Experiences & Amenities

The endemic Florida scrub-jay inhabits Blue Spring State Park. With many families dwelling in the rare scrub ecosystem, it is likely you will catch a glimpse or hear their calls.  

Please keep in mind that feeding Florida scrub-jays is against the law and can cause great harm to the birds.

St. Johns River Cruises and Tours operates boat tours daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This is a two-hour narrated nature and ecological cruise on the beautiful and historic St. Johns River.

• For fees and reservations, please call 833-953-2583 or visit Blue Springs Adventures.

St. Johns River Cruises has become the latest Florida ecotour provider to successfully complete the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism's rigorous certification program and was awarded the prestigious Platinum Level Certification for meeting over 90% of the bonus criteria on the society's checklist. 

Wheelchair access is provided with a wheelchair lift into the vessel. Please mention any accessibility needs when making a reservation.

The campground has 51 campsites (recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long) located in the sand pine scrub and within walking distance of the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. A dump station is available in the park.

Pets are welcome in the camping area in accordance with our Pet Policy. Accessible sites are available. Two new bathhouses are complete with accessible showers and bathroom stalls.

• For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
• Swimming in the spring is prohibited after hours.

Visitors can fish from the accessible fishing dock on the St. Johns River. Fishing is not permitted in the Blue Spring Run.

• All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

The same pristine beauty enjoyed by Florida's earliest inhabitants can still be seen today. An accessible boardwalk leads visitors on a self-guided tour through a lush hammock to Blue Spring.

Pine Island Trail is 3.6 miles in length (one way) and takes you through numerous plant communities from the desert-like scrub to the blackwater stream known as the St. Johns River.

Sand Pine Scrub Trail is a 0.25 loop located between the Blue Spring main office and the campground. Look for the endemic Florida scrub-jay on this trail.

• Please check postings at the trail head for information on trail conditions.

You are invited to canoe beautiful Blue Spring Run and the St. Johns River. Canoes and kayaks may be rented at Blue Springs Adventures along the St. Johns River.

• For more information, current conditions, availability, costs and reservations, call 833-953-2583 or visit Blue Springs Adventures.

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian manatee.

To provide a safe warm-water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run are closed to all water-related activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from approximately mid-November through March.

• For the safety of visitors, climbing onto the spring banks or trees is prohibited.
• Paddling is not allowed in the swimming area between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Paddlers should remain in their vessel.

Blue Spring State Park offers two separate picnic areas. There are accessible covered pavilions with accessible grills located at these areas for larger groups. One of these areas also has a large covered barbecue grill. 

• All pavilions are first come, first served.
• There are many grills and picnic tables throughout the park.

Scuba diving is a popular activity in the spring at Blue Spring State Park. The 72-degree water is refreshing.

Where You May Dive and Daily Capacity

• Open water divers and free divers are prohibited from carrying lights and diving below 60 feet.
• Dives must be conducted in designated areas only.
• Capacity is limited to 32 scuba diving individuals at one time.
• Dives must be completed one hour before sunset.
• Since the winter of 2007, the park closes the entire spring-run to water activities (swimming, tubing, diving and paddling) from November 15 through March 15. The dates may begin sooner and end later depending on manatee presence.

Guided Underwater Tours

Embark on an unforgettable underwater journey with Florida Dive Company, offering a variety of immersive Scuba Tours. Tailor your adventure by selecting from options like Discover Scuba, Group Dive Tours, and Private Dive Tours. Engaging in a scuba tour not only lets participants breathe underwater, but also provides a unique opportunity to encounter diverse marine life in its natural habitat. Dive into the wonders with our expertly guided tours for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

For additional information, availability, costs, and reservations, call 386-663-8030 or visit Florida Dive Company.

For everyone's safety, the following rules must be observed:

• All persons participating in scuba diving activities do so at their own risk.
• Each diver must dive within the limits of their certification.
• A dive party must consist of at least two divers.
• Fossils and artifacts must not be disturbed or removed. Aquatic plants must not be trampled or disturbed.
• Do not carve or otherwise deface rocks or any other surfaces.
• Keep a minimum distance of 50 feet between you and manatees at all times.
• Dives must be completed one hour before sunset.

Guided Snorkel Tours

Embark on an unforgettable snorkel journey with Florida Dive Company, offering a variety of immersive Snorkel Tours. Tailor your adventure by selecting from options like Group or Private Snorkel Tours. Engaging in a Snorkel Tour provides a unique opportunity to encounter diverse marine life in its natural habitat. Snorkel with our expertly guided tours for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

For additional information, availability, costs, and reservations, call 386-663-8030 or visit Florida Dive Company.

Self-Guided Snorkeling

Blue Spring offers snorkeling in a crystal-clear spring run.

• Swimming with the manatees is not permitted.
• For the safety of visitors, climbing onto the spring banks or trees is prohibited.

Blue Spring offers swimming in a crystal-clear spring run.

• Swimming or diving with the manatees is not permitted.
• For the safety of visitors, climbing onto the spring banks or trees is prohibited.

Tube rentals are available through Blue Springs Adventures at 833-953-2583. You can enter the water at the upper entry, swim to the spring boil and float back down to the main swim dock. The float run lasts about an eighth of a mile.