Do not just show up at the gate—day-use reservations are now mandatory for every visitor, even annual passholders. Book your slot up to 60 days ahead on the Florida State Parks reservation site, and aim for an 8:00 AM arrival on cold winter mornings when hundreds of manatees pack the spring.
If you are staying in Kissimmee and want to witness wild Florida manatees in crystal-clear 72°F water without driving across the state, Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is your #1 day trip. Located just 70 minutes north of Kissimmee via I-4, this first-magnitude spring discharges over 100 million gallons of clear water daily into the St. Johns River.
Winter Manatee Season vs. Summer Swim Season
Blue Spring offers two completely different experiences depending on the calendar:
- Manatee Season (Mid-November – March): When the St. Johns River drops below 68°F, hundreds of West Indian manatees swim into the warm 72°F spring run to stay warm. All water contact inside the spring run (swimming, snorkeling, kayaking) is closed to protect them. Instead, you get unforgettable views from the shaded half-mile wooden boardwalk or from a guided river cruise on the St. Johns River.
- Swim & Paddle Season (April – Mid-November): Once the manatees disperse for warmer river waters, the spring run opens to swimmers, snorkelers, tubers, and paddlers.
2026 Entry Fees, Hours & Mandatory Reservations
- Address: 2100 W. French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763.
- Hours: Open 365 days a year from 8:00 AM until sundown.
- Admission: $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4.00 single-occupant vehicle, $2.00 pedestrians/cyclists.
- Mandatory Booking: Reserve your day-use pass up to 60 days in advance through the Florida State Parks online portal.
Kayaking & St. Johns River Cruises
Even during winter manatee season, you can still get on the water outside the protected spring run. The on-site outfitter (Blue Spring Adventures) runs narrated St. Johns River nature cruises as well as kayak and canoe rentals along the main river, where alligators, bald eagles, and cruising manatees are regular sights. Looking for another crystal-clear spring to tube in summer? Compare it with Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon.
Central Florida Springs, Kayaking & Manatee Tours
Compare guided clear-kayak tours and Central Florida eco-adventures on Klook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a reservation for Blue Spring State Park in 2026?
Yes. Advance online day-use reservations are mandatory for all visitors—including cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and Florida State Park annual passholders—and can be booked up to 60 days ahead.
Can you swim with the manatees at Blue Spring State Park?
No. From mid-November through March, the spring run is a protected manatee refuge, and all swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking inside the spring run are strictly prohibited. Swimming and tubing reopen from April through mid-November.
How far is Blue Spring State Park from Kissimmee?
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is roughly 50 to 55 miles north of Kissimmee via I-4 East, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.