Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour

Explore Blue Spring State Park’s Scenic Waters by Kayak or SUP for $65

The Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour offers a chance to paddle through Florida’s famous spring waters for $65 per person. With a duration of 2 hours, this guided trip is suitable for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of Blue Spring, especially in the warm, year-round 72°F waters. The tour is hosted by Three Brothers Boards, and includes paddle boards or kayaks, paddles, life vests, and guidance from an experienced guide.

While the adventure promises encounters with manatees, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes, recent reviews highlight some notable concerns. Be aware that cancellations have occurred unexpectedly, and the location switch to Daytona Beach in some cases may affect your expectations. This tour can be particularly appealing for nature lovers eager to learn about wildlife habitats, but potential participants should consider recent feedback on reliability.

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Key Points

• Guided water experience through Blue Spring State Park’s emerald waters
• Cost of $65 per person for a 2-hour tour including all equipment
• Wildlife sightings include manatees, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles
• Flexible activity options: standup paddleboarding or kayaking, with practice on land first
• Departure point: Kayaking Florida at Blue Springs within the park
• Weather cancellation policy offers full refunds or rescheduling

Blue Spring State Park: A Prime Manatee Habitat

Blue Spring State Park is renowned for being a protected refuge for West Indian manatees, especially during winter months. The warm waters, which never dip below 72°F, attract these gentle creatures year-round. The tour specifically guides visitors through a designated manatee refuge, giving an opportunity to see manatees up close in their natural environment.

This setting offers an outstanding chance to observe marine life in a peaceful setting. The park’s stunning emerald waters are complemented by the presence of bald eagles soaring overhead and sandhill cranes along the shoreline, adding to the richness of the experience. The guide shares insights about why Blue Spring is such an important habitat for these animals.

Starting Point at Kayaking Florida in Blue Springs

The tour begins at Kayaking Florida in Blue Springs, located at the entrance of Blue Spring State Park. Participants are met at the water’s edge, where they receive land-based practice with the paddleboards or kayaks before heading into the water. The group size is likely small, allowing for personalized attention and safety.

The meet-up is straightforward, and the staff provides life vests and necessary equipment. Travelers should arrive prepared with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. The tour usually operates in the morning and afternoon, offering flexibility for different schedules.

Learning How to SUP and Kayak with a Local Guide

The guide leads the group through learning how to paddle on land, which makes the water experience accessible even for beginners. Once comfortable, participants are encouraged to practice on the water before embarking on the full paddle. For those who prefer not to stand on a paddleboard, kayaking offers an alternative, adding flexibility to the experience.

The guide shares fascinating facts about the local wildlife and ecosystem, enhancing the educational aspect of the tour. This guidance makes the adventure enjoyable and informative, turning a simple paddle into a learning experience about Florida’s aquatic habitats.

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The Experience of Paddling Through Emerald Waters

Once on the water, the warm, emerald-colored spring waters create a peaceful backdrop. Paddling through this protected environment, visitors can expect to see manatees swimming nearby, often playing or grazing in the refuge. Turtle sightings are also common, with some sunbathing on the sandy areas or swimming beneath the surface.

The calm waters are suitable for all skill levels, and the small group size ensures a relaxing pace. The scenic views of the park’s natural beauty, combined with wildlife encounters, make the tour a tranquil escape into nature.

Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, Birds, and Turtles

One of the tour’s main attractions is the chance to see West Indian manatees in their natural habitat. These gentle giants often surface near the paddleboarders or kayakers, providing a memorable wildlife sighting. Overhead, bald eagles soar, while sandhill cranes frequent the shoreline.

Along With these iconic species, turtles may be seen swimming or sunbathing on the sand. The guide provides context about each animal, helping travelers understand the importance of this habitat and the behaviors of the wildlife encountered.

Practicalities and Equipment Provided

Participants receive paddleboards or kayaks, along with paddles and life vests. The equipment is well-maintained, and safety is a priority. The meeting point within Blue Spring State Park is easy to find, and the staff ensures everyone is comfortable before heading into the water.

Since entry to Blue Spring State Park is not included, visitors should plan to pay park entrance fees separately. The tour typically lasts 2 hours and operates in both morning and afternoon slots, providing options to suit different schedules.

Considerations Based on Recent Reviews

Recent feedback raises some concerns, notably about cancellations and location changes. One review reports a cancellation 30 minutes before the scheduled start without prior notice, which can be frustrating. Another mentions that the activity was moved to Daytona Beach and did not include wildlife sightings, contradicting expectations.

On top of that, some customers express dissatisfaction with the lack of guaranteed wildlife sightings and the staff’s attitude when inquiries are made. Therefore, travelers should be prepared for the possibility of changes or cancellations and manage expectations about wildlife encounters.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This guided paddling tour is best suited to nature enthusiasts interested in Florida’s wildlife and scenic waters. It offers a relaxing paddle in a protected environment, making it accessible for beginners and those looking for a gentle outdoor activity.

However, due to recent reviews indicating cancellations and location changes, it’s advisable to confirm reservations and clarify details before booking. The educational component and wildlife viewing opportunities remain strong points, especially for those keen to learn about the manatee habitat.

Final Thoughts on the Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour

This tour provides a beautiful setting for paddling in Florida’s spring waters, with a focus on wildlife in a safe and relaxed environment. The inclusion of guidance, equipment, and the chance to see manatees and birds is appealing, especially for beginners or families.

Nevertheless, recent review concerns about cancellations and changing locations highlight the importance of checking current status before booking. For travelers who prioritize reliable scheduling and wildlife sightings, it’s worthwhile to consider these factors.

Overall, if the tour proceeds as planned, it offers a peaceful paddling experience, that captures the essence of Florida’s natural beauty. It suits those who appreciate gentle outdoor activities and want to learn about local wildlife in a scenic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes land-based practice before heading into the water, making it accessible for beginners.

What should I bring for the tour?
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable during the activity.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings such as manatees are not guaranteed, but they are common in the designated refuge area.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
In case of bad weather, the tour provider offers full refunds or rescheduling options.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at Kayaking Florida in Blue Springs, located within Blue Spring State Park at the water’s edge.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby