This Florida State Park Has a Caribbean-blue, Spring-fed Swimming Hole and Is a Gathering Site for Hundreds of Manatees

"Not only is the water a stunning turquoise blue, but it's also a nice 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. And that consistent temperature is just right for West Indian manatees. Blue Spring State Park is considered one of the largest winter gathering sites for manatees in the state. From November through March, hundreds of them congregate in the spring run, leaving behind the cooler waters of the St. Johns River in favor of warmer temperatures."

"Although the manatees are the stars of the show, McClain notes that there is also other wildlife to see in the park. "While swimming, one may be fortunate to see manatees or our new family of otters swimming nearby, and there is always a variety of fish. You can hike the trails and experience scrub jays, gopher tortoises, deer, bears, various birds, and many other water and woodland creatures," she says."

Blue Spring State Park occupies 2,600 acres west of Orange City and north of Orlando around a first-magnitude spring that discharges over 70 million gallons daily into the St. Johns River. The spring’s turquoise water stays about 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, creating a warm refuge for West Indian manatees. From November through March, hundreds of manatees gather in the spring run. Visitors can kayak, swim in clear spring water, and hike trails. Wildlife sightings include otters, fish, scrub jays, gopher tortoises, deer, bears, and many birds. Daily interpretive programs and kiosks educate visitors during manatee season along the Spring Run boardwalk.

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