Crystal River (Kings Bay)Citrus County, FL

Visibility is an estimate — wind, rain, tide & water alerts.

Getting in

Boat access only

Snorkeling

Not a shore snorkel; reached by boat

Best conditions

Manatees shelter in the warm springs from November 15 to March 31, which is when viewing peaks. That same window carries the tightest rules and the most closures.

Getting through the gate

There is no water entry from land. You reach the springs through the waterways of Kings Bay by your own or a rented vessel, or on a guided tour with a refuge-permitted operator. In-water access runs sunrise to sunset when the springs are open.

Protection

Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs lie within Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983 for the Florida manatee. USFWS requires passive observation: you may not initiate contact with a manatee, and any contact must be the manatee's choice. Manatees are protected federally under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, and by Florida's Manatee Sanctuary Act. Seven warm-water sanctuaries are in effect November 15 to March 31, and paddle craft are allowed inside Three Sisters Springs only from April 1 to November 14.

On site

restrooms, parking lot, gear rentals nearby

Watch for

Harassing or disturbing a manatee breaks state and federal law. FWC lists penalties up to $500 and 60 days for a state conviction, and up to $50,000 and a year in prison on a federal one, USFWS closes in-water access to Three Sisters Springs at short notice when Gulf water drops below 62.2 F, and any time manatee protection calls for it

Checked 2026-07-19. Sources: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal River refuge, City of Crystal River, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.