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Orlando Manatee Encounters: Blue Spring State Park Tour
4.9
379 Ratings
Orange City
Embark on a thrilling adventure at Blue Spring State Park in Orlando, where you can witness the majestic Manatees in their natural habitat. Join our guided kayak tour and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of this wild area. Perfect for a family outing!
Embark on a thrilling adventure at Blue Spring State Park in Orlando, where you can witness the majestic Manatees in their natural habitat. Join our guided kayak tour and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of this wild area. Perfect for a family outing!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 2398 W French Ave - The journey begins with paddling into the park, heading towards the manatee refuge. As the manatees venture out in search of food, they swim around and beneath the paddlers. The adventure also includes a paddle to Snake Creek, where participants can observe manatees grazing, birds fishing, and explore the local wildlife.
- 2398 W French Ave - The journey begins with paddling into the park, heading towards the manatee refuge. As the manatees venture out in search of food, they swim around and beneath the paddlers. The adventure also includes a paddle to Snake Creek, where participants can observe manatees grazing, birds fishing, and explore the local wildlife.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Landing and/or facility fees
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Landing and/or facility fees
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Embark on a voyage to Blue Spring State Park, the wintry abode for one of the biggest herds of Manatee in Florida. Marvel at the sight of hundreds of these ‘marine giants’ leisurely enjoying the spring. From the comfort of your kayak, examine these fascinating animals while your Florida Master Naturalist acquaints you with the diverse plant and animal…
Embark on a voyage to Blue Spring State Park, the wintry abode for one of the biggest herds of Manatee in Florida. Marvel at the sight of hundreds of these ‘marine giants’ leisurely enjoying the spring. From the comfort of your kayak, examine these fascinating animals while your Florida Master Naturalist acquaints you with the diverse plant and animal life that populate this wilderness. An excellent journey for all family members!
- There is no minimum age however all participants must know how to swim
- It is recommended that you bring a swimsuit, towel, waterproof camera and wear clothes that can get wet and possibly dirty
- To ensure a proper size kayak is available, please provide your individual heights and weights at the time of booking
- There is no restroom at the meeting location. There is a public restroom at Valentine Park (1511 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763) about a mile before you arrive the meeting location that we recommend you use before your tour.
- Must be comfortable sitting in a kayak for multiple hours
Location
2398 W French Ave
West French Avenue
Go to the very end of French Avenue, 1 mile past the State Park entrance. DO NOT ENTER THE STATE PARK! Follow the dirt road until the end by the river.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(379 Ratings)
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669carao
Apr 6, 2026
Great Florida wildlife - An excellent experience from start to finish. Tia was very knowledgeable about all of the flora and fauna in the region. We were lucky to see a few manatees as well as many alligators and amazing birds. I would recommend this trip wholeheartedly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Natsukob2026
Mar 31, 2026
Once in a lifetime experience!! - This was the highlight of our trip down to Orlando. While an amazing experience all on it's own seeing the manatees, our tour guide Terra and her clear passion for nature and adventurous personality truly made it an amazing experience. My wife and I had a blast and are already discussing taking the Alligator Experience tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chicotam
Mar 16, 2026
Great experience on the river - We enjoyed our kayak tour with Matthew immensely. It was a quiet, misty morning and the setting was majestic. Matthew added so much to our experience, he is a gentle soul, and his love for nature was obvious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heathred12
Mar 11, 2026
So worth it! - Matthew was extremely interactive and had lots of information. My mom and I went on her birthday and it was a blast. Im not the outdoorsy type but she is and we saw manatees and gators!! All in all i would do this again for sure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wander41157186545
Mar 10, 2026
Great guides, super convenient - My family and I went on a manatee tour in Blue Springs and were able to see manatees eating and playing in their natural environment, thanks to our knowledgeable guide. It was great to show up and have the boats and equipment set up for us and to leave when the tour was over without having to do any work. This was a super easy way to get out and enjoy nature and wildlife.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T3024msleonh
Feb 24, 2026
A Peaceful, Manatee‑Filled Kayak Tour That Felt Like Pure Magic - I joined the 9 a.m. guided tour with Terra and it absolutely blew me away.
Also, full disclosure: this was the most peaceful morning I’ve had since my daughter was born, and I say that with deep love and zero guilt.
A few quick notes:
- The kayaks, paddles, and life vests were all in excellent condition
- pre‑tour information and directions were clear and helpful
- Safety and nature rules were explained thoroughly — the kind of “I feel safe but not lectured” balance
Now, the tour itself? Absolute magic. The manatees were everywhere, and apparently no one told them about personal space. A few casually nudged my kayak like we were old friends and I heroically resisted the urge to pet them because, you know, laws.
Watching them munch on their leafy greens was basically the manatee version of a Michelin‑star dining show.
Terra knew exactly where the “regulars” hang out and spotted them with ease. She sprinkled in fun facts, stories, and enough knowledge to make me feel like Steve Irwin. Besides the manatees, we spotted alligators, turtles, and more bird species than I could pretend to identify.
The kayaking pace was pure “Sunday stroll on water” energy — perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants to enjoy nature without feeling like they accidentally signed up for a 2-hour fitness challenge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamie_c
Feb 23, 2026
Wonderful Adventure - Amazing Experience. Our tour guide Ryan was super knowledgeable and friendly. We saw a ton of wildlife in addition to the manatees and even got to witness a manatee being released back into the wild. It was an incredible experience.
Review provided by Viator
Vivianwp1412wl
Feb 21, 2026
Great kayak tour! - Great morning kayaking tour this morning with Ryan! Saw lots of birds, gators & manatee. Ryan was very knowledgeable & easygoing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daydream433669
Feb 18, 2026
Kayak Manatee tour - We went on an amazing kayak tour to see the Manatee. Our tour guide Ryan was the best. He had so much information about the wide life. My teenage kids said this was the best day of their vacation, and I agree with them. Getting to see the Manatee up close and personal was an experience none of us will ever forget.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dlevin3028
Feb 8, 2026
A tour in Florida with it’s own brand of magic - Highly recommend this experience. It’s great to interact with the “real” Florida while we still have it to appreciate. Our tour guide Tia was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about many aspects of the natural theater of the St. John’s River. Had limited experience as a kayaker but you receive some good training and tips so it feels familiar quickly. The individual tour groups are well spaced so the aren’t too many kayaks and vessels in and amongst the manatees so everyone has the chance to admire them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
