Blue Spring State Park: A Winter Haven for Hundeds of Florida’s Gentle Giants - The Manatees

Chrissa Karnes
Mar 16
4 min read

Clear river with manatees swimming, surrounded by lush green trees, under a bright blue sky. Peaceful and natural setting.

One of the best places to see manatees in Florida during the colder months is Blue Spring State Park. Located along the St. Johns River, this park becomes a winter refuge for these gentle giants when temperatures drop. The park offers a unique opportunity to observe hundreds of manatees in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Why Do Manatees Gather at Blue Spring State Park in the Winter?

A park entrance with a sign "MANATEE COUNT! 932 MANATEE CHATS MON-FRI 1&2PM." Cars in line. Trees and a lamp post in the background.

Manatees cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. Fortunately, Blue Spring maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees year-round, making it an ideal winter haven. Each year, as soon as the weather cools, hundreds of manatees migrate to the spring for warmth. In January 2024, a record-breaking 932 manatees were seen at the park in a single day!

What Makes Blue Spring State Park Special for Manatee Viewing?

Woman walks on a wooden boardwalk through a lush, sunlit forest with hanging moss. Two others ahead near a railing, with serene mood.

Kayaker in red boat paddles on a clear river with five visible manatees below. Lush greenery and tree branches frame the tranquil scene.

Unlike other locations, Blue Spring State Park allows visitors to observe manatees safely and respectfully from a boardwalk that stretches about 1/3 of a mile from the St. Johns River to the headspring. This elevated view ensures that visitors can watch manatees socializing, resting, and even mothers nursing their calves without disturbing them.

Blue Spring State Park Hours, Entry Fees, and Best Time to Visit

Brown sign with park admission fees near a wooded area. Mirror reflection shows person taking photo. Overcast day, muted colors.

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM until sundown, 365 days a year
Entry Fee: $6 per vehicle (covers 2-8 people)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning on a cold day to avoid long lines and see the most manatees

The park is extremely popular in the winter, attracting visitors from all over the world. If you plan to visit, be sure to arrive early because lines can take over an hour to get in, especially on chilly mornings when more manatees gather in the spring.

Is the Boardwalk Open for Viewing Manatees?

Wooden boardwalk through lush forest with palms. A sign reads, “Trail end, no entry beyond.” Sunlight filters through trees.

One of the best ways to observe the manatees at Blue Spring State Park is from the boardwalk, which provides an excellent elevated view of the crystal-clear waters. However, due to hurricane damage, the boardwalk leading to the headspring is temporarily closed for construction.

What Happened to the Boardwalk?

Construction site with orange netting, warning signs, and an excavator amid trees. "No Trespassing" and "Caution" signs visible.

A recent hurricane washed away sections of the boardwalk, prompting a complete rebuild. Construction began, but had to be paused when the manatees arrived because the noise was stressing them out. Work is set to resume in Spring 2025, once the manatees leave for the season. Until then, only a shortened section of the boardwalk is open, with a few designated overlooks for visitors.

How Many Manatees Can You See at Blue Spring State Park?

A person paddles a red canoe labeled "Manatee Research" on clear water with visible manatees below. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.

The number of manatees visiting Blue Spring has grown tremendously over the years. Research in the 1970s recorded around 36 manatees, while today, it's common to see hundreds at a time.

In 2023, over 700 manatees were counted on the coldest days. If you visit on a particularly chilly morning, you might see an unforgettable sight of manatees huddling together for warmth.

FAQs About Visiting Blue Spring State Park

Clear river with manatees swimming, surrounded by lush green trees and plants under a bright blue sky. Peaceful natural scene.

1. When is the best time to see manatees at Blue Spring?

The best time to see manatees is the morning after a cold front when air temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes about a day for the water temperature to cool, so more manatees gather the following morning.

2. Can you swim with manatees at Blue Spring State Park?

No, swimming with manatees is not allowed during the winter months to protect them. However, you can swim, snorkel, or dive in the spring from mid-March to November when the manatees leave.

3. Is there a kayak or canoe launch at Blue Spring?

Yes! You can kayak and canoe in the St. Johns River, but access to Blue Spring Run is restricted during manatee season to protect the animals.

4. Are pets allowed in the park?

Yes, pets are allowed in designated areas but not on the boardwalk or near the spring.

5. What other wildlife can you see at Blue Spring State Park?

Aside from manatees, visitors often see alligators, turtles, fish, and a variety of bird species along the river and boardwalk.

Final Tips for Visiting Blue Spring State Park

Sign reading "Blue Spring State Park" surrounded by grass, with cars and trees in the background on a sunny day.

Arrive early to avoid long wait times at the entrance
Dress in layers – mornings can be chilly, but it warms up quickly
Bring binoculars for better viewing, especially with the current limited boardwalk access
Visit after a cold front for the best chance to see large numbers of manatees

Even with limited access this year, Blue Spring State Park is still one of the best places in Florida to see manatees in the wild. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, watching these gentle giants glide through the crystal-clear water is an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for more amazing Florida springs to explore, check out my Florida Springs Playlist for more incredible locations you won’t want to miss!