Blue Springs State Park to see Manatees

Last year we visited Blue Springs, which was wonderful, when we eventually got in.

After the drive from Orlando we arrived at midday. The car park was full so they turned everyone away (there were loads of cars turned away). We were told to return at 2pm. Cars were forever being turned back and the area was manned by State Police. We drove off to find something to eat - without success and then waited in a local layby until nearer the time: we eventually got in just after 2pm.

This year we have booked a river trip at 1pm and have been advised to get there well before 11am.

Has anyone had a similar experience lately?

Blue Springs State Park to see Manatees

We went in the Summer with about 25 other people there. So no queues but also no manatees either. I think Blue Springs is absolutely beautiful - the deep subtle shades of green and the Spring make it a magical place to be.

I think that if you come to Florida you should be made to go to the Springs before you buy your Disney tickets. Then more people would get to know and love the State Parks.

Make the Springs mandatory !!!

Blue Springs State Park to see Manatees

You are so right - a truly beautiful place.

We arrived there in February a few years ago to find that the manatees had gone - we turned around and returned to Orlando. Last year we realised what a mistake we had made because as you say it is ';beautiful';.

I would recommend a visit to see the graceful manatees in the winter. The walk along the boardwalk is stunning.

This year we hope to see more of the St. John%26#39;s River.

Long may the manatees winter there.

This sounds lovely, I%26#39;ve never heard of it. Would you mind telling me more about it, or where it is? We%26#39;re going in Jan. Do the manatees naturally come to winter there/ Thanks.

floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

Blue Springs is one of my favorite places. Go during a weekday if possible.

Keely, Rock and Wekiva are all in the same area. Please go there potato,you will not be disappointed. Up the I4 for about 30 mins - head for Apopka for wekiva and orange city for Blue.

Well worth you time and effort.

This is an active excursion however take your swimming gear and a float of some sort ot have a go at the canoes.

I am going on 20th Jan and my girlfriend said she wants to go there - I wasn%26#39;t too keen but if you all say it%26#39;s worth it - We%26#39;ll go

The website does make it sound special

You will be glad you bothered to make the excursion. Don%26#39;t forget to tell how you go on.

We have gone there many times but have never taken the river trip. I did inquire about it once and they did tell me that if the park was full you would not be allowed in even if you had a reservation for the river trip, I am sure that is why they advise you to go early.

Blue Springs State Park, which we visited on 28th December, is a great place to see manatees in a natural environment.. Saw loads of manatees.

Anyone visiting in the next couple of weeks might still be able to see the Manatees. We were there in mid February 3 years ago and they had all gone.

However, I would highly recommend the boat trip. We took the 1pm St John%26#39;s River Cruise, we saw manatees and a gator. The birdlife was spectacular. Our guide loved his job so pointed loads out to us; it was really informative.

If you do want to go ring ahead. We had to be in the park before eleven o%26#39;clock to secure a parking place. The park gets really crowded and the rangers do close it until cars leave.

There is a great small concession where you can get warm food and drinks.

While we there we saw a raptor resting in a tree near the boardwalk. We watched it for about ten minutes.

Cahow

OK. I don%26#39;t mean to sound like a total hick, but what exactly is a Manatee?

Cindermom