Blue Spring State Park: Winter Wild Manatee Sanctuary & Spring Boardwalk

About this adventure

Every winter from mid-November through March, when the St. Johns River cools below 68°F (20°C), hundreds of Florida manatees seek the consistent 72°F natural spring waters of Blue Spring State Park. Designated as a state wildlife refuge, this sanctuary provides a critical winter haven for manatees and their nursing calves. Elevated wooden boardwalks wind along the translucent turquoise spring run for a third of a mile, leading directly from the river to the boiling spring head where families can observe mother manatees nursing and playing just feet below the railing. The park is fully stroller accessible along the main boardwalk, featuring accessible viewing platforms, the historic 1872 Thursby House museum, shaded oak picnic pavilions, a children's playground, and narrated St. Johns River boat tours. To protect the resting manatees, water activities in the spring run are paused during winter sanctuary season. Arrive early on cold winter mornings for the highest manatee counts.