Anyone been to Blue Springs State Park lately? Manatee?

[riu girl]

In 2004 we visited this state park and my daughter was able to swim in the same area as the Manatees.

Now on the Blue springs web site it says that there is no swimming with the manatees allowed.

Has anyone been in the last year or so and if so, can you please tell me what the current park policy is?

Thank you

 

[mythreesonz]

There is a small area you can swim in that is blocked off to the Manatee's. They can swim past the area but not into it. Not sure when It changed because I don't ever remember actually being able to swim with them.

 

[allisophie]

HI

we were there on March 9th, still no swimming w the manatees. We arrived at the park around 2:30 pm. 5 $ to get in the park. The parking lot for the viewing area was almost empty!

There were 69 manatees sighted that day! There was a park ranger at the dock and she told us about Rocket, and Annie (rescued by Seaworld) who had tracking monitors on them. We walked the boardwalk and the kids waded at the beach, we had not planned on swimming, since it was overcast and the cold front had come through. The playground was a great break for our 8 yr old, dd 17 took some really neat photosalong the boardwalk. ( I must say it was our 1st non disney trip did Universal/IOA.. )

IF we ever get back to the area in the Spring we will definately go back and take one of the eco tours w kyaks or canoes. THey also have a little store w plenty of t's etc, and hotdogs and such.
hope this helps.. it was by far a really great daytrip! and educational too!