‘Travel + Leisure’ Highlights Guest Services Operated Blue Spring State Park, Home to Hundreds of Wintering Manatees
October 17, 2025 | Property Spotlights
Each winter, Blue Spring State Park becomes a sanctuary for hundreds of West Indian manatees seeking the warm, crystal-clear waters of the St. Johns River. Recently, Travel + Leisure featured how the park’s constant 72-degree spring welcomes one of the largest seasonal manatee gatherings in Florida. What began in the 1970s with just a few dozen manatees has grown into a thriving refuge where more than 700 visit annually.
Blue Spring Adventures offers visitors the chance to experience this natural wonder through guided tours, kayaking, and eco-friendly recreation. The park’s ongoing conservation efforts continue to protect both the manatees and the pristine habitat that makes Blue Spring one of Florida’s most remarkable destinations.