Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida, was one of the most memorable stops on our road trip. The water was unbelievably clear and beautiful, but what made the visit truly special was seeing the manatees that come to the warm spring waters during the cooler months.
Three Sisters Springs is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which was established specifically to protect habitat for the Florida manatee. The refuge also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, photography, paddling, and exploring the beautiful spring environment.
If you're planning a visit, there are a few things you'll want to know before you go.
Visiting Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is a 57-acre property with more than two miles of easy trails and boardwalks. The trails have very little elevation change, making this an enjoyable place for a leisurely walk and wildlife viewing.
The elevated boardwalk provides several overlooks around the springs. During the winter manatee season, this is one of the best places to watch these gentle animals in their natural environment.
For me, though, the highlight wasn't the walking trails or the beautiful scenery.
It was the manatees!
Manatees at Three Sisters Springs
The manatees are especially attracted to the springs during the cooler months because the water remains warmer than the surrounding Gulf waters.
The official manatee season at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge runs from November 15 through March 31. During this time, the refuge's warm-water sanctuaries are in effect to provide protection for manatees.
If seeing manatees is your main reason for visiting, winter is the time I would recommend.
There are also important rules for interacting with manatees. Visitors are expected to observe them passively and avoid touching, chasing, surrounding, feeding, or otherwise disturbing them.
Swimming, Snorkeling and Paddling
One thing that can be confusing when planning a visit is the difference between visiting Three Sisters Springs by land and entering the springs by water.
The Three Sisters Springs property provides land access, including the boardwalk and trails, but you cannot simply walk from the property into the water. To swim, snorkel, or paddle in the springs, you need to arrive by water.
Visitors can launch a kayak or paddlecraft from public access points on Kings Bay, including:
- Hunter Springs Park
- King's Bay Park
Motorized vessels can travel to the spring run, but motorized vessels are not permitted inside the springs themselves. Paddlecraft are permitted inside Three Sisters Springs from April 1 through November 14.
Snorkeling is available year-round, although access and restrictions can vary depending on the season and manatee activity.
What You Can See From Land
You don't have to get in the water to enjoy Three Sisters Springs.
The boardwalk and trails offer beautiful views of the springs and opportunities to see wildlife. The trails are considered easy, and portions of the boardwalk and viewing areas are wheelchair accessible.
Bring your camera because the clear blue-green water, surrounding vegetation, and wildlife make this a beautiful place for photography.
And if you're visiting during manatee season, take your time around the overlooks. You may find yourself watching one of these amazing animals for much longer than you expected.
Good to Know Before You Visit
Land access: The Three Sisters Springs trails and boardwalk are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round, with certain holiday closures.
Water access: You must arrive by boat or paddlecraft to enter the springs from the water. The refuge does not provide its own water-access facilities.
Winter manatee season: November 15 through March 31 is the primary manatee season, when warm-water sanctuaries are in effect.
Paddlecraft: Kayaks and other paddlecraft are permitted inside Three Sisters Springs from April 1 through November 14.
Parking: There is no general public parking at the Three Sisters Springs property. Land visitors use the available access arrangements, including the shuttle service provided for the property.
Pets: Check the current refuge regulations before bringing a pet. Service animals are treated differently under federal regulations.
A Beautiful Florida Experience
Let me start by saying that Three Sisters Springs is one of the most amazing places I have ever visited.
The water was stunning, but seeing the manatees swimming through it was the real highlight of our road trip.
There is something very special about watching these gentle animals in their natural environment. Whether you visit by land to walk the boardwalk and look for manatees or take a kayak or guided trip onto the water, Three Sisters Springs is a place that deserves a spot on your Florida travel list.
Just remember that this isn't simply a place to go looking for an exciting wildlife encounter. It is a protected habitat, and the manatees come first.
A Beautiful Florida Experience
Let me start by saying that Three Sisters Springs is one of the most amazing places I have ever visited.
The water was stunning, but seeing the manatees swimming through it was the real highlight of our road trip.
There is something very special about watching these gentle animals in their natural environment. Whether you visit by land to walk the boardwalk and look for manatees or take a kayak or guided trip onto the water, Three Sisters Springs is a place that deserves a spot on your Florida travel list.
For current conditions, seasonal restrictions, and visitor information, check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge information before your visit.
Contact & Location
Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River, Florida
Mailing Address:
1502 SE Kings Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
Phone: 352-563-2088
Website: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Three Sisters Springs is located in Crystal River, on Florida's Nature Coast, about 90 minutes north of Tampa.
No comments:
Post a Comment