Manatee Season at Blue Spring State Park

It is peak manatee season at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida. This is a must-do day trip for anyone visiting Central Florida. The park opens at 8 am daily. We arrived around 10:30 am on the Friday after President’s Day, hoping to beat the weekend crowds. There was a short wait to get into the park and plenty of parking was still available. By the time we left around 12:30 pm, there was a substantial line to enter the park, as both large parking lots were full and they were allowing cars to enter as others exited. I recommend arriving as early as possible to best enjoy the park.

The spring run at Blue Spring State Park. The white buoy in the water is attached to a manatee that is currently being treated for injury.

From November through April, the spring run is closed to all water activities to allow the manatees unencumbered use of the area. In the 50 years since the park was established, manatee numbers have skyrocketed from just 14 manatees in 1970 to 729 in 2023. On the day we visited, the manatee count was 386. You can follow their social media for the daily count, which fluctuates throughout the season. We walked the boardwalk to explore several vantage points. We were able to spot dozens of manatees, as well as some large fish that were leaping from the water. There was a guide along the boardwalk with photos and information about the variety of fish that call the spring home. The water is stunningly clear and the surrounding vegetation makes for a beautiful backdrop.

In the photo above, you can see a line of orange buoys where the mouth of the spring run is closed off for the season. The red canoe is used by the manatee research team that observes and treats injured manatees. In the middle of the water, you can spot the small white buoy that is attached to one of the manatees. These are used by the research team and according to the sign posted in the park, indicate a manatee that is being treated for an injury. If you are interested in learning more about the manatees and the efforts to protect them, check with the rangers when you arrive to see if there are any manatee talks that day.

The Historic Thursby House located in Blue Spring State Park, Orange City, Florida

We explored the historic Thursby House, where there are a few displays dedicated to the first European settlers of the area. Be sure to take a minute and enjoy the rocking chairs on the front porch which overlooks the expansive front lawn. This is a great spot for parents to relax as their kids play on the lawn. Or set your picnic blanket in the shade of one of the massive trees that dot the property.

The playground at Blue Spring State Park, Orange City, Florida

There is a small playground on site, which was especially welcome since water activities were not an option on this visit. The play structure and adjacent swings are typical of what you would find at most state parks. It was nothing overly exciting by today’s playground standards, but it provides a good spot to burn off some energy. There are some shade trees, benches, and picnic tables close to the playground from which parents can easily supervise their children.

We spent about 2 hours at the park, which was enough time to enjoy the spring run area, playground, and Thursby House. There is a 4.5-mile path through the park if you are looking to spend a bit more time and do some hiking. During the summer months when the area is open to all water activities, we plan to return to spend the day.

For more photos and videos of our visit, be sure to follow us on social media! If you are headed back toward the Orlando area after a morning at Blue Spring State Park, and you’re looking for more wildlife viewing, be sure to stop by Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

Blue Spring State Park At A Glance

Entrance Fee: $6 per carload (2-8 passengers)

Parking: Included with the park entrance fee. There are two large lots very close to the spring run.

Restrooms: Available on-site.

Dining: This is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. Coolers are allowed. Alcohol is prohibited. There is a small snack shack and cafe available on-site if you prefer to purchase food and drink there.

Playground: There is a small playground with a climbing structure and a few swings.

Activities: There is a narrated boat tour that should be booked in advance. We noticed several people try to walk up and get turned away. Canoe and Kayak rentals are available on the St. Johns River, but note that the spring run is closed to all water activities during manatee season. When the spring run is fully open, you can swim, tube, dive, snorkel, canoe, kayak, and paddle board along the spring run. Rentals are available or you can bring your own.

Pro-Tip: Arrive early. I was concerned our 10:30 arrival was too late, but we lucked out. The park often reaches capacity, especially on weekends and in the summer so plan accordingly.

Manatees in the spring run section of Blue Spring State Park.