Manatee encounter by kayak in Blue Springs State Park

Take a kayak journey to Blue Springs State Park, winter home to one of Florida's largest populations of Manatees. Your Florida Master Naturalist will introduce you to the flora and fauna that make up this wild area, then observe from a distance hundreds of manatees manatees relaxing in the springs.During the peak migration months (Nov-March) your group will paddle up to the edge of the protected refuge and wait for the hundreds of manatees to wake up and float under your kayak as they travel to the river in search of a morning meal. In the warmer months (April-Oct), when most of the manatees have returned to the main river and ocean, your group will paddle up to the headspring. At the head spring everyone is welcome to swim, snorkel, and explore. After a while, you'll return to the main river in search of manatees, otters, and sun worshipping gators. Overhead look out for bald eagle, osprey, and red shoulder hawks scaning the water and marshes. On the river bank people will spot large wading birds, coots, more hens, and the occasional wild hog. If time allows, your group will also make their way far off the mainstream to snake creek and dead river. This tour is perfect all year for bird watchers, animal lovers, and people who enjoy being lost in thought - rather than in the crowd.