Set out on a one-hour narrated cruise along Florida’s St. Johns River with Blue Spring Adventures. Spot manatees, alligators, and lush cypress forests—an accessible escape just outside Orlando and Daytona that brings Florida’s wildlife front and center.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most ages and abilities
Wildlife
History
The St. Johns River has been a vital route for Florida’s native peoples and settlers for centuries, serving as a transportation corridor and rich ecosystem.
Conservation
Blue Spring Adventures participates in local conservation programs, emphasizing responsible tourism to protect the river’s fragile habitats.
Blue Spring Adventures
Set out on a one-hour narrated cruise along Florida’s St. Johns River with Blue Spring Adventures. Spot manatees, alligators, and lush cypress forests—an accessible escape just outside Orlando and Daytona that brings Florida’s wildlife front and center.
Blue Spring Adventures is a locally based outdoor recreation provider operating at Blue Spring State Park near Orange City, Florida. The company offers guided tours, narrated river cruises, and self-guided rentals across a range of timeframes to fit families, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Options include 30-minute haunted river boat tours, one- and two-hour narrated St. Johns River nature cruises, 1.5-hour guided kayak tours, and a variety of self-guided kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals available in two-, four-, and full-day lengths. Blue Spring Adventures also runs guided Segway tours, bicycle rentals, and small-group experiences that prioritize safety, wildlife viewing, and local interpretation.
Guides and crew focus on responsible river access and provide orientation, safety briefings, and optional equipment tryouts before guided departures. Trips highlight the St. Johns River ecosystem, with regular sightings of manatees, wading birds, and alligators while traveling the spring run and surrounding waterways. Rental schedules and launch details follow Blue Spring State Park operations; customers are advised to arrive on time for launches.
Blue Spring Adventures serves both visitors and local residents, appealing to nature lovers, birders, photographers, and families seeking accessible outdoor activity about 45 minutes from Orlando and Daytona. The provider emphasizes simple booking, clear trip descriptions, and a variety of durations and craft types to match skill level and schedule. Reservations are recommended for guided tours and specialty experiences. Safety equipment is provided with rentals, and staff offer recommendations for routes, wildlife viewing spots, and photography best practices to enhance each outing. Plan ahead today.
Location
Orange City, FL
Based at Blue Spring State Park
Tours Offered
10
Guided and self-guided options
Launch Point
Blue Spring State Park
Direct St. Johns River access
Duration Range
30 min–Full day
Short cruises to full-day rentals
Find guided kayak tours, narrated cruises, rentals, Segway tours, bicycle rentals, and seasonal experiences departing from Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars to get a closer look at distant animals like birds, manatees, and alligators.
Apply sun protection
Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during the cruise, especially on sunny days.
Dress for the weather
Light layers work well; boat trips are usually comfortable, but it’s good to be prepared for wind or sudden changes in temperature.
Arrive early
Check in 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise to ensure smooth boarding and enjoy a relaxed start.
Hat and sunglasses
Protects your eyes and face from the sun during the cruise.
summer
Waterproof camera or phone
Capture wildlife and scenic shots comfortably without worry about splashes.
Light jacket or layer
Provides warmth during cooler months or early mornings.
winter
Insect repellent
Helps keep bugs at bay during in-water activities, especially at dawn or dusk.
summer