Manatee Encounter
Journey to Blue Spring State Park, the winter home of one of Florida's largest manatee populations. On most cooler winter days, visitors witness hundreds of manatees relaxing in the spring. You observe them from a distance as a Florida Master Naturalist introduces all to the flora and fauna that make up this wild area.
During the peak migration months (Nov. – Feb.) the group paddles up to the edge of the protected refuge and waits for the hundreds of manatees to wake up and float under the kayaks to the river in search of a morning meal.
In the warmer months (March – Oct.), when most of the manatees have left the spring and returned to the main river and ocean, the group paddles up to the headspring. Here everyone is welcome to swim, snorkel, and explore. After a while, you return to the main river in search of manatees, otters, and sun-worshiping gators.
Duration: 3 hours
Journey to Blue Spring State Park, one of Florida’s largest manatee populations, and have an up-close encounter with manatees!