Crystal River Refugewinter wildlife
Manatee season, November 15 to March 31, when manatees come to the refuge's springs to get through the cold, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 15–Mar 31). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Crystal River Refuge · September
- Paddle craft allowed inside Three Sisters Springs (April 1 – November 14) · Apr–Nov
48days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 15–Mar 31, local timing
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Paddle craft allowed inside Three Sisters Springs (April 1 – November 14)NowApr–Nov
- Manatee season (November 15 – March 31)Nov–Mar
- Seven warm-water manatee sanctuaries in effect (November 15 – March 31)Nov–Mar
- Visitor center open daily, 9:00 to 4:00 (November 15 – March 31)Nov–Mar
Where to watch
- Three Sisters Springs boardwalkThe most popular place to watch manatees from above the water in winter. Land access is by shuttle and gives no access to the water; trails open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on some holidays) and an entrance fee applies, set by the City of Crystal River.
- Visitor Center and Nature Store on Kings BayAt 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, with a view of the islands on Kings Bay and manatee displays; free, and open 9:00 to 4:00 daily from November 15 to March 31.
Crystal River Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Rules & Policies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Wildlife watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge?
Manatee season, November 15 to March 31, when manatees come to the refuge's springs to get through the cold, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 15–Mar 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 48 days (Nov 15–Mar 31, local timing).
Can I paddle into Three Sisters Springs in winter?
No. Paddle craft are allowed inside Three Sisters Springs only between April 1 and November 14. During manatee season the seven warm-water manatee sanctuaries are in effect.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Does the refuge have a boat launch or run manatee tours?
No to both. The refuge has no water-access facilities, but several City boat ramps and private ramps (with a fee) reach refuge waters. Guided manatee tours are run by businesses that hold refuge Special Use Permits.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there an entry fee?
The Visitor Center and Nature Store are free. Three Sisters Springs charges an entrance fee, handled by the City of Crystal River's Three Sisters Springs Center.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I do before getting in the water with manatees?
Watch the refuge's "Manatee Manners" videos before any recreation in Kings Bay; they explain how not to disturb manatees.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I fly a drone?
No. Drones are prohibited on national wildlife refuges.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR: Rules & Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge?
Three Sisters Springs boardwalk: the most popular place to watch manatees from above the water in winter. Land access is by shuttle and gives no access to the water; trails open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on some holidays) and an entrance fee applies, set by the City of Crystal River.; Visitor Center and Nature Store on Kings Bay: at 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, with a view of the islands on Kings Bay and manatee displays; free, and open 9:00 to 4:00 daily from November 15 to March 31..
Are there closures or permits to know about in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge?
Seven warm-water manatee sanctuaries in effect (November 15 – March 31) (Nov–Mar).
What is Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Manatee season (November 15 – March 31) (Nov–Mar), Seven warm-water manatee sanctuaries in effect (November 15 – March 31) (Nov–Mar), Paddle craft allowed inside Three Sisters Springs (April 1 – November 14) (Apr–Nov) and Visitor center open daily, 9:00 to 4:00 (November 15 – March 31) (Nov–Mar).