Not only do snowbirds return to Florida in the winter but so do the Manatees. One of their favorite spots when the weather cools down is in Blue Springs where the water remains a constant 72 degrees from the millions of gallons of fresh water that continually flow up into the spring.
That first evening of our last visit, the kids saw over 40 manatees! Here’s an underwater view…
We had hoped to go tubing, but the spring run was closed to protect the many manatees.
We also observed tarpon and other fish in the crystal clear water.
There are 6 cabins at Blue Springs which need to be reserved many months in advance through Reserve America. They have plenty of tent sites too.
The cabins are clean and fully equipped and we had a great night sleep in their beds. Plenty of picnic tables and a handy grill and campfire ring with enough room for 7 lawn chairs. All appliances worked in the kitchen – oven, microwave, dishwasher and all were clean. I will probably bring a few of my own pots and pans next time though and a pack of 9×13 foil pans from SAMs club were indispensable as well as pre-purchased firewood because collecting firewood on-site is prohibited at all state parks.
Beautiful scenery, relaxing weekend, great kids, multitudes of manatees… November days well spent at Blue Springs State Park
Related articles
- Florida Manatees (news.tripwheels.com)
- Manatees Dying in Droves on Both Coasts of Florida (wired.com)
- Manatees in trouble: Red tide threatens endangered species (cbsnews.com)
- Lodgings that take you back to nature (miamiherald.com)
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