How do you see manatees at Blue Springs?

Blue Spring State Park is unique because visitors can view manatees in the crystal-clear spring water from the boardwalk, which stretches 1/3 of a mile from the St. Johns River to the headspring. The boardwalk provides a wonderful opportunity for safely observing the manatees.



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When planning your trip, consider visiting the springs in the early morning and during the middle of the week. Local springs will be less crowded on weekdays and the manatees are most active and playful in the mornings.

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But you can also see manatees by kayak — your own or rented — and from land at a boardwalk around the most beautiful spot in Crystal River, Three Sisters Springs. Here's our practical guide to visiting Crystal River and seeing manatees.

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One of the best, and most popular places to see manatees in Florida is in Crystal River, Florida. This area is just an hour or so north of the Tampa area along the Gulf Coast. It offers easy access and plenty of opportunities for close encounters with manatees.

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Phone: 386-775-3663. Hours: Open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Day use admission $6 per vehicle, $2 for pedestrians, bicycles.

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Crystal River is the best place in the whole world to view the manatee in their natural habitat! World renowned Three Sisters Springs is right here in our backyard and plays home to hundreds of manatees in the winter. We welcome our thousands of visitors each year from around the world.

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Limiting your tour to no more than 6 persons will assure you will have the best experience and the most time interacting with the manatees. Tours average around $70 per person including the use of a wetsuit, snorkel. mask and a floating device.

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Manatees tend to be most active earliest in the morning, so our later tours generally encounter more feeding or resting manatees that may not be quite as interested in us.

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The water line at Coquina Beach is often perfect for finding plenty of them. Shark's teeth will often tumble and collect right along where the water crests at the sand. Scan the area with a sifting tool heavily to find fresh finds from the gulf.

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The Bean Point Beach is by far the clearest water I've ever seen in any ocean or sea. The water temperature was a little warm. Seen a manatee sailing by.

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Anna Maria Beachfront Resort The Manatee Public Beach is not only a great place to view turtles but also to barbecue and bike ride around the area. There are also many amenities on the beach that you can use to change and freshen up after your ventures.

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