Kayaking Blue Springs Florida: Manatees & Wildlife

Paddle through manatee habitat and swim in a natural spring the same morning

Kayaking and paddle boarding on Blue Springs and the St. Johns River in Florida, with a professional guide leading a small group through manatee habitat and wildlife-rich waterways. You paddle the spring run during open season, spot resident manatees and abundant wildlife including bald eagles, alligators, otters and water birds, then swim in the crystal-clear spring water with mask and snorkel. The outing runs four hours and includes all equipment, life jackets and dry bags.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak, paddle board, and swim

• Paddle board and kayak Blue Springs
• Observe wildlife including manatees and birds
• Explore Snake Creek near Hontoon Island
• Swim in crystal clear spring water

The experience

The spring run opens to kayaks and paddle boards in spring and summer, which is when resident manatees and wildlife are most active. Your guide leads you through Blue Springs and into the St. Johns River, Florida's longest river, and can paddle Snake Creek, a narrow tributary winding through Hontoon Island about a mile from the launch. The water is clear enough to see large fish and the bottom, and the route is a bird watcher's destination: bald eagles, wild turkeys, herons and other water birds are regular sightings alongside the alligators, otters and deer that live along the banks.

You operate your own kayak or paddle board the entire time, with paddles, life jackets and dry bags provided. A professional guide stays with the group and offers instruction, so beginners and experienced paddlers both work at a comfortable pace. The four-hour outing includes time on the water and time in the spring itself. You can swim and snorkel in the spring run after paddling, so bring a mask if you want to see underwater.

Children from age 6 are welcome on the trip. The guide speaks English and keeps the group small enough that everyone can see wildlife and ask questions without the outing turning into a crowd experience. You'll need to be comfortable entering and exiting a kayak or paddle board from the water, and the activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or serious cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Kayak or paddle board.
• paddles.
• life jacket.
• dry bag.
• professional guide.
• instruction for all levels.
• access to Blue Springs and the St. Johns River during open season.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayaking Florida

Is this one for you?The outing asks you to paddle and swim for four hours in warm water, which suits travelers comfortable in a kayak or paddle board and ready to be on the water most of the morning. If you want to see manatees and wildlife without operating your own boat, a different tour of Blue Springs would be a better fit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I actually see on the kayaking trip?

Resident manatees are the main draw during spring and summer months, and you'll also spot bald eagles, alligators, otters, deer, wild turkeys and numerous water birds. The St. Johns River and Blue Springs run are known for abundant wildlife, though sightings depend on the day and season.

Can I swim in Blue Springs after paddling?

Yes, after you finish paddling, you can swim in the crystal-clear spring water. Bring a mask and snorkel if you want to see the fish and the bottom of the spring.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No. The guide provides professional instruction and the pace is comfortable for all fitness levels, including first-time paddlers. You operate the kayak or paddle board yourself, but the guide stays with the group.

What's included in the four-hour outing?

Kayaks, paddle boards, paddles, life jackets and dry bags are all provided. The guide is included, and children from age 6 can join.

How far is the paddle from Blue Springs to Snake Creek?

Snake Creek is about a mile from Blue Springs and winds through Hontoon Island. Your guide can take the group there as part of the route, depending on conditions and the group's pace.