Blue Spring State Park, located in Orange City, Florida, is a premier destination for kayaking enthusiasts. The park is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River, which is a designated manatee refuge, making it a unique and picturesque setting for paddling.
Cost and Hours
Exploring Blue Spring State Park by kayak comes with a few key considerations:
| Cost | Hours |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle (limit 2-8 people per vehicle), $4 for single occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicles with holders of Annual Individual Entrance Passes. | The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. |
Kayak Rentals and Tours
Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from Blue Springs Adventures, located along the St. Johns River. For more information, current conditions, availability, costs, and reservations, you can call 833-953-2583 or visit the Blue Springs Adventures website.
It’s important to note that the spring and spring run are closed to all water-related activities, including kayaking, from approximately mid-November through March to provide a safe warm-water refuge for manatees during the winter season.
Paddling Rules and Regulations
To ensure the safety and preservation of the park, there are a few key rules and regulations for paddlers to be aware of:
- Climbing onto the spring banks or trees is prohibited.
- Paddling is not allowed in the swimming area between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Paddlers must remain in their vessel at all times.
Picnic Areas and Grills
Blue Spring State Park offers two separate picnic areas with accessible covered pavilions and grills, perfect for larger groups looking to enjoy a meal after a day of kayaking.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a popular activity in the spring at Blue Spring State Park, with the 72-degree water providing a refreshing experience. However, there are some restrictions:
- Open water divers and free divers are prohibited from carrying lights and diving below 60 feet.
- Dives must be conducted in designated areas only.
- Capacity is limited to 32 scuba diving individuals at one time.
- Dives must be completed one hour before sunset.
Guided Underwater Tours
For those interested in a more immersive experience, Florida Dive Company offers guided underwater tours, providing a unique opportunity to encounter the diverse marine life in its natural habitat.
Wildlife and Nature
Blue Spring State Park is home to the endemic Florida scrub-jay, and visitors can also enjoy a two-hour narrated nature and ecological cruise on the St. Johns River, operated by St. Johns River Cruises and Tours.
Camping
The park’s campground offers 51 campsites (recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long) located in the sand pine scrub and within walking distance of the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity, and a grill, and a dump station is available in the park. Pets are welcome in the camping area in accordance with the park’s pet policy.
Fishing
Visitors can fish from the accessible fishing dock on the St. Johns River, but fishing is not permitted in the Blue Spring Run. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture, and season, and a fishing license may be required.
Trails
Blue Spring State Park offers several trails for visitors to explore, including an accessible boardwalk that leads to the Blue Spring and the 3.6-mile (one-way) Pine Island Trail, which takes you through various plant communities.
Safety Measures
During periods of high visitation, the park may reach capacity and temporarily close. Visitors with camping or boat tour reservations will be admitted to the park while it is closed, but pedestrians and bicyclists will not be allowed to enter until the park reopens.
By understanding the cost, hours, rental options, rules, and amenities, visitors can plan a memorable and safe kayaking experience at Blue Spring State Park.
References:
– https://bluespringadventures.com/kayak-canoe-paddleboard-bicycle-rentals/
– https://bluespringadventures.com
– https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park
– https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park/experiences-amenities
– https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34511-d185193-r174477674-Blue_Spring_State_Park-Orange_City_Florida.html