King Spring
Crystal River's King Spring offers clear, cool waters for swimming and is part of King's Bay, a haven for manatees and water sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Manatees seek warm springs
King Spring
Best Time
Manatees seek warm springs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Crystal River's King Spring offers clear, cool waters for swimming and is part of King's Bay, a haven for manatees and water sports.
"Crystal River is the only place where you can legally snorkel with wild manatees!"
Book Manatee Tours Early
Popular manatee tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot!
Kayak or Paddleboard Access
Rentals are available for exploring King's Bay and its springs. Clear kayaks offer unique underwater views!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Iconic natural springs teeming with manatees, especially in cooler months. Boardwalk offers great viewing.
King Spring
King's Bay
One of the largest springs in King's Bay, accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Offers scenic tours.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Explore ancient Native American history with impressive temple mounds and historical artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Manatee Encounters
Respecting the Gentle Giants
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Manatee Tours Early
Popular manatee tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot! +1
Kayak or Paddleboard Access
Rentals are available for exploring King's Bay and its springs. Clear kayaks offer unique underwater views!
Respect Wildlife Rules
Never touch or feed manatees. Follow passive observation guidelines to protect these gentle giants.
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at Three Sisters Springs can fill up quickly. Arrive before 9 AM for the best chance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Manatee Tours Early
Popular manatee tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot! +1
Kayak or Paddleboard Access
Rentals are available for exploring King's Bay and its springs. Clear kayaks offer unique underwater views!
Respect Wildlife Rules
Never touch or feed manatees. Follow passive observation guidelines to protect these gentle giants.
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at Three Sisters Springs can fill up quickly. Arrive before 9 AM for the best chance.
Water is Chilly!
Spring water is a constant 72°F (22°C). Bring a wetsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel for extended periods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible manatee encounters and the stunning clarity of the natural springs. The abundance of wildlife and the unique opportunity to swim with manatees are consistently highlighted as major draws. Some find the spring water quite cold, and parking can be a challenge during peak times.
"Went with Gulf Coast Expeditions; great guides , awesome tour. Saw SO many manatees"
Teresa Smith
"The water is so clear. It is a natural spring and the water is cold. But it is beautiful. You can get there by boat, kayaks paddle boards any thing that is water related."
Beth-Anne McDine
"Beautiful area!! Lots of Manatees with babies.
You won’t regret going there. Stay at a local hotel, Airbnb or VRBO on Crystal River. You can even stay in a private boathouse on the water.
If you want to see Manatees this is the place!
Florida
The One Best Place to See Manatees in Florida This Season
Manatee season starts in November and for anyone who adores these large gentle creatures, it's truly a glorious time of the year! Once the air starts to cool, herds of manatees will be flooding into the many freshwater springs around Florida by the hundreds to stay warm and while you may find them in any coastal-connecting springs, there's one place that's unmatched when it comes to being the best place to see manatees in Florida.
So, where is this manatee wonderland it you ask? A short drive north of Tampa will lead you to a little town called Crystal River, and while the town itself is adorable and certainly worth exploring, it's the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, specifically the Three Sisters Spring, that you will want to put first on your itinerary!
Did you know?
Crystal River is the only wildlife refuge dedicated to the protection of the West Indian manatee!
Navigating the refuge's many areas can seem complicated, but if you are driving in, plan to arrive early and park at the Three Sisters Springs Center so you can hop on a FREE shuttle to Three Sisters Spring. Usually morning is the best time to go as it will be less crowded and cooler--meaning more manatees!
Though there is no water access from Three Sisters (and yes, there are plenty of rangers to enforce this rule) the views from the boardwalk are more than sufficient to satisfy manatee-watchers. Below is a photo taken from the boardwalk at Three Sisters Spring.
Alternatively, if you plan on boating into the refuge it's worth noting that much of Crystal River NWR is accessible to visitors by water (boating charters, kayaks, etc), with the exception of the Three Sisters Spring. During this high-traffic manatee season, it's roped off as seen in the cover photo.
"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," according to Crystal River's official government page."
Diane Snelling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crystal River is accessible by car, located about 1.5 hours north of Tampa and 2 hours from Orlando. There are no major public transport options directly to the springs, so driving or ride-sharing is recommended. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season.
Parking is available at various points around King's Bay, including boat ramps and rental outfitters. Some locations may have a fee. Arriving early is advised to secure a spot.
Yes, King Spring is accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard from King's Bay. Many tour operators and rental companies offer access.
For Three Sisters Springs, a free shuttle service is available from the Three Sisters Springs Center if you drive in. For other springs like King Spring, access is typically via watercraft rentals or tours.
Exploring King's Bay by kayak or paddleboard offers a more intimate experience with the springs and wildlife. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to King Spring itself is typically via rental or tour. While there isn't a direct entry fee for the spring, tours and rentals will have associated costs.
Manatee tours can range from $40 to over $100 depending on the duration and inclusions. Some tours pass by King Spring.
While it's possible to access some areas by kayak or paddleboard, guided tours ensure you follow regulations and have the best chance for respectful manatee encounters.
The boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs offers free viewing of manatees, though water access is restricted. You might spot manatees from public boat ramps or shorelines in certain areas.
King Spring is a natural spring and is generally accessible during daylight hours when King's Bay is open for boating and recreation. Rental companies and tour operators will have their own operating hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At King Spring, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Scenic boat tours also pass by the spring.
Yes, King Spring is a natural spring with clear, cool water (around 72°F/22°C) making it suitable for swimming, especially during warmer months.
Besides manatees, you can spot various fish, birds, and other marine life in King's Bay and its springs.
Yes, King Spring is family-friendly. Kayaking, swimming, and observing wildlife can be enjoyable for all ages.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and water. A wetsuit is recommended if you plan to spend extended time in the water due to the cool spring temperature.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of manatees, clear spring waters, and the natural Florida landscape. Clear kayaks offer unique underwater photo perspectives.
Yes, but always maintain a respectful distance. Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the manatees.
Drone usage may be restricted in wildlife refuges and protected areas. Check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination for photography, and it's also when manatees are often most active.
The Crystal River Archaeological State Park offers unique historical photo opportunities with its ancient mounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be prepared for the cool spring water – a wetsuit might be a good idea for little ones who plan to spend a lot of time in the water. For a break from the water, the Crystal River Archaeological State Park provides an educational and engaging experience with its ancient mounds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch to save on dining costs, and look for accommodations slightly outside the main tourist areas for better rates. 💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Manatee Encounters: The Heart of Crystal River
When visiting, it's crucial to adhere to the strict passive observation regulations set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This means maintaining a safe distance, avoiding any physical contact, and never feeding the manatees.
Beyond the manatees, the springs themselves are a natural wonder. The crystal-clear waters offer visibility for snorkeling and observing the diverse aquatic life.
Exploring King's Bay: Waterways and Adventures
This bay is a hub for water-based adventures, from leisurely kayaking and paddleboarding to more active pursuits like scalloping (during season) and fishing. For those who prefer a guided experience, numerous tour operators offer excursions through King's Bay. These tours often include stops at various springs, wildlife viewing opportunities, and even sunset cruises.
Accessing King's Bay is convenient, with several public and private boat ramps available.
A Glimpse into Florida's Ancient Past
Visitors can explore the park's grounds, walk among the ancient structures, and learn about the Mound Builders and their way of life. The park offers a unique opportunity to connect with the region's deep historical roots, a stark contrast to the vibrant natural beauty of the springs.
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