Manatee Discovery Tour
Blue Spring State Park, Orange City
Tour Highlights
- Close Encounter with Manatees
- Abundant Wildlife Habitat
- Breathtaking Crystal Clear Spring
- Fantastic Wildlife Viewing
- Top Rated Kayak Gear
- Tasty Trail Snack & Picnic Lunch
Description
Make close contact with these gentle and lovable creatures in one of the largest winter gathering sites for manatees in Florida. Hundreds of manatees make Blue Spring State Park their winter home during the colder months, and some stay around all year.
Join us for a kayak tour through the active waterways of the Blue Spring State Park area! Nature surrounds this area on every turn and we often witness alligators and turtles sun-bathing on the shore. A variety of birds, big and small, call this area their home, which makes spotting bald eagles, ospreys, red-shouldered hawks, and other wading birds a common occurrence. With a little luck, we will encounter the occasional river otter swimming in the river.
This tour is perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
$80 per person
Difficulty Level 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 least difficult; 5 most difficult
The paddling trail follows a section of the St. Johns river to the spring with moderate exposure to wind. With a total distance of 8 miles (12.0 km) and a very low flow rate of 0.3 mph (0.13 m/s), it is a solid Level 2 paddle. Due to the length of the trip it is recommended that children paddle with their parent in a double kayak.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Paddling a total distance of 8 miles.
- Maintaining a speed of approximately 1½-2 mph
- Moderate wind exposure in sections of the paddle
Solitude Level 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 least solitue; 5 most solitude
We rate this kayak tour a solitude 3. While the spring is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, we will spend plenty of time on sections of the river not highly populated by other people, where you can enjoy the quiet of nature.
Rates
- 3-8 people: $80 per person
- 2 people: $110 per person
- 1 person: $160
Private tours are only open to your party.
*Prices do not include gratuity for your guide.
