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Orlando Manatee Encounter
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Overview
2 Hours • Daily 9am and 12pm • An up close experience!
Journey with us to Blue Springs State Park, winter home to one of Florida’s largest populations of Manatee
Duration
2 hours
About
Journey with us to Blue Springs State Park, winter home to one of Florida’s largest
populations of Manatee. On most winter days we witness hundreds of manatees
relaxing in the springs. We will observe from a distance as our Florida Master Naturalist
introduces us all to the flora and fauna that make up this wild area.
During the peak migration months (Nov-March) our group will paddle up to the edge of
the protected refuge and wait for the hundreds of manatee to wake up and float under
our kayaks to the river in search of a morning meal.
In the warmer months (April-Oct), when most of the manatee have returned to the main
river and ocean, our group will paddle up to the headspring. At the head spring
everyone is welcome to swim, snorkel, and explore.
After a while, we will return to the main river in search of manatee, otter, and sun
worshipping gators. Overhead, bald eagle, osprey, and red shoulder hawks scan the
water and marshes for their next meal. On the river bank people will spot large wading
birds, coots, more hens, and the occasional wild hog.
If we have a bit of extra time we will make our way far off the mainstream to the
amazing snake creek and dead river.
This tour is perfect all year for bird watchers, animal lovers, and people who enjoy being
lost in thought instead of being lost in the crowd.
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. PASS THE STATE PARK and continue on French Ave. (turns into a dirt road) until the road ends in about 3/4 mile. The road ends at a boat ramp where your guide will be waiting.
The last public restroom is at Valentine Park 1 mile before Blue Springs on the right.
DO NOT ENTER BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Meeting point
Street: 2398 W French Ave
City: Orange City
Country: US
Postal Code: 32763
Province: FL
Additional Info
All guests must sign the release of liability waiver prior to the tour.
Check-In
Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour time.
What is provided
- Kayak
- Paddle
- PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
What to bring
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sun screen).
- Wear clothes that can get wet and possibly dirty.
- Waterproof camera.
- Bottled water
- Gratuity to the guide is customary and highly appreciated.
Notes
As the weather warms up in March, less and less manatee will be in the spring. Once this occurs we will seek them out in the main river.
Questions
If you have any questions, are running late, or get lost prior to your tour, please contact us at (407) 924-3375.
We’re looking forward to having you on our once of a lifetime Manatee Encounter tour.
More Things To Do
Cancellation Policy
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the tour will be given a full refund or can rebook to a later tour. Cancellations made for any reason less than 48 hours before the tour start time will receive no refund or given the chance to rebook.
