Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
About
Come have an opportunity to see the great West Indian Manatee in the crystal clear springs at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge!
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
82 within 5 kms
Attractions
33 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Fam_o_5_plus_1Wisconsin2,319 contributionsGreat visitWe stopped here since the three sisters springs was closed for refurbishment. It was a neat walk, and we had a good time looking at all of the animals. It was nice to know that the animals here were only there due to injuries and an inability to live in the wild. The manatee area was neat. Definitely would recommend to anyone in the area.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- KathydaleChicago, Illinois26 contributionsGreat way to see manateesBeautiful natural hot springs. Manatees flock to them in the cold weather in order to stay warm. It's amazing to see them in their natural habitat! Very accessible. Take the wetland trail to see some snowy egrets. Public restrooms are available. Parking lot across the street. Ignore info regarding shuttle bus. (City Hall has moved due to the last hurricane August 2023)Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 December 2023
- fssutton1Charleston, South Carolina889 contributionsGreatGreat place. I believe a key to seeing them is to make sure it has been cold in Florida a day or two before your visit. It appears they go in and out of this area based on the general temp trends in the greater Florida area. You can buy your tickets at the park gate or across the street (where there is plenty of parking at the Welcome Center which is next to a "strip mall"Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 February 2024
- Patricia W6 contributionsHelpful and knowledgable!Very nice park people and lots of good info on Manatees! Even saw one while standing on the dock :) we toured the info center and ventured out to the rocking chairs and dock. Interactive and creative!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 February 2024
- Kathy SLas Vegas, Nevada4 contributionsBeautiful visit to Crystal River Wildlife RefugeWe had the most amazing scenic cruise and experience with the Manatees at Crystal River. Our crew, Captain Dirty Mike and our guide, Amanda were forthcoming with history of the areas which made the experience really meaningful. Amanda is a wealth of knowledge and documented our afternoon with great pictures! Captain Mike was ready to serve coffee and hot chocolate to warm us up. It was a day I will always remember! Thanks Jeremy!!!Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
341 reviews
Excellent
231
Very good
84
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
7
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Hugh P
Brooklyn, NY17 contributions
Feb 2020
Manatees were the reason we went, lured by images of yes, crystal clear waters thronging with charmingly bewhiskered, shortsighted looking aquatic super sausages. The worldās largest congregations of wild manatees occurs in the river, around the springs and when the water warms slightly in the estuary or in the shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Our visit coincided with perfect days, warm sun and with that glorious alternative to the miseries of a New York Winter the departure of the manatees for the sea grass feast in the Gulf. We saw some at a distance having a mating brawl a few muzzles briefly breaking surface but that was about it. But far from it! Our river cruise with the parks service yielded close up views of dolphins not just sticking their beaks out but herding mullet by the reed beds and slapping the surface of the water with their tails. David Attenborough stuff! Like many wild species dolphins are not guaranteed but if you donāt see bald eagles, ospreys and a host of pelicans, cormorants and other waterfowl you are on the wrong river. Particularly intriguing were the many pre-Columbian structures - breakwaters, burial and ceremonial mounds, even a guard peninsula all constructed over centuries out of seashells! All clearly visible from the water. The town is friendly and touristy but not too touristy, the local crab and fishing industry is super sustainable, and the seafood a treat!
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScubaDave16
Highland, IN1,019 contributions
Jan 2022
This is a nice park where it was very easy to see manatees from the boardwalk. We were there in mid January so they were easy to spot.
There were a lot of snorkelers in the water as well as boats in the areas outside the small manatee sanctuaries, but on the boardwalks you could get quite close to the manatees.
There are a few trails around the area and we even saw manatees in the river as well.
A bit of info. You cannot park here. instead you go to town and park at the city hall and they have shuttle buses running every 30 minutes. While this is a National preserve, the National parks pass only gets you a discount on the shuttle bus. I think it was $12.50 per person if you are a senior (we all were).
It was still worth it.
There were a lot of snorkelers in the water as well as boats in the areas outside the small manatee sanctuaries, but on the boardwalks you could get quite close to the manatees.
There are a few trails around the area and we even saw manatees in the river as well.
A bit of info. You cannot park here. instead you go to town and park at the city hall and they have shuttle buses running every 30 minutes. While this is a National preserve, the National parks pass only gets you a discount on the shuttle bus. I think it was $12.50 per person if you are a senior (we all were).
It was still worth it.
Written 18 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hayleyamby
Fort Lauderdale, FL245 contributions
Jan 2020
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a great place. it's fantastic that it's been preserved for everyone to enjoy. I think it's important for people to recognize that the refuge is trying to balance the importance of providing a winter home for the manatees, preserving the springs and surrounding lands, and yet also offer recreation for people. It has to be tricky here, where throngs of people (myself included) want to come see the manatees.
Three Sisters Springs is just one area of the national wildlife refuge. This is probably the most popular because of the three main springs here, plus it's easily accessible. It's in a suburban area and you'll see the backs of several houses as you make your way there. The spring area becomes crowded with private motorboats, tour boats, snorkelers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. I think we all need to remember the manatees are endangered and face a lot of dangers (574 manatees died in 2019 in Florida) and give them space while we're visiting their home.
You can visit the refuge by renting a kayak from nearby Hunter Springs Kayaks, by a local manatee snorkeling tour, through a local hotel like Plantation Inn, or by bringing your own boat or paddlecraft, which is what my family do when we visit. We have paddled here three times now. Every time the weather is a little different, and we always see manatees.
You can also visit the springs via land, and walk on boardwalks around the springs. There is no access to the water if you arrive by land,.
