Are you looking for a place where you can see hundreds of manatees within a very short time? Then the Three Sisters Springs is the ideal destination. Endowed with clean waters, the Three Sisters Springs provides an extraordinary experience with the manatees. Situated in Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida, Three Sisters Springs forms a natural inlet on the eastern edge of Kings Bay. Additionally, this inlet hosts three springs that contain vents and sand boils, allowing water to pass through.
Restricted Access
The Three Sisters Springs is surrounded by privately owned property. It has no landfall and is home to hundreds of manatees. This makes it one of the most important sanctuaries of Crystal River. Additionally, concrete posts have been positioned to block the springs’ sole access, preventing boats from entering the area. As a result, Three Sisters Springs is exclusively reachable via canoes, kayaks, swimming, or land routes. To safeguard the manatees and their habitat, authorities have designated the springs and surrounding regions as manatee sanctuaries. This designation is aimed at preserving and protecting these gentle creatures and their environment. They are closed to vessels but open to the public from Nov. 15 to March 31 each year. Tourists can see manatees in their natural habitat from the observation boardwalk that overlooks the springs.
Seeing Manatees
The Three Sisters Springs is a critical habitat for manatees. Manatees can be seen around and inside Three Sisters throughout the year. However, they are there in very large numbers from November to the end of March. As many as 500 manatees can be found in the area at that time. When summer comes, the manatees tend to leave the springs in search of food. They look in the shallow, warm waters of Kings Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, to see as many manatees as possible in the springs, it is advisable to be there in the winter months.
The Three Sisters Springs empties into Kings Bay. The headwaters of Crystal River, which is 6 miles long and flows into the Mexican Gulf. Exploring Three Sisters Springs is a valuable investment. It offers the opportunity to witness hundreds of manatees present in the springs year-round. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to observe and even swim alongside these remarkable giants. This makes it a truly memorable experience. At Captain Mike’s we provide the most exclusive, memorable and affordable manatee tours in Crystal River. Our kayak rentals enable tourists to launch safely and comfortably and swim in the springs with utmost convenience. For more information on how to rent a kayak when you are in Crystal River, visit the “Captain Mike’s Kayak Academy” site.