Discover Crystal River Florida is known as The Manatee Capital of the World. It is only of the only places in the sunshine state to see large groupings of manatees. In March 2015, an aerial survey on behalf of the State of Florida's Department of Fish and Game found 6,063 manatees in Florida waters. Of the 6,000+ over 1,000 manatees were found in the waters of Crystal River's Citrus County. Nowhere else in the world is there a greater number of manatees present in winter months, January  - March.Travelers seeking an encounter with these gentle giants will want to schedule a trip to Discover Crystal River Florida; the only place in the United States where visitors can legally swim with the endangered Florida Manatee. Swimming with the Manatees

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge houses Kings Bay with more than 70 springs, making it a magnitude complex and one of the largest wild manatee refuge on Florida's Gulf Coast. The primary springs within the wildlife refuge are Idiots Delight, Three Sisters, and the King Springs group, which include Tarpon Hole, Mullet's Gullet, and Little Hidden Springs. Three Sisters Springs is the only one accessible by land; all of the others are accessible only by boat. The areas in and around the springs are dedicated and protected manatee sanctuaries. Guided tours are recommended to swim with these endangered species while kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities in the Springs. As always manatee manners are strictly enforced.

Three Sisters Springs, Wildlife Refuge is a combination of three springs to include vents, sand boils and crystal clear spring waters which help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of Crystal River. Travelers to the area can swim, kayak or canoe the Springs. Tip: it's always best to have a guide who can point out interesting facts along the way. New this year: guided walking tours to be offered in the morning and afternoons. These tours will explore the wetlands and give visitors a deeper glimpse of the area beyond the popular boardwalk views. Guided birding tours are also available on Tuesday mornings. Tickets holder will also have access to trolley rides to the Springs. 

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is one of the oldest attractions in Florida operating since the 1900s. Travelers can see manatees every day of the year from the park's underwater observatory in the main spring. Today this state park has morphed into a wildlife conservation area and is one of the top locations to view manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles and river otters. The park also offers Wildlife Encounter programs and a children's education center, daily interactive programs and of course concession stands and gift shops.

About Discover Crystal River

Discover Crystal River, is the only place in the United States where travelers can legally swim with manatees.  With more manatees than anywhere else in Florida, it's The Manatee Capital of the World. The area is also home to pristine swimmable springs, endless bicycling, walking, birding and hiking trails. There are numerous choices for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing as seven rivers, a chain of lakes, islands, marshlands, and mangroves create the ideal environment for a day on the water. It is a fantastic choice for those who relish fresh-caught seafood.  Summer is scallop season; fall is blue crab season and spring and fall usher in seasonal fishing. The area is becoming known as a top choice for eco-travelers. Visit online or call 800.587.6667. Like us on Facebook, post a photo to our Instagram page or Tweet us!