In addition to manatees, you'll see schools of fish in the springs, and we even saw a snake in the water while swimming. There are birds around, too.
Crystal River is a wonderful place, and we need to be mindful of how we interact with the manatees and treat the water and land while we visit to preserve it for future generations.
Three Sisters Springs is just one area of the national wildlife refuge. This is probably the most popular because of the three main springs here, plus it's easily accessible. It's in a suburban area and you'll see the backs of several houses as you make your way there. The spring area becomes crowded with private motorboats, tour boats, snorkelers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. I think we all need to remember the manatees are endangered and face a lot of dangers (574 manatees died in 2019 in Florida) and give them space while we're visiting their home.
You can visit the refuge by renting a kayak from nearby Hunter Springs Kayaks, by a local manatee snorkeling tour, through a local hotel like Plantation Inn, or by bringing your own boat or paddlecraft, which is what my family do when we visit. We have paddled here three times now. Every time the weather is a little different, and we always see manatees.
You can also visit the springs via land, and walk on boardwalks around the springs. There is no access to the water if you arrive by land,.
In addition to manatees, you'll see schools of fish in the springs, and we even saw a snake in the water while swimming. There are birds around, too.
Crystal River is a wonderful place, and we need to be mindful of how we interact with the manatees and treat the water and land while we visit to preserve it for future generations.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pat l
Gainesville, GA1,102 contributions
Feb 2021
This NWR is absolutely amazing. We visited two days into the area, both by water. We paddled stand up paddleboards in the area near Kings Bay and then we took a boat out to snorkel on another day. Riding through waterways in the refuge was so peaceful and beautiful - true old Florida!
Great place for paddle sports because most boats creep along slowly without much wake due to manatee zones. Plus the beauty of the area is unmatched!
Great place for paddle sports because most boats creep along slowly without much wake due to manatee zones. Plus the beauty of the area is unmatched!
Written 14 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fssutton1
Charleston, SC889 contributions
Jan 2024 ā¢ Couples
Great place. I believe a key to seeing them is to make sure it has been cold in Florida a day or two before your visit. It appears they go in and out of this area based on the general temp trends in the greater Florida area. You can buy your tickets at the park gate or across the street (where there is plenty of parking at the Welcome Center which is next to a "strip mall"
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calimpich
Aiken, SC13 contributions
Apr 2023
This park is kind of like a natural zoo, with native animals in natural settings. We listened to a lecture on manatees which was informative, and we saw the feeding of three manatees. It was fun to see them so close. There were shady paths between the sections of animals, and there were signs to identify the animals.
I enjoyed this park very much.
I enjoyed this park very much.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathydale
Chicago, IL26 contributions
Dec 2023 ā¢ Couples
Beautiful natural hot springs. Manatees flock to them in the cold weather in order to stay warm. It's amazing to see them in their natural habitat! Very accessible. Take the wetland trail to see some snowy egrets. Public restrooms are available. Parking lot across the street. Ignore info regarding shuttle bus. (City Hall has moved due to the last hurricane August 2023)
Written 14 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RUDES2011
5 contributions
Dec 2019 ā¢ Family
This was a wild goose chase for us. We googled the address which led us to a empty building stating they moved. We head to that location tio only find a visit center and be told it was just the state parks. Thankfully the visitor center was able to direct us to Homossa Wildlife Refuge, that is as thing and very enjoyable. So save your time and head to Homossa!
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steffi
53 contributions
Nov 2023 ā¢ Couples
We originally wanted to go to the springs by kayak. Due to our "late" arrival, however, we decided to postpone the kayak tour and go to the Wildlife Refuge. This was the best decision we could have made. In addition to learning a lot about manatees and other animal species in Florida, we were also able to observe many manatees in the spring without having to go into the water. After our stay in the park, we also decided against a kayak tour and to donate the money instead.
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ctburke26
Saylorsburg, PA95 contributions
Apr 2022 ā¢ Couples
Beautiful clear water. Spring season, so the manatees we're not there (they go there during winter season to keep warm). Smaller than I expected, so it took about 10 minutes to view. I was able to kayack into the area - not sure if that is possible during winter season. If it is a weekend or holiday period, it will be crowded.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the walking trails like. We have an individual that likes walking but can only do flat trails and trips easily
Written 30 November 2023
What are the walking trails like. We have an individual that likes walking but can only do flat trails and trips easily
Written 30 November 2023
bonnie w
Clearwater, Florida
Is it open or closed for renovations. We want to go snorkeling.
Written 1 October 2021
Kathy P
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Are manatees around now? Can you snorkel with them?
Written 5 September 2020
Can you still see the Manatees in Mid April?
Written 1 February 2020
I believe that other answer is correct, - yes there are usually manatees there, and many other places, but definitely better in the winter. The amount of manatees in Crystal River is directly proportional to the temperature. The colder it is the more manatees go to the consistent 70+ degree underwater spring outlets. You can call any of the guide shops, they will be happy to give you information. I also like Fort De Soto kayaking for the warmer months, although the water is not as clear.
Written 7 February 2020
I know it wasnāt a lot $13? We had4 adults and two kids and it was the cheapest fun thing we did on the island. Also, you might want to look up Devilās Den itās in a different area but cool too.
Written 8 February 2020
Hi please can you tell me where you go to catch the pontoon to the refuge ?
Thanks
Sara
Written 20 July 2019
There are two entrances to the place. One is right at the refuge and the other is on US98. If you accidentally get to the entrance at the refuge....your entrance fee still covers the pontoon ride. So you could park buy the ticket and then ride the pontoon down and back.
Written 20 July 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 26
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing