Enjoy a kayaking tour in Blue Springs State Park, the winter home of one of Florida’s largest manatee populations. Spend some time paddling and some time walking along the spring-side trail. Spot a wide variety of native wildlife on this 3-hour adventure.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 3 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Paddle a kayak in the clear waters of Blue Springs State Park
Observe manatees, alligators, otters, and large wading birds with a professional local wilderness guide
Enjoy loads of opportunities for photographing manatees and other wildlife

Full description

Blue Springs State Park outside Orlando is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River and a designated national manatee refuge. On this 3-hour excursion your group will paddle to the entrance of the spring run, park the kayaks, and then walk the entire length of the spring run with a guide to spot and photograph the native wildlife. Afterwards you’ll retrieve your kayak and paddle to the Snake River or Hontoon Island. The Hontoon Island area of the river is packed with manatees, otters, and sun-worshipping gators. Overhead bald eagles, ospreys, and red shoulder hawks scan the water and marshes for their next meal. On the riverbank, large wading birds, coots, morehens, and the occasional wild hog can be seen. There’s a nature trail on the island that leads to an ancient Indian shell mound. The park is noted for its large owl population and extensive Indian artifacts including the state’s largest totem pole.

Includes

Guide
Kayak
Paddling gear
Dry bag
Water
Permit

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Meeting point

French Landing 2398 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763 Driving directions from Orlando: Take I-4 east toward Daytona Beach, and take exit 111B toward Orange City. Follow the signs to Blue Springs State Park. When you reach the Park located on French Avenue, pass the park and follow French Avenue until the road ends in about 3/4 of a mile. The road ends at a boat ramp on the river. If you use a GPS do not drive on Blue Springs Road or Magnolia! You will get stuck in sugar sand!

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Important information

Not allowed

Jeans

Know before you go

Single kayaks and tandems are available, as are both sit-in and sit-on tops. Please call the tour provider after you make your reservation if you have a preference.
What to bring:
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen)
Clothing that can get wet and possibly dirty
Waterproof camera
Tip for your guide

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 45 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
4.7/5
Value for money
4.8/5
Safety
5/5

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I would highly recommend this kayaking experience! Our group included 2 adults & 2 kids (8& 10yrs). Guy was our guide & he was fantastic! He was there ahead of time, prepared with several types of kayaks, took care of all our needs, was very informative regarding to the different animals encountered & where to take us to see the manatees. He even took pics & sent them to my cell afterwards. I would highly recommend Guy as your guide & this experience.

April 3, 2022

It was a beautiful morning with a ton of up-close wildlife sightings. Gina was a wonderful guide. We had a party of 5 with mixed levels of kayak experience. My 77 year-old parents had no problems with the paddle (in tandem kayaks with my wife and I assisting them). We saw alligators, turtles, egrets, storks, vultures, hawks, anhingas, herons, and of course ALOT of manatees. The water is highly tannic so the visibility is not great but the Manatees came right up to our kayaks. One of them even nuzzled my Go Pro camera as I held it in the water for underwater video. Fully recommended!

December 26, 2021

Well organized operation with knowledgeable and experienced guides. Manatees are an underwater living animal so seeing was a little tough as they swam past but the guides did the best they could to get you reasonably close. Lots of other wildlife and flora to see along the way. Guides gave us 3 hrs plus on the river well worth the price if you enjoy being out and about in kayaks

February 21, 2021

Orlando: 3-Hour Manatee Encounter by Kayak

Orlando: 3-Hour Manatee Encounter by Kayak

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