The first thing I should tell you is to ARRIVE EARLY. We got there about 10:30am and were close to the cut off to enter the park. It was already full, 2 Park Rangers blocked the entrance to the park right after we entered. The rest of the cars had to go down and turn around and start a line up to gain entry. One car out and one in. This place frequently reaches capacity every day of the week, winter and summer.
Manatee Count: You can call 386-775-3663 before your visit to find out the latest manatee count.
Fees are only $6 per vehicle up to 8 in a car than its $2 more per person.
Fish were on the manatee in this photo.
Spanish moss-covered trees.
Down on the boardwalk.
Beautiful scenery from the boardwalk.
Louis Thursby, one of the area’s first European settlers, came here with his family in 1857. He hoped that being close to the river would help him to grow wealthy, and so he built an orange grove and a pier for passing steamships. The Thursby house is preserved as it looked at the turn of the 19th century, capturing Florida in a momentous period of transition between the frontier and modern state.
Look close do you see the manatees?
Can you find the manatees in the water?
Momma & baby manatee calfs
The Limpkin was on an endangered species list at the beginning of 2000. The bird got its name because of its seeming limp when it walks. It also is called the crying or wailing bird due to its loud mournful call which is usually done at night.
Gators, Birds & Turtles oh my.
Narrated St. John River Cruises can be purchased here. We waited in line but they had sold out for the day. Looked like rain was coming in so we were OK with it. Lots of people were renting canoes and kayaks.
Looked up and seen this great looking hawk. He was just sitting up on the tree looking down at all the people on the boardwalk.
Lots of boardwalks throughout the park.
