Johns Volusia County River Clean-up 2020 17 th Poker Run 2020. Scavenger / Treasure Hunt 2020 Club Ride If You would like to receive email notifications on up coming events and meetings please email me your email address and I will add you to my list. Just click on the link below. Noeleagle50@lakeairboatclub.com. The last run comes up in November just before the river begins to freeze. John is a fine river equal in magnitude to the Connecticut or Hudson,' with a fine harbour at the mouth 'accessible at all seasons of the year, never frozen or obstructed by ice.' Winter Poker Run to Faro Blanco Resort, Marathon; Feb 18-21 26th Miami Boat Show Poker Run- Key Largo; March 18-21 Spring Key West Poker Run: Miami to Key West; April 8-11 11th Annual Tampa Bay Poker Run- Downtown Tampa; May 13-16 2nd Annual ORANGE BEACH POWERBOAT WEEK, The Wharf; May 21-23 2nd Annual MIDNIGHT NIGHT EXPRESS Bimini Rendezvous. Interactive map of St. Johns River that includes Marina Locations, Boat Ramps. Access other maps for various points of interests and businesses. Blue Spring Run and St. Kayaking with Manatees. Blue Spring, at Blue Spring State Park near Deland, Florida, feeds Blue Spring Run to the St. The spring run is a designated manatee refuge and is closed to paddlers during the winter months. During extreme cold weather, over 300 manatee have been counted in the short run.

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Kayaking with Manatees

Blue Spring, at Blue Spring State Park near Deland, Florida, feeds Blue Spring Run to the St. Johns River. The spring run is a designated manatee refuge and is closed to paddlers during the winter months. During extreme cold weather, over 300 manatee have been counted in the short run. The river on either side of the run is designated as a 'No Wake Zone,' making the area great for kayaking and canoeing. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Blue Spring Area Paddling Map
St. Johns River, FL

Distance: Varies. The spring run itself is less than a half mile; 3.5 miles to Hontoon Island. Oxbow and Snake Creek are options.
Location: Volusia County (Orange City)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tidal: No
Launch points: French Avenue boat ramp, Blue Spring State Park (admission fee). (See map)
Nearby points of interest: City of Deland, Stetson University

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Blue Spring Adventures (rentals, Tours)

Support and Advocacy:

The river is popular for fishing, paddling, and boating. Several oxbows and creeks off the river are a respite from the motorboat traffic on the river.

From Blue Spring Park, paddle the St. Johns to Hontoon Island (3.5 miles), then up Snake Creek and return to Blue Spring for a 10-mile round-trip. Hontoon Island is accessible by boat or ferry only, activities include camping, boating, bicycling, and picnicking.

St. Johns River - French Avenue Launch to Blue Spring Run

On the St. Johns, many motorboats but 'No Wake Zone' here makes for good paddling. French Avenue launch has parking, a boat ramp, and kayak/canoe launch area.

Blue Spring Run

Saint John River Poker Runner

The spring run is a short (less than a half mile) paddle, but a must-visit for the manatees and other wildlife, as well as for its beauty. The Run is closed to all vessels during the winter manatee season, November 15 - March 1. When the run is open, the section past the swimming area to the springhead can be paddled before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The springhead area is popular for snorkeling, swimming, tubing. Swimming or diving near manatees is prohibited.

St. Johns River - Blue Spring Run Area

Rentals and a river cruise are located at the park entrance. The Lagoon is a quiet paddling area just past the dock area. Continuing downriver, turn off at the oxbow to avoid the busy motorboat traffic on the river.

Oxbow off the River

This 'oxbow' is about 1/4 mile south of Blue Spring Run. Two side creeks run off this area, one is a manmade canal, the other is Snake Creek that winds up to Hontoon Island.

Wildlife on the St. Johns and Blue Spring Run

The Run is like a giant aquarium, easy to see everything in the crystal clear water. Fishing isn't allowed on the Run. During the winter season, visit the State Park and view manatees from the Boardwalk.

Blue Spring State Park

Saint John River Poker Run Results

Blue Spring State Park has a concession plus camping, cabins, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, boardwalk, hiking, fishing, boating, and of course paddling. River boat tours are available. The Thursby House dates from 1872, built by Louis Thursby who constructed one of the first steamboat landings on the upper St. Johns River here. The family lived here until 1910, the property was acquired by the State in 1972.

Related Resources:

Saint John River Poker Run 2019

Florida State Parks - Blue Spring State Park
Florida State Parks - Hontoon Island State Park

Saint John River Poker Run 2020

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