Manatees in Blue Spring State Park

Tuesday March 3, 2026

Blue Spring State Park near Orange City, Florida is known for manatees coming into Blue Spring Run during the winter due to its warm 72 degree water. The spring run is a slow moving body of water connecting the spring or boil to the St. Johns River. There is a boardwalk that goes up the spring run to the boil, but it was closed for reconstruction when I visited the park.

The manatees were spending most of their time on the far side of the run. Some were swimming, but many were just resting. The sign by the entrance said there were 85 manatees in there spring run day.

Blue Spring SP - Manatees in the Spring Run Manatees in Blue Spring Run

Blue Spring SP - Manatee in Clear Water A Manatee in Blue Spring Run

There are several trails away from the Spring Run. I hiked the Pine Island Trail which is an easy one.

Blue Spring Florida SP Pine Island Trail Pine Island Trail

As it got close to noon, a large storm started to move it. The dark skies contrasted with the green trees on the far side of the run and I was able to get these photos.

Blue Spring SP Dark Skies Behind a Tree

Blue Spring SP - Spring Run and Dark Skies The Spring Run and the Skies Getting Dark

Spanish Moss Covered Branch with Dark Skies in the Backgorund Spanish Moss in Front of the Incoming Storm

The park has more trails, including one open to bikes, and a historic house. When there are no manatees you can snorkel, paddleboard, kayak and enjoy other water sports in the run. There are also a couple of neighboring state parks.

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