Manager's Message
THE MANATEES ARE BACK!
With the onset of cooler weather and lower water temperatures in the St Johns River; manatee sightings in and around Blue Spring are on the upswing. An early season cold front that came through in late October has brought record numbers of early season manatees to the spring. Park staff, on the morning of October 30 counted 73 manatees, and 15 were new calves. Gene, a large male manatee released at Blue Spring in 2006 after 30 years in captivity has already returned for his second winter at Blue Spring. He looks fat, healthy and happy to be free!
Temperatures are predicted to go back up in early November, which will reduce the numbers of manatee sheltering in the spring until colder weather arrives later in the season. As we get further into the winter season, park visitors will be able to see manatees frequenting the Blue Spring run on almost a daily basis to stay warm. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees; creating a safe haven for the West Indian Manatee. The best time to view manatees is early in the morning on a cold winter day.
Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. To provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run is closed to all water related activities including swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 1.
Blue Springs State Park is a picturesque getaway along the St. Johns River near Orange City in central Florida. Winter home to numerous endangered manatees, Blue Springs is 2,644 acres of natural Florida. Please remember if you plan a trip to Blue Spring to arrive early as the park often reaches capacity on weekends, holidays and during Manatee Season and will close temporarily until overcrowded conditions ease.
Winter park activities include St. Johns River Nature Cruises, kayak tours and canoe rentals by a Florida Park Service Visitor Services Provider. Blue Spring State Park merchandise, snacks, hot coffee and cocoa are available at the snack bar located at the midpoint of the spring run. Pack binoculars, a camera and plenty of curiosity.
Our new pier on the picturesque St Johns River is complete and will soon be open to board visitors taking the St Johns River Cruise offered by Discover Florida Inc. It will also be available for fishing and wildlife observation.
Visitors may also wish to visit our sister park, Hontoon Island across the St. Johns River. It is rarely as crowded as Blue Spring and is a great place to enjoy a quiet afternoon, fishing, hiking or simply enjoying nature. Please explore
- Robert Rundle, Park Manager
Welcome to Blue Spring State Park
The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it wasn´t until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted and is strictly enforced. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating. River boat tours are available; for reservations, call St. Johns River Cruises at (386) 917-0724. The park has plenty of picnic areas and a hiking trail. For overnight stays, air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, and primitive campsites are available. Located west of Orange City. Take U.S. 17/92 to Orange City, go west two miles on French Avenue to the entrance.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Blue Spring State Park, please call 386-775-3663.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Take exit 114 off Interstate 4 and follow the signs. Go south on 17/92 to Orange City, about 2.5 miles. Make a right onto West French Avenue.
Park Fees
Admission Fees$5.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Admission Fee $1.00
Camping Fee
All Year: $20.00 (plus tax) per night
Cabin Fee
All Year: $85.00 (plus tax)
Blue Spring State Park
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, Florida 32763
Phone: 386-775-3663
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Blue Spring CSO
Blue Spring State Park
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, FL 32763
Visitor Service Provider
St. John River Ecotours, Inc.
Post Office Box 521673
Longwood, FL 32752-1673
(386) 917-0724
St. Johns River Cruises
Visitor Service Provider
Blue Spring Enterprises Inc.
P.O. Box 741600
Orange City, Fl 32774-1600
(386) 775-6888
