Three Sisters Springs Closed, Check These Out Instead

There is still plenty to do while our most well-known spring is temporarily closed to undergo shoreline restoration.

Three Sisters Springs, world famous for the crystal-clear waters that serve as a winter refuge for wild manatees, will be closed from April 1 until November 14, 2023, as experts restore the shoreline. During the spring to early autumn months, you typically won't find manatees in our springs due to the warmer weather, making this the perfect time to close down the spring for this much-needed restoration project. These efforts are to assist in helping our manatees thrive in our Crystal River waters and, specifically, Three Sisters Springs for years to come. Please visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District Website for more information on the project.

Although Three Sisters Springs is currently closed, there are over 70 other springs in Crystal River and Homosassa that are open and fully operational for visitors to enjoy. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding are some of the most popular ways to experience our beautiful rivers and be in the wild with our 50-80 manatees that live in our area year-round. Here are a few of our other favorite springs to enjoy and places to spot manatees from land.

Take a Guided Manatee Tour in Homosassa Springs or Crystal River

Regardless of the tour company you choose to go with, manatee tours have local guides that are quite familiar with the swimming patterns of the manatees and can give you the best chances of encountering them in the wild. You can snorkel, kayak, or paddle board with the manatees, making for an experience you'll never forget. Some of the wonderful springs that are popular destinations are Jurassic Springs, Hunter Springs, Crystal Springs, King Springs, Homosassa Springs, and Blue Waters in Homosassa. Additionally, most companies offer dry tours, for visitors who do not wish to get in the water, but still want to have an up close encounter with these glorious creatures.
Learn More About Swimming With Manatees HERE

Explore the "Chaz"

When it comes to natural beauty, few places rival the Chassahowitzka River, Florida’s River Wild. Located a few miles south of Homosassa, this river system is tucked away in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The river is fed by multiple spring systems, including the pristine Seven Sisters, a cluster of springs where swimmers can pass through short underwater tunnels carved in limestone by the force of the spring. Manatees are known to frequent the Chaz, so sightings are not uncommon. If you're looking for a day trip off the beaten path, the Chaz is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit.

Learn About How To Responsibly Visit The Springs HERE

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Manatees can be seen year round from a lovely boardwalk at this State Park dedicated to Florida’s native wildlife. The ultimate experience is inside the park, where an underwater observatory in Homosassa Springs called “The Fish Bowl" offers an incredible underwater spectacle of manatees and swirling schools of fish. There are specific feeding times for the manatees that are currently being rehabilitated within the park, so make sure you don't miss it. Besides the fabulous manatees, you can visit the park's zoo, which houses Florida panthers, American alligators and crocodiles, a hippopotamus, (Lu the oldest Hippo in North America) flamingos, and many other species of birds, reptiles, and mammals at this amazing park centered around beautiful Homosassa Springs. Also, there is a cruise down Pepper Creek from the Visitor Center on US19 to the Main Entrance that should not be missed.

Learn More About The State Park HERE

Crystal River Wildlife Refuge Complex and Visitors Center

The Crystal River Wildlife Complex & Visitors Center is a great way to learn about our precious manatees in a spectacular setting. Situated right on King's Bay in the heart of Crystal River, the National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Visitors Center is not to be missed. Due to its fabulous location, the complex offers marvelous views, and this part of King's Bay is quite popular with the guided manatee tours, so it's very possible to see manatees right from the dock. The facility also has interactive displays and exhibits that will teach you all about Crystal River Wildlife Refuge and the West Indian manatee that frequents our waters.

Learn More About The Refuge and Visitors Center HERE

Crystal River City Parks

Hunter Spring Park is the jewel of Crystal River. It includes the most accessible spring on Kings Bay, which is Hunter Springs. Open to swimming and snorkeling year-round, the newly redesigned park features a natural shoreline & freshwater beach, along with a lovely boardwalk for manatee viewing. There is an easy-access kayak launch for a small fee, but the City does not rent any paddle-crafts from the park. The park also has picnic tables, lovely grassy areas, and a playground.

Kings Bay Park is a lovely park that's only a few blocks from downtown Crystal River. Several companies offer kayak rentals at Kings Bay Park (walk-ups are welcome) and it's quite common to see manatees off the dock or from the river walk. The park also has a slew of picnic tables and barbecue grills, a large playground, and scenic bay views.

Learn More About Our Local Parks HERE

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Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Manatees can be seen year round at this State Park dedicated to Florida’s native wildlife. See manatees, Florida panthers, American alligators and crocodiles and many other species of birds, reptiles...

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Visitor Center

Learn about our precious manatees in a spectacular setting. Situated right on King's Bay in the heart of Crystal River, the National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Visitors Center is not to be missed....

Hunter Springs Park

Beautiful Hunter Springs Park is the jewel of Crystal River. It is a local favorite, and it won a 2019 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. This park includes the most accessible spring on...

Kings Bay Park

Kings Bay Park is a lovely space that's only a few blocks from downtown Crystal River. It offers kayak rentals, a fishing dock, picnic tables and barbecue grills, a large playground, a river walk,...