Blue Spring State Park – Natural Park in Florida

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Written By Carlos Braga

When we started our trip to Orlando, we already prepared an itinerary full of parks, shopping and unmissable restaurants. But have you ever thought about visiting a natural park and manatee sanctuary? Yeah, that's Blue Spring State Park in Florida!

Some of our clients from our custom scripts already had the pleasure of taking advantage of this tip and enjoyed this tour immensely.

called extra park, Blue Spring State Park is an alternative tour of a nature reserve, among many others that exist in Florida.

Blue Spring State Park in Florida
Blue Spring State Park in Florida

And it is the ideal tour for those who want to take a break from the Orlando shopping and theme park marathon, in addition to having a very affordable access price.

The park consists of a spring of crystalline waters, which forms a natural pool almost turquoise blue, surrounded by lots of greenery and wild animals, in a total area of 10,500 km² of almost wild nature, where it is possible to swim and enjoy all the beauty and energy. of the place.

The park is well known for the visitors who appear there, in the winter period, the manatees, being possible to see a huge amount of this animal, swimming next to the visitors.

Spring temperatures remain a constant 22°C, creating a safe haven for these West Indian animals.

Manattee Blue Springs State Park
Manattee at Blue Springs State Park

In winter, the park offers hot water for these inhabitants.

In addition, water activities are closed from approximately mid-November to March, and swimming with the manatees is not allowed.

Visit to Blue Spring State Park

The nature reserve is approximately an hour and a half away from Orlando, by car and using, as a starting point, your International Airportl, located at 2100 W French Avenue Orange City FL 32763.

The park opens at 8:00 am and closes at sunset.

Therefore, the schedule will vary according to the period of the visit.

Blue Spring State Park - Natural Park in Florida
Blue Spring State Park – Natural Park in Florida

How much does Blue Springs Natural Park cost

The park ticket is purchased right at the entrance and access can be made by car, bicycle or on foot:

The price range is stipulated as follows:

Vehicles for 2 to 8 people ? fee of US$ 8.00
Vehicle with 1 person? fee of US$ 4.00
Pedestrians, bicycles, and extra passengers ? rate of US$ 2.00.

It should be noted that the value is per vehicle and not per person inside it.

There is still the option of camping in the park, which costs US$ 24.00 per night, plus tax, and a booking fee of US$ 6.70 (no refund).

This amount includes the use of water and electricity in the reserved area.

Blue Spring State Park Attractions

The Blue spring state park offers a series of activities for its visitors, who want to enjoy the day and all the nature that the park has to offer.

So let's list some of these activities for you to choose from and schedule when you visit:

Blue Spring State Park - Natural Park in Orlando
Blue Spring State Park – Natural Park in Orlando

Boat Tour

For those who like to know a little more about the history of the place, the park offers a guided tour by boat, which lasts approximately two hours, where you will learn a little about the local nature and the St Johns River, where the tour takes place. is performed. Remembering that the guide will speak only English.

The tours take place in two schedules, every day. At 10:00 am and at 1:00 pm.

Blue Spring State Park - Natural Park in Orlando
Blue Spring State Park – Natural Park in Orlando

To learn more about fees and reservations, the park requests contact via phone (407) 330-1612, (386) 917-0724.

The tour has support for people with special or accessibility needs. And it is requested that this information be passed on at the time of booking.

Tubing

one of the most popular tours is the tube ride, as it is possible to cross the park entrance to the source of crystal clear water.

Tubing - Blue Spring State Park
Tubing – Blue Spring State Park

Despite being a short walk, approximately 1km, it is delicious, as if it were a lazy river.

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The buoys can be removed from the park entrance store.

Fishing

Visitors can fish from the St Johns River dock. However, fishing is not permitted in the Blue Spring Run area.

It should be noted that fishing is allowed, but it must respect the regulations regarding size, number, method of capture and season of the year.

This regulation can be found by accessing the website Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fishing in Florida.

Also be aware of the need to present a fishing license.

It may be required.

Hiking and hiking

Walks and trails in the middle of an almost virgin nature are extremely encouraged and one of the most popular activities.

There is also a paved trail, which will take the visitor to Blue Spring.

