Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring is a first-magnitude spring that discharges into the St. Johns River, producing 104 million gallons of 22°C water daily. From approximately November through March, West Indian manatees gather in the spring run to escape the colder river water — the park has recorded over 500 manatees in a single day. Swimming is closed during the manatee season to protect the animals, but visitors can observe them from boardwalk overlooks above the spring run. When manatees are absent in warmer months, the spring opens for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.