We begin our day with a short paddle to the spring run at
Blue Springs State Park. In the winter months the run is packed with migrating
manatee in search of warm water. On some days we witness over 150 manatee in
the spring alone. We will observe from a distance as our Florida Master
Naturalist introduces us all to the flora and fauna that make up this wild
area.
Blue Springs State
Park:
· Largest spring on the Saint Johns River
· Designated Manatee Refuge
· Historical home of the Timucuan Indians
· Visited in 1766 by British botanist John Bartram
After our manatee fix we
will paddle north (downstream) a
few miles to Hontoon Island S.P. This area of river is packed with manatee,
otter, and sun worshipping gators. Overhead bald eagle, osprey, and red
shoulder hawks scan the water and marshes for their next meal. On the river
bank people will spot large wading birds, coots, morehens, and the occasional
wild hog.
Hontoon Island has a wonderful
nature trail that leads to an ancient Indian shell mound. The park is also
famous for its large owl population and
extensive Indian artifacts including the state’s largest totem pole.
Dates: Everyday in the months of December-March at 9:00 am.
Private tours are available any day or time for groups of 4 or more. Tour lasts 2-3 hours. All tours include guides, kayaks, paddling gear, bottled water, and a dry bag.
Price: $80 per person + 6.5% Florida sales tax
Tours begin and end at Blue Springs State Park.
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MAKE YOUR RESERVATION!
