Up Close Manatee Encounter in Orlando

Journey with us to Blue Springs State Park, winter home to one of Florida’s largest populations of Manatee. On most winter days we witness hundreds of manatee relaxing in the springs. We will observe from a distance as our Florida Master Naturalist introduces us all to the flora and fauna that make up this wild area.

During the peak migration months (Nov-March) our group will paddle up to the edge of the protected refuge and wait for the hundreds of manatee to wake up and float under our kayaks to the river in search of a morning meal. In the warmer months (April-Oct), when most of the manatee have returned to the main river and ocean, our group will paddle up to the head spring. At the head spring everyone is welcome to swim, snorkel, and explore.

After a while, we will return to the main river in search of manatee, otters, and sun worshipping gators. Overhead, bald eagle, osprey, and red shoulder hawks scan the water and marshes for their next meal. On the river bank people will spot large wading birds, coots, more hens, and the occasional wild hog. If we have a bit of extra time we will make our way far off the mainstream to the amazing snake creek and dead river.

This tour is perfect all year for bird watchers, animal lovers, and people who enjoy being lost in thought instead of being lost in the crowd.