Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour

Orange City’s Blue Spring State Park offers a captivating SUP and kayaking tour that immerses visitors in the beauty of a protected manatee refuge. This 2-hour guided adventure promises encounters with diverse wildlife, from bald eagles to sandhill cranes, as paddlers glide through the serene spring-fed waterways. Suitable for all skill levels, the tour provides essential gear, park entry, and knowledgeable insights, ensuring a memorable exploration of this natural gem. With its alluring combination of outdoor adventure and wildlife sightings, this tour invites you to discover the wonders that await in the heart of Orange City.

This experience made our article of 2 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Orange City (With Reviews & Prices).

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Key Points

A guided 2-hour SUP or kayaking tour of the Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, priced from $65 per person.
Opportunity to spot wildlife like bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles in a protected manatee refuge.
Suitable for all skill levels, with gear and entry to the park included in the tour price.
Guided by knowledgeable professionals to provide insights into the ecosystem and manatee habitat.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but previous issues with last-minute cancellations and location changes reported.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour at Blue Spring State Park offers guided kayaking or standup paddleboarding (SUP) experiences that allow visitors to paddle through a protected manatee refuge.

The 2-hour tour is priced from $65 per person and is conducted in English. Participants will meet at the Kayaking Florida location within the state park.

During the tour, guests can expect to spot wildlife like bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles, while also learning about the ideal winter habitat for manatees.

The waters are warm year-round, never dipping below 72°F, making it a suitable environment for the gentle marine mammals.

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Experience Highlights

During the 2-hour guided tour, visitors can paddle through a protected manatee refuge.

They’ll spot wildlife like bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles. The tour guides provide insights into the ideal winter habitat for manatees, which maintains a toasty 72°F year-round.

Before getting in the water, participants practice on land to get comfortable with the paddleboards or kayaks. The warm, calm waters make this tour suitable for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced paddlers.

With knowledgeable guides, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the park’s delicate ecosystem and its manatee inhabitants.

Inclusions

Included in the tour price are the necessary paddleboards or kayaks, paddles, and life vests. Participants will receive these essential equipment items for their guided kayaking or standup paddleboarding adventure.

The tour also includes entry to the Blue Spring State Park, which is home to the protected manatee refuge. Guided by knowledgeable professionals, guests will learn about the park’s abundant wildlife and the ideal winter habitat for manatees.

With the necessary gear and expert guidance provided, guests can fully enjoy the serene natural setting of the spring-fed waterways.

Cancellation Policy

According to the provided information, guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which allows for a full refund. This policy provides flexibility for travelers who may need to change their plans last-minute.

Plus, a "Reserve now & pay later" option is available, further accommodating customer needs.

However, previous reviewers have reported issues with last-minute cancellations, location changes, and poor communication from the tour operator.

Prospective guests should carefully consider these concerns when booking this tour to ensure a satisfactory experience.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the provided customer reviews, the tour seems to have received a lukewarm reception.

Key concerns include:

Last-minute cancellations, location changes, and unprofessional communication from the tour operator, leaving customers frustrated and disappointed.
Lack of wildlife sightings, despite the tour’s promises of spotting bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles.
Dissatisfaction with the tour guides’ responses to customer inquiries and complaints, suggesting a need for improved customer service and experience.

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Preparation and Recommendations

To prepare for the tour, visitors should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

The tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, as you will be paddling on the water. Guests should check the tour’s availability and starting times before booking, as last-minute cancellations and changes have been reported.

The tour provides all necessary equipment, including paddleboards or kayaks, paddles, and life vests.

Visitors can expect to spot various wildlife, such as bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles, as they paddle through the protected manatee refuge with its warm, year-round waters.

Getting to Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is located in Orange City, Florida, about an hour’s drive from Orlando. The park is easy to access, with clear signage and ample parking.

Here are three helpful tips for getting to the park:

Take I-4 and exit at State Road 472 in Orange City. Follow the signs for Blue Spring State Park.
Utilize GPS or maps to navigate, as cell service can be spotty in the area.
Arrive early, as the park can get crowded, especially during peak seasons and weekends.

Once at the park, visitors can easily find the meeting point for the kayaking and SUP tour.

Sum Up

The Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour in Orange City offers a serene and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. With the chance to encounter diverse wildlife in a protected manatee refuge, this guided tour provides an opportunity to explore the spring-fed waterways at an affordable price. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, the tour’s inclusions and knowledgeable guides ensure a memorable adventure for all skill levels.