity you choose, but for the most part don’t forget the following:
When you arrive at Blue Spring State Park you’ll first pass the ranger station at the entrance. From there you’ll follow the road straight until you arrive at a large parking lot with pavilions at the far end.
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Do NOT turn right since that will take you to the other parking lot which is where you would park for tubing or swimming. Just past those pavilions are the kayak rentals and launch area.
If you are putting in your own kayak or paddleboard at Blue Springs then all you need to do is walk down to the water and launch.
If you are renting, there is a small building located near all of the kayaks. You’ll be able to find someone from St. John’s River Cruises to help you rent a kayak.
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Aside from kayaking, visitors to Blue Spring State Park are also able to enjoy the water while swimming or tubing. Remember that the spring is only open to water activities during the summer months(March 15th through November 15th) due to the influx of manatees in the area during the winter.
Bring your own tube to float down the spring run which is less than a quarter of a mile. The walk from the main dock to where you would put in your tube is about 5 minutes. It is a very short walk.
Prices for the equipment you might need for swimming or snorkeling is the same as above. $5.00 for the first hour and $2.50 for every hour after that otherwise it’s $15.00 for the entire day.
Blue Springs State Park Tubing And Manatees Near Orlando!
The gift shop has flippers, goggles, and snorkels available for rent. Small lockers are also available for rent at Blue Spring State Park for $2.00 or $3.00 for the larger locker.
Concession stand on the right and the camp store on the left. Tubes and other gear are available for rent at the camp store.
This is probably the part you are wondering the most about! Manatees at Blue Springs State Park are very common in the winter months. Once the weather starts cooling down in mid-November, the manatees will retreat from the colder waters of the ocean to the warmer waters of the Florida springs.
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Most springs will close off their runs to paddlers and swimmers to give the manatees a safe refuge for the season. Though you might not be able to get into the headspring, you’ll still be able to paddle around the outskirts.
Manatees will come and go from the spring so there is still a huge chance you’ll have an encounter with a manatee while paddling.
The boardwalk that is used for tubers in the summer is opened to guests during the winter as well. This is a great place to get a view from above the spring and watch as all the manatees huddle together in the warmer water.
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If you are looking for a chance to swim with manatees, there is only one place in Florida where it is legal to do so. Read my post on swimming with manatees at Crystal River here!
So far I have yet to try any of the local restaurants or bars in the area after kayaking Blue Springs. I won’t suggest a place I haven’t personally tried. The good news is, I’ll update this post as soon as I get a chance to test out some of the recommended establishments in the area! Check back and hopefully, I’ll have the perfect spot for you!
If you are interested in some other springs surrounding the Orlando area, check out Rainbow Springs or Weeki Wachee Springs for an amazing paddling adventure!There's a sparkling clear blue spring in Central Florida that makes for the ultimate bucket list day trip or even an overnight stay.
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It's called Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and it's only about a 2.5-hour road trip north of Tampa as well as about 2 hours northwest of Orlando.
At this dreamy aqua adventure, you can go tubing, kayaking, and swimming. As you enjoy the serene reservoir, you can also look out for fish and turtles that call this place home.
It's a true holy ground of turquoise hues and you'll never want to leave. The natural wonder has so much clarity because it is a second-magnitude spring.
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It produces over 44 million gallons of water a day that filters back out to a shallow spring about a quarter mile into the Santa Fe River. This process is what makes for translucent waters allowing you to see the sea floor.
Many like to dive down to the bottom of the big hole, while others set up camp and enjoy the sunset-draped views that fall behind the peaceful stream.
The park has 23 different campsites and 16 of them are for RV and tent camping and the other seven are only reserved for tents.
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It's the perfect peaceful escape from the city. Whether you make it a day trip or camp out the entire weekend adventure, you'll create everlasting memories with your friends and family.
Why You Need To Go: Gilchrist Blue is considered one of the clearest in the state, and it's incredibly blue and beautiful. A true sunshine state paradise!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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Jenna Kelley is an Associate Editor for ’s USA Desk focused on trends and celebrities in Florida and is based in Miami-Fort Lauderdale in Florida.Blue Spring State Park is one of the best places to go tubing in Florida. It is one of the shortest tube runs in Florida but it is definitely one of the best
After visiting a few State Parks in Florida like Rainbow State Park and the Three Sisters Spring where we swum with manatees, we were totally addicted to Florida’s springs.
There are over 700 springs in Florida so there is NO CHANCE we can visit them all
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