Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Category: Wildlife refuge in Crystal River, Florida

Address: 1502 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

Phone: +13525632088

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 9AM–4PM

Tuesday: 9AM–4PM

Wednesday: 9AM–4PM

Thursday: 9AM–4PM

Friday: 9AM–4PM

Saturday: Closed

Reviews

David Perez

Jul 6, 2022

Very scenic location. Beautiful and pristine natural springs. It would be nice if it were more accessible with greater parking availability within the park itself.

Jonathan Joiner

Jun 25, 2022

Fantastic place not spoiled by tourism ...yet. Views, fishing, kayaking/canoes. As a family spot, high on the return list. Shout out to Dan's for best chowder and shrimp Poe boy Sammy. Fried clam strips damn good too.

Angel P

Jun 15, 2022

If there’s one thing to do in Florida, is to visit its springs, no matter the season you come here spring water stay at a good temperature year round, due to that wildlife finds a shelter and home in Florida. Crystal River is one of the most unique springs in Florida due to it’s healthy population of Manatees, the water potato. If you are in the area get in contact with any of the tours to swim with manatees, 100% recommend. Beware tho, it can get really busy during the summer months and weekends.

Alexander R.

Feb 15, 2022

Great place for kayaking and to see manatees. The water is super clear hence the name Crystal River. Only about an hour and 20 minutes from Tampa.

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Questions & Answers

Can you use the national parks pass (America the Beautiful) for entry?

Erica Thomas | Aug 24, 2020
candyce ryl | Nov 27, 2021

The National Park Pass maybe used to receive a discount on adult, senior and military entry. Each card allows the discount for 4 persons

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Can I bring my dog?

TITI SIMONE | Aug 25, 2018
Ed Kleiner | Aug 24, 2021

Only service animals are permitted

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Can you snorkel there?

KBL KBL | Aug 25, 2018
Jayson Bortz | Aug 25, 2018

No. That address is for the office. Try Hunter Spring Park.Theres a beach area and kayak launch, picnic tables, etc..

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Hello ! I would like to know if they open on December 31 and until what time! Thank you!

Liliana Maria Orozoc | Aug 24, 2020
tracy mickelson | Aug 24, 2020

I don't know when they'll be open till on new year's eve but I'm pretty sure they'll be open until at least 3pm.

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Are dogs allowed?

AMANDA HARPER | Aug 24, 2020
Brian Moyer | Aug 24, 2020

Yes we seen many well behaved dogs

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Zdenka Bagaric just now Do they close if they reach certain capacity like Weeki Wachee park would close after certain number of visitors enter in?

Zdenka Bagaric | Aug 25, 2019
Ed Dawson | Aug 25, 2019

No the springs are huge and you can get to them by boat or by car. Three sisters springs is amazing!

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Will we see Manatees in June?

Sahara | Aug 25, 2018
Roberta Bruce | Aug 25, 2018

We did and dolphins also! ☺

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Can I bring my pet

Troy Crawford | Aug 25, 2018
judi matthews | Aug 25, 2018

Service animals are accepted.

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Can you see manatees by foot?

Susan Takach | Aug 24, 2021
Chris Hargrave | Aug 24, 2021

Yes.

Is it worth visiting during December?

Hayley Chan | Aug 24, 2021
Kimberly Garrison | Aug 24, 2021

Absolutely! The manatees are in from the Gulf. Try to visit after a cold night because that's when the most manatees will be in the springs.

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Kayak/Canoe renting price?

Supun B Attanayake | Aug 24, 2021
Janmarie Weston | Aug 24, 2021

There are a multitude of places to rent kayaks but not at the refuge. The prices are dependent upon whether it's for a full or half day. Look on Travel Advisor.

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Entrance/Parking fee?

Supun B Attanayake | Aug 24, 2021
Thomas Weston | Aug 24, 2021

The Refuge is mostly water. You can rent kayaks from a number of vendors in Crystal River, or take a boat tour. If you want to visit Three Sisters Springs by land, you take a shuttle trolley. All info is at threesistersspringsvisitor.org

Kayak/canoe rental fee?

Supun B Attanayake | Aug 24, 2021
Thomas Weston | Aug 24, 2021

They do not rent kayaks at the Refuge. You can search online for rentals in Crystal River. Then kayak from the rental site to the Refuge. You will probably see manatees swimming along as you paddle there.

Can you swim there? How much does it cost to enter the Park First time visitor what is there to do

Maxine Hylton | Aug 24, 2021
Brian | Aug 24, 2021

You cannot swim if you enter the refuge or three sisters springs park. They have boardwalks that overlook the springs only. If you want to swim you will need to rent a kayak from one of the many local rental places. You can kayak through Kings Bay and into the springs and swim if you like.

