Manatee encounter by kayak in Blue Springs State Park
United States of America Orlando
Details
Book a kayaking tour in Blue Springs State Park where you can observe Florida's largest populations of Manatees. Learn about the flora and fauna of the area, watch manatees floting under your kayak and look overhead for bald eagles and osprey.
Take a kayak journey to Blue Springs State Park, winter home to one of Florida's largest populations of Manatees. Your Florida Master Naturalist will introduce you to the flora and fauna that make up this wild area, then observe from a distance hundreds of manatees manatees relaxing in the springs.
During the peak migration months (Nov-March) your group will paddle up to the edge of the protected refuge and wait for the hundreds of manatees to wake up and float under your kayak as they travel to the river in search of a morning meal. In the warmer months (April-Oct), when most of the manatees have returned to the main river and ocean, your group will paddle up to the headspring. At the head spring everyone is welcome to swim, snorkel, and explore.
After a while, you'll return to the main river in search of manatees, otters, and sun worshipping gators. Overhead look out for bald eagle, osprey, and red shoulder hawks scaning the water and marshes. On the river bank people will spot large wading birds, coots, more hens, and the occasional wild hog. If time allows, your group will also make their way far off the mainstream to snake creek and dead river.
This tour is perfect all year for bird watchers, animal lovers, and people who enjoy being lost in thought - rather than in the crowd.
Highlights
Kayak through Blue Springs State Park - home to Florida's largest populations of Manatees Learn about the flora and fauna of the area from your Florida Master Naturalist Look overhead to spot bald eagles, osprey, and red shoulder hawks Paddle to the edge of the protected park and watch the manatees floating below Experience free time to swim, snorkel and explore the headspring, during the warmer months
Included in tickets
What's included:
Kayak and paddle,
Personal flotation device,
Water
What's not included:
Tips (optional)
Special Notes
Instant confirmation
Guided Tour
COVID-19 information:
Government regulations compliant,
Regular desinfection,
Hands Sanitizers,
Equipment sanitized
Where:
2398 W French Ave 2398 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, USA
Meeting point:
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., you will drive past the state park and continue on French Ave. This turns into a dirt road, follow until the road ends in about 3/4 mile, at a boat ramp where your guide will be waiting. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour time.
What to remember:
- Guests must be at least 6 years old
- Maximum of 14 participants per tour group
- During checkout, select if you would like a single kayak or tandem kayak
- In order for the tour operator to provide the appropriate sized kayak - you will be requested to provide your height at checkout
- Note, the kayaks available by the tour operator have a maximum weight limit of 280 lbs
- Important, upon arrival all guests must sign a liability waiver
- As the weather warms up in March, less and less manatee will be in the spring. Once this occurs, your tour group will seek them out in the main river
- Recommended to bring : Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen), wear clothes that can get wet and possibly dirty, waterproof camera
- Note, there is not a bathroom facility at the meeting point - The last public restroom is at Valentine Park 1 mile before Blue Springs on the right
Additional Notes
N/A
Available days
Languages
en-US
How do I get my Ticket?
You will receive a QR code on the receipt sent to your mailbox.
Cancellation Policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before the experience begins.
BOOKING from:€82.33