Tandem Kayaking at Blue Spring State Park: Manatees & Wildlife

Manatees congregate here by the hundreds when the water turns cold.

Rent a tandem kayak for two people on the St. Johns River at Blue Spring State Park, a protected manatee refuge near Daytona Beach where you paddle through wildlife habitat and see birds, manatees and alligators. The spring run is a no-wake zone, making it calm water for paddling. A park admission fee applies at the gate. Bring a valid photo ID.

The experience

You arrive at Blue Spring State Park with an afternoon free and a kayak waiting. The St. Johns River's spring run is designated as a manatee refuge, and during cold months the water draws over 300 of them into this short stretch. The no-wake zone keeps the river calm (no speedboats, no chop), which is why this reach of the river works for kayaking. You and a partner climb into a tandem kayak with paddles, life jackets, an area map and a whistle. The boat is built for two people to paddle together.

What you see changes day to day. Wading birds are common year-round. Manatees appear when the water cools, and alligators live in the river. Photographers and birders come here because the wildlife is abundant and the water is still enough to get close. The 2-hour rental gives you time to paddle the habitat at your own pace, stop to watch, and move on when you're ready. The river itself is the draw: the flora, the animals, the way the landscape opens as you move through it.

Park admission is paid at the gate when you arrive, separate from the kayak rental. Bring a valid photo ID to complete the booking. Service animals are welcome. The rental includes everything you need to paddle: the boat for two, paddles, life jackets, a map of the area and a whistle.

What’s included

• Tandem kayak for two people.
• paddles.
• life jackets.
• area map.
• whistle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (14 to 75 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 6

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Guest Services Inc

Is this one for you?The calm no-wake zone is what makes this stretch of the St. Johns River manageable for paddlers of any experience level, so a first-time kayaker and someone with years of paddling can share the boat comfortably.

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Top questions

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.

Can I kayak at Blue Spring if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The tandem kayak is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the no-wake zone keeps the water calm. You and your partner paddle together, so you can find a rhythm that works for both of you. A minimum age of 14 applies.

What wildlife will I actually see on the St. Johns River?

Wading birds are common on every trip. Manatees gather in the spring run during cold months: over 300 have been counted here when the water temperature drops. Alligators live in the river year-round. What you encounter varies by season and time of day, but the habitat is active.

How long is the 2-hour rental, and what does it cover?

The rental is 2 hours on the water. It includes the tandem kayak for two paddlers, paddles, life jackets, an area map and a whistle. Park admission is a separate fee paid at the gate.

Is Blue Spring State Park easy to reach from Daytona Beach?

Blue Spring State Park is located near Daytona Beach, Florida. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the park and pay admission at the gate when you arrive.