Blue Springs State Park
Volusia County's best spot for manatees and cavern diving
2100 West French Ave.
Orange City, Florida 32763
(904) 775-3663Open:8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Around November and staying through March, the manatees spend the winter in the calm warm waters of the 72-degree spring run that leads to the St. Johns River. At times several dozen of the gentle giants may gather together in the
The source of the the spring run is a spectacular limestone cavern that extends down at a 45 degree angle to a depth of approximately 120 feet. The park limits the number of divers per day, so getting there early is critical. Open water divers are allowed in the first sixty feet of the cavern, there divers will see the "prevent your own death" sign marking the spot where the overhead environment begins. Advanced divers who are specially trained for cave and cavern diving are permitted full access to the cavern. The cavern walls are composed of limestone, and have been uniquely carved by the force of the aquifer as it surges from the underground passages. Due to the strong flow of this first magnitude spring, divers might find it difficult at first to enter the cavern and navigate around the tree that lies submerged at fifteen feet. This cavern is one of the most beautiful of its kind, and is a highly recommended dive for divers of all levels.
The park offers a self guided nature trail through hardwoood hammock and along the springs run, including the boardwalk section that leads to the Blue Spring. Swimming is permitted in the run and can be easily accessed by stairs off the boardwalk. Remember that the water temperature is a cool 72 degrees farenheit all year!
Blue Spings State Park offers tent sites, rental cabins, primitive camping, and RV style sites. All of the sites have a water source, picnic table, and a grill, and the campground features full bathroom facilities. The primitive camping is available to backpackers, and is at the end of a four mile trail. Reservations can be made at the ranger station, (904) 775-3663. Also available are 6 heated and cooled cabins which are fully equipped with kitchenware and linens for up to 6 people (reservations are strongly recommended).
Before the European settlement of Florida the Timucuan tribe settled the spring run, river and the surrounding area. The tribe left behind huge mounds of snail shells gathered from river, snails were a key food source. By the mid-1800's, a majority of the Timucuan had been driven out by pioneer settlers, and in 1872 a large frame house was built by the Thursby family on top of a shellmound. The Thursby house is remarkably well preserved, and is complete with a sistern for collecting water. Inside, the home is complete with antiques and many items of the day. Imagine living here in that period before air conditioning or electricity in such a remote and steamy wilderness.
