Blue Spring Park... any experiences?

[Syjen]

We've just heard about this place, offering canoes and kayaks in addition to swimming and the possibility of seeing wild manatees. Sounds like a great place for a few hours down time time mid holiday to recharge, has anyone been?

[vampiress88]

No but it sounds good

[Omega1]

We’ve been, many years ago. Brilliant place saw lots of manatees up close - it was in February when they move to the warmer water of the springs.

[chrisxal]

yes great day out, not sure when you are going but manatees only come in to the springs during the winter months typically November till March when the waters are warmer.

[Simon & Suzann]

Originally Posted by chrisxal

yes great day out, not sure when you are going but manatees only come in to the springs during the winter months typically November till March when the waters are warmer.

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We have been the last 4 years in the last 2 weeks of August and manatees have been there every time.

It's a great place to visit.

[bonnies mum]

It’s a lovely place though we have never been lucky with wildlife spotting.

[MarkUKinOrlando]

If you go, try the St Johns River cruise. A two hour boat trip up and down the river. You'll see more wildlife and birds than anywhere else.

sjrivercruises

[Syjen]

Thanks for your replies folks, this is looking like a definite! Crossing our fingers for spotting a manatee or two 🤞

[sutheli]

We go to Blue Springs for a peaceful day whenever we are in Florida. You will only see the manatees in the winter when they move to the springs for a heat. There’s a great swim hole that all the local kids swim in along with the kayaks etc. A store selling snacks and souvenirs and an hourly boat trip. We love it not at all touristy x

[Simon & Suzann]

Originally Posted by Syjen

Thanks for your replies folks, this is looking like a definite! Crossing our fingers for spotting a manatee or two 🤞

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We always take a cooler box with drinks in. You can buy food there or there are bbq's dotted all around so just some charcoal and the food is needed.

We buy rings from Walmart to take with us too to float back from the "crack" where the spring breaks through.

We have been the last 4 Augusts (last 2 weeks and 1st week Sep) and swam with Manatees every time. That's the reason we keep going back because my middle daughter loves them and Harry Potter

One word of caution is it is very deep in places and quite strong (it's very strong if you aren't a good swimmer before anyone says its gentle etc) so be very careful with kids and weak/non swimmers. Last year i had to rescue my mate as he tired out and was going under.

Another place to consider for a nice chill day is Kelly Park. We prefer it there but everyone is different

Also Kayaking is another great option. Weeki Wachee is lovely and we saw loads of Manatees swimming around the Kayaks with us.