In-water recreation at Three Sisters Springs is accessible by
launching a vessel from any of the public boat ramps or kayak launches on Kings Bay and navigating to the spring-run for Three Sisters
.
Are there alligators at Three Sisters Springs?
Three Sisters Springs is a wetland habitat and
both alligators and venomous snakes live in this habitat
.
Why is it called Three Sisters Springs?
The name of the springs
refers to the three “lobes”
… Pretty Sister, Deep Sister, and Little Sister that contain a total of 19 freshwater springs. Which are the source of the warm clear water that fills the area and then exits through the Spring Run into the nearby canals and then Kings Bay.
Can you walk into Three Sisters Springs?
The Three Sisters Springs Center manages land access to Three Sisters Springs, a unit of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
We offer shuttle service, walk-in
, and bicycle-in access to the refuge. Note: There is no water access to the spring from the refuge.
Are there alligators in Crystal River?
There are alligators in Crystal River
. They live in King's Bay, and the surrounding canals. They are also found in Three Sisters Spring. Alligators can live in any body of freshwater in Florida.
How much does it cost to swim with manatees in Crystal River?
Our public manatee tours
start at $59.95 and go up to $65 for peak manatee season (November-April)
. Private manatee tours are $449 for a boat that holds up to six people, larger private manatee tours can be arranged for an additional $75 per person.
Are there snakes in Crystal River?
The timber rattlesnake and the southern copperhead are rare in Crystal River
and are typically found in northern Florida, but if you've spent time outdoors in the Crystal River area, you've probably seen at least one of the four other venomous snakes.
Is Crystal River Florida salt water?
The salt marsh and estuarine environment at Crystal River Preserve State Park occurs because of a perfect combination of tides, temperature and terrain.
Each day in Crystal River fresh water from an abundance of area springs mixes with the salty seawater from the Gulf of Mexico
.
Is it legal to touch a manatee with one hand?
While they are lovable, gentle slow moving creatures, manatees are protected by state and federal law. You can watch them all you want, but
you can't touch them
. You cannot feed them, molest them, harm them, touch them or pursue them. “It potentially could be harmful to the manatee.
Can you swim in the Crystal River?
Crystal River is where
you're legally permitted to swim with manatees in their natural habitat
. You can embark on a swim tour through the river, but only after being briefed on all of the do's and don'ts of interacting with the animals.
Can I bring my dog to Three Sisters Springs?
Pets are not allowed to swim in the refuge areas
(such as Three Sisters Springs). They can however be there if they stay within the boat.
What is the water temperature at Three Sisters Springs?
Three Sisters Springs/Idiot's Delight (Water Temperature:
73.3 °F – 22.9 °C
) – Three Sisters Springs is an environmental jewel – a blue oasis of clear and pristine water. Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three springs with vents and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of Crystal River.
Do alligators swim with manatees?
Manatees are speedy in water.
So their speed in water makes it very difficult for alligators to bother them. Even alligators as big as 12-foot-long usually give way to manatees. In fact,
when manatees want to move through an area, they will swim right up to the alligator and bump or nudge it to move.
How long does it take to kayak to Three Sisters Springs?
You start out in a wide part of Crystal River and then paddle into a more residential area. After about a
30-45 minute
paddle, you'll head into Three Sisters Springs.
Do you have to pay to get into Three Sisters Springs?
| Age Summer Winter | Child (6 – 15) $3.75 $3.75 | Child (5 & Under) Free Free |
|---|
Do you have to pay to go to Crystal River?
Know Before You Go
However,
there are a few, free City boat ramps and private ramps (with a fee)
that provide access to refuge waters. If you are interested in visiting other parts of the refuge (other than Three Sisters Springs boardwalk), you can use your own vessel, rent a vessel, or join a guided tour.
What is Crystal River Florida known for?
Crystal River is known for it's
world class fishing
and visitors come from around the world to experience the sport on the pristine waterways. The short run to the Gulf of Mexico and the abundance of fish relatively near the shore make for memorable days on the water.
Are there sharks in Crystal River Florida?
Can you keep sharks you catch in Crystal river?
Yes!
There are some great tasting species with regulations that allow for harvesting. While you will not keep every shark you catch, a single shark can provide enough meat to last a long time.
Can a manatee hurt you?
No, manatees are not dangerous
. Manatees are peaceful and calm marine animals that do not harm anyone. They are, in fact, curious animals who enjoy human interaction, and they enjoy interacting and staying around humans. As a result, manatees frequently approach swimmers or divers for a belly rub or close contact.
Do alligators eat manatees?
Alligators aren't a threat to manatees larger than a calf, the FWC said.
Attacks on manatees by gators are extremely rare
, and manatees' large size and swimming ability (they're speedy in the water) make it difficult for alligators to pose a significant threat, according to the FWC.
What time of day is best to see manatees?
The Three Sisters Springs is a quieter viewing and swimming spot but wherever you are, the best time to be with the manatees is
early morning 6 am to 8.30 am
when they are most active. You can also experience the manatee swim by visiting with a tour group.
What do you wear to swim with manatees?
We do require that you wear
a wetsuit
when you snorkel with the manatees as they help you stay warm, buoyant, and assist you in keeping your feet near the top of the water and not dangling, which often will stir up the bottom and scare the manatees.
How deep is the water in Crystal River Florida?
Many of the river's springs are
20 to 30 feet
deep and the water is clear enough to see a dime resting on the bottom! Coming from deep within the limestone aquifer, the spring water is 72 degrees year-round, offering a cool break during the hot summers and a natural, warm bath during the winter months.
Can I fly a drone in Crystal River?
Please stay on the designated trails and boardwalk for your safety. Please respect wildlife; camera extension poles (aka selfie-sticks) are not allowed.
Drones are not permitted on the refuge
.
What animals live in Crystal River?
The park aims to preserve native Florida species, with captive
black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters
on display. From the parking lot, there are two ways to get to the spring entrance: by a scenic and peaceful boat ride up Pepper Creek or by tram.
