The springs are fun playgrounds for Floridians and visitors. But all the fun is not just for the warm summer months. There are still things to do and see when the winter chill blows its way south. And in the springtime, there is a magical visitor who makes a guest appearance.
The first time I went to Blue Springs was in the summertime. Perfect place to relax and cool off. Blue Springs is known for its strong current, which is great for tubing!
After parking, you will see a bit of a pathway leading you to two structures and a gazebo. There is a gift shop to purchase a floaty as well as air for your floaty. I suggest airing up before you get there or having a pump in your car. The other building is a small canteen with snacks. You will go right following the boardwalk to the springhead for the tubing and snorkeling. Unlike most of the other springs, there isn't a place to really set your stuff. So I suggest leaving anything you don't need, as you are enjoying the water, in the car.
Take your time as you are strolling the boardwalk. Enjoy the way the sunshine radiates through the trees.
There is a clear sign of where you can drop in with your floaty. To get to the head of the spring, you will have to fight the current as you head upstream. It was pretty strong.
Just like most springs, the water comes from below. There is a giant crack that you can see snorkeling or dive down to get a closer look.
When you are done swimming around, just hold on to your floaty and let the current take you down the way.
Down at the other end of the park are plenty of picnic tables and even a playground. The Thursby house, the original family that settled here, is still standing and available for tours and viewing.
Passing the entrance to the state park, following the dirt road, will lead you to the drop-in point called French Landing. Blue Springs feeds into and meets the St John River. This drop-in location is used if you want to pop on your watercraft and explore the river.
From the river, you can paddle yourself to Hontoon Island State Park. Click this link to read about my paddle adventure to this large floating island on the river.
When it gets colder, the manatees migrate into the springs, where the water stays at a consistent temperature of 72 degrees year-round. Blue Springs is one of the popular hangout places for manatees to spend their winter vacation.
The colder it is, the more manatees you will see, as they migrate to the spring for its warm waters. One morning when I went, it was 47 degrees outside, warming up to the 60s in the afternoon, perfect for viewing manatees! And with the spring water being warmer than the outside air temperature, steam started coming off of the water.
I usually wear a bathing suit and a rashguard and change into my 3mm wetsuit when I get there. This wetsuit has been a great investment as it keeps me warm in and out of the water. For my feet, I wear my dive booties. I also threw on a sweatshirt and a beanie. Layer!!! Just because you are south doesn't mean it doesn't get cold, and if you are wet, you will feel the cold more. You can always take off layers as you warm up. I always bring my dry bag and my Booe belt bag. Great things to have for any water activity!
It isn't far from the drop-in site to where the manatees were. There is a roped-off area where they can safely sleep and just be. If you get there first thing in the morning, you can see the park rangers out in the canoe counting manatees. You can call the park before going, and they will let you know how many are in the spring, or you can check the Blue Springs Facebook page where they will also post the daily count.
The first time I went paddling Blue Springs in the winter time I got to see a mama manatee and her baby, who decided to take a stroll out to say "Hi!" We could only see the mama's back from above on our paddleboards. I stuck my GoPro into the water, in what I hoped was their direction. I couldn't believe later what I caught on video! This beautiful moment of mama manatee and her baby.
When I went in January last year, I met some very friendly manatees. I saw so many because Florida had gotten down into the 20s over Christmas and New Year's and they all had been hiding out in warmer water. There were about three though that hung out right near my paddle board for hours. They would pop their heads up to say hello and take their little nose and sniff right along my board.
You can get close and next to the ropes and orange buoys, but don't let it cross over. Note if a manatee is near you, don't stick your paddle in too deep, and try not to move too much. Also, no touching the manatees!
As the sun rises, it will warm you up, but the reflection on the water makes it hard to see them sometimes. You can hear whale-like noises and see their snouts as they come up for air.
You will see a bird hanging around called the Cormorant. They will hang out near the water to dive down and catch fish. You might see an Anhinga drying out its wings on the bank, Osprey gliding in the air, I have even seen a Bald Eagle nest up in the trees.
If you are hesitant to go out on the water, you can see manatees from the Blue Springs boardwalk. In the summertime, I had veered to the right toward the springhead. But to get a glimpse of the manatees I went left, heading to where the spring met the river. There are little look our points along the sidewalk. The further down you go, the more manatees you will see.
The state park does have kayaks for rent and boat tours you can take. You can also book a tour with a company. As I mentioned above, most tours will meet at French Landing, which is just down the dirt road from the state park entrance. The first time I went to see the manatees at Blue Springs I had booked a tour with Epic Paddle Adventures. The tour was 2 hours long and started at 8 am. Most tours will provide you with a board, paddle, and dry bag.
Summer to winter to now spring. From about mid-March through the first week of April, fireflies light up this state park.
The event is hosted by Friends of Blue Springs and you can find info about it on their Facebook page. On the page is where they will update you on any happening for the event. This is a limited-time magical moment from mother nature, so the length of the season can fluctuate.
You can't buy tickets online, ahead of time. They become available for purchase starting at 6 pm at the park entrance, last ticket is sold at 7:45 pm. You will first pay the park entrance fee, ranging from $4-$6, and then the ticket for the event, which is $14.00 per vehicle. They will give you a parking permit to place in your window which will allow you to stay in the park past normal operating hours.
I suggest getting there early and taking in the sunset views with food. When I go to Blue Springs I have to stop and get a slice at Blue Springs Pizza. If you like a good New York slice, this place has got you covered. And they are always so nice!
In prep for this event, they warn you about using too much bug spray as it can be harmful to the fireflies. I suggest using a natural bug spray that uses essential oils and long layers. Bright lights are damaging to the fireflies, so you will have to use the guidance of the moonlight. Keep your phone's screen light on low and if you are worried about being to see, you can use a headlamp, but only on the infrared setting. There are volunteers posted throughout the park to make sure you are obeying the rules.
While chatting with one of the event volunteers she gave me the scoop on the best places to see the fireflies. Once the sun has gone down, head down the dirt path behind the Thursby House. Most people will start walking the boardwalk path to the springhead, so there won't be many people back there. It also gets darker back there quicker, making it easier to see the fireflies glow and a great first stop. It was truly magical to see these fairy lights glowing all around you. Dancing and pulsating to the beat of some beautiful song. Keep your eyes towards the bottom of the forest brush, and then let them follow the twinkling light until it flutters past your face.
After fully taking in the magic there, I moved to strolling the boardwalk path. You will still see many fireflies, but they will be competing with the bright moonlight beaming through the trees.
Again, keep your eyes on the bottom bushes of the vegetation. Quite a few times, I would see one dance right across the boardwalk.
The event begins to wrap up around 9 pm, as the fireflies want to retire for the evening. The volunteers will make the announcement along the bridge and help guide people back to the parking lot. It is one of those moments that though is fleeting will stay in your memories for years.
Tip: when making plans to visit, the warmer it is the more fireflies you will see.
So no matter what time of year it is, you can enjoy this Florida spring!
Check the springs off your adventure bucket list using the Florida Springs Passport!
Your fun interactive booklet, where you can see what spring adventures you've completed and which ones to look forward to!
Visit floridaspringspassport.com to get yours!
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