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
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83 within 3 miles
Attractions
33 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Fam_o_5_plus_1Wisconsin2,323 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 4, 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 14, 2023
- fssutton1Charleston, South Carolina893 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 17, 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
341 reviews
Excellent
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84
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Terrible
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pat l
Gainesville, GA1,099 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 February 14, 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, SC893 contributions
Jan 2024 • 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 February 5, 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 April 9, 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 • 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 December 14, 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 • 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 January 1, 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 • 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 January 15, 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 • 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 April 7, 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.
Kathy S
Las Vegas, NV4 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We 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!!!
Written April 26, 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.
Leslie S
17 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful place for a walk and very pretty. Boardwalks were well maintained. I know it is important, but there were just way too many signs on staying out of the water, it became very distracting. The asphalt paths needed some maintenance, but not a big deal for anyone who isn't disabled. Not enough areas to rest away from the sun, and I ended up a little overheated.
Written April 28, 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.
Sue H
Pensacola, FL6 contributions
Feb 2023
Wonderful trip to Crystal River. I spent the President's day weekend. At three sister springs, I walked past the far springs and 75 -100 feet past that there were over 100 manatees. Super lucky to see this.
You can only get in the water entering the water, so next time I will book one of these tours.
I did the Explorida boat trip and left city hall to three sisters springs. Both were fantastic!
You can only get in the water entering the water, so next time I will book one of these tours.
I did the Explorida boat trip and left city hall to three sisters springs. Both were fantastic!
Written March 5, 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.
What are the walking trails like. We have an individual that likes walking but can only do flat trails and trips easily
Written November 30, 2023
What are the walking trails like. We have an individual that likes walking but can only do flat trails and trips easily
Written November 30, 2023
bonnie w
Clearwater, Florida
Is it open or closed for renovations. We want to go snorkeling.
Written October 1, 2021
Kathy P
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Are manatees around now? Can you snorkel with them?
Written September 5, 2020
Can you still see the Manatees in Mid April?
Written February 1, 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 February 7, 2020
I know it wasn’t 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 Devil’s Den it’s in a different area but cool too.
Written February 8, 2020
Hi please can you tell me where you go to catch the pontoon to the refuge ?
Thanks
Sara
Written July 20, 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 July 20, 2019
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