Boardwalk-hiking-at-Blue-Springs-State-Park
Trail in Blue Spring State Park – Natural Park in Orlando

The Pine Island Trail is a trail 5.8 km long (round trip) and takes the visitor on a walk in the middle of nature, with an incredible and immense diversity, from desert vegetation, to the Blackwater creek, known as St. Johns River.

The walk is easy, just pay attention to the signs.

Kayak

visitors can kayak/canoe on the beautiful Blue Spring Run and the St Johns River.

Canoes and kayaks can be rented at St. Johns River Cruises along the St. Johns.

For more information, current conditions, availability, costs and reservations, call (386) 917-0724 or visit St. Johns River Cruises. 

Blue Spring State Park Kayaking
Blue Spring State Park Kayaking

Diving

For visitors who want to practice this sport inside the park, it will be necessary to present a diver certificate.

So, take it with you if you have your card, so you can take advantage of the crystal clear waters of the park for this practice. But be aware, solo diving is not allowed.

Blue spring state park
Diving at Blue Spring State Park

To be able to dive in the waters of the park and in the caves, it is necessary, in addition to the certificate, that you have a partner in the activity.

It is also important to remember that no type of diving can exceed the time limit of 17:00h.

If the visitor does not bring their own equipment, it is possible to rent snorkels and buoys at the Blue Spring shop.

Camping

As we mentioned earlier in this post, it is possible to camp in the park.

The area has availability for 51 vehicles, motorhome style, up to 15m in length, in an area close to the natural pool.

Blue Springs State Park Camping
Blue Springs State Park Camping

Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a barbecue grill.

The site also offers two complete bathing areas, with showers and toilets.

Bookings can be made up to 11 months in advance, so on line, or by calling (800) 326-3521.

Cabins at Blue Spring State Park

For those who want to make the most of the activities offered by the park, and stay overnight at Blue Spring State Pairk in a more comfortable way than camping, it is possible to rent one of the six cabins available.

The huts have accommodation for six people and each one has two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom, in addition to all the necessary infrastructure for a family or group of friends, such as heating or air conditioning.

Blue Spring State Park cabin
Blue Spring State Park cabin

The kitchen is complete with all utensils and the cabin has a fireplace, barbecue, picnic table, porch and sofas. They also provide: bed and bath linen. In addition, two cars are allowed per cabin.

Price per night is US$ 95.00 + tax (minimum 2 nights). Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521 (8:00 am - 8:00 pm) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Picnic: There are two areas in the park reserved for picnics with several scattered barbecues, tables and some covered pavilions. It is only necessary to take your food and items such as cups, cutlery, plates and napkins, as they are not available there.

To access this area it is necessary to make a reservation in advance through the telephone number n. 386-775-3663.

Tips for Blue Spring State Park

The first tip to make the most of the park is to arrive very early, because when it is full, the forest guards do not allow any visitor to enter, unless someone leaves.

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In addition, the ideal is to enjoy the park in the morning and early afternoon, since most of the activities are aquatic.

There are not many food options available inside the park.

Just a few items from the Blue Spring State Park, so go forewarned with your snacks In the purse.

Another important tip is to preserve nature as much as possible.

As it is an environmental reserve, be careful with your garbage, especially if you are having a picnic.

When finished, collect all your stuff and leave it in the designated place for disposal.

Also, don't feed the animals, they have their own care, from the team that takes care of the parks.

We know that it is with good intentions, but industrial food can harm a small animal.

Blue spring state park
Blue spring state park

Remember that they are in their habitat and we are visiting them.

Another super important point, in this matter of animals, for being an environmental reserve, always walk with someone.

Try to walk with guides nearby and in places where access is allowed, since as it is an environmental reserve, where many places had no human action, there are several wild animals such as alligators, snakes, among others.

However, don't worry, as everything is controlled by the park's staff, but it is important to circulate only in the permitted areas.

And finally, don't pluck leaves, flowers and vegetation from the site! As the initial sign of the place says: Leave footprints and take memories!

Final information about the Park

As we said, it's not just parks and shopping that you can have fun in Orlando. There are many extra attractions, especially the Springs!

In the heat of Florida, a trip to one of the ecological reserves is always a good idea and pleases everyone in the family, especially the kids.

So, did you like these tips? This and much more on our blog!

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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