Can't seem to get through on the phone heading there today will be there about 2 and wondered if you are able to swim or snorkel tube kayak? Daughter's birthday thanks so much

Jennifer Brewer Brand, Event Dir,PR-Delta | Aug 24, 2020
Ilysa Serao | Aug 24, 2020

When we went to the springs in that area, most people swam or went snorkeling but there were some that would kayak or tube just be sure to watch out for others and stay safe.

Can you see manatees right now without renting kayaks or doing a tour?

Trisha Shamp | Aug 24, 2020
Vickey Dawson | Aug 24, 2020

No and the manatees are there in the winter time

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can you tent camp in the refuge?

J R | Aug 24, 2020
Austin New | Aug 24, 2020

Notnin the refuge but there are campsites near

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How much to get in? Don't see anything on website??

Karen Finley | Aug 24, 2020
David Sullivan | Aug 24, 2020

Free.

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Is this open on Christmas day?

Marilyn Dama | Aug 24, 2020
Ric Ruggiero | Aug 24, 2020

Yes

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Does the 3 Sister's Springs park have any fees? Parking? Entry?

Julie C. | Aug 24, 2020
NOFINCLUE | Aug 24, 2020

Depends if you go by land or water I believe it is a small fee by land and by water nothing

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What is the cost?

Elaine Wilkinson | Aug 24, 2020
Cindy Baldwin | Aug 24, 2020

Around 80

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where can I go swimming that I domt have to pay for

melissa king | Aug 25, 2019
Paul Tolar | Aug 25, 2019

You can swim for free at the beach

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How much to get in parks?

Bonnie Gummoe | Aug 25, 2019
Heidi Dobrovolsky | Aug 25, 2019

I know they do have senior discounts but don't remember exact price

Is there a wildlife drive

JoAnne Ware | Aug 25, 2019
Mitchell | Aug 25, 2019

No. Walking trails are available, but automobiles must be parked outside the Refuge.

Can you swim there and is it clear?

Friendly Waters Pool Care | Aug 25, 2019
Gregory Jarmon | Aug 25, 2019

Yes, you can swim. Tara is correct about the water being clear in the springs, but it's also clear in the river. The difference is the visibility. The springs are nice and clear blue color where you can see for a good distance away. The river is dark and green and has limited visibility. You can see a few feet around you, but not as clear or as far as the springs. We scuba dive in both the river and springs a couple times a month.

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How much does it cost to just get in without snorkeling

Kelly Tidwell | Aug 25, 2019
Cindi Frames | Aug 25, 2019

You can kayak in and much cheaper. Keep in mind manatee season is Jan through March. Not saying you won't see any but more likely during the season.

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Can I camp there

Scott Shipe | Aug 25, 2019
Ligia Gata | Aug 25, 2019

Not really camping but there are plenty of lodging solutions going from good high level conventional hotels, bungalows, apartments, etc. It is a very pleasant place.

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Are there gators in the water with the Manatees?

nancy kissler | Aug 25, 2019
Gregory Jarmon | Aug 25, 2019

Yes. There are plenty of pics of gators in Crystal River, including 3 Sisters Springs. They generally avoid places with heavy traffic, but they are found in our river and spring systems. With that said, you are relatively safe. Most avoid humans and they are not naturally aggressive except during mating season. If you see one, dont feed or antagonize it. Calmly leave the area.

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Do they have Rv parking?

Mike Swindall | Aug 25, 2019
George O'Hara | Aug 25, 2019

Yes, but not at refuge. Parking at shuttle service.

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Is this place open?

Morgan Barthelme | Aug 25, 2019
Bob Kneel | Aug 25, 2019

I think normal park hours which are probably sunrise to sunset.

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Where can u swim with dolphins

Debbie Clark | Aug 25, 2019
Michelle Self | Aug 25, 2019

Manatee swimming is what Crystal River is famous for.

Can you take your own boat

Antonio Bravo | Aug 25, 2019
Javier Cross | Aug 25, 2019

Yep

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I'm looking to take granddaughter for a snorkeling trip to Crystal River, where is the best place to get help with this. Sunset Cruise??

Tammy Donovan | Aug 25, 2018
Michael Stone | Aug 25, 2018

Check the website for Crystal River

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Are there alligators?

Gail Sutton | Aug 25, 2018
John Roberts | Aug 25, 2018

We did not see any, but they are there.

Where can I rent kayaks and how much do they cost?

Monica S | Aug 25, 2018
Lisa Bevilacqua | Aug 25, 2018

Mike"s kayaks is awesome. Very reasonable pricing, the people are great. Our family had a blast .

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I am going to crystal river tomorrow to spend the day. Can you please suggest some fun activities to do? I already have a manatee snorkel scheduled. I would like to rent kayaks and go kayaking in a scenic area. Where are kayaks the cheapest? Ty

Monica S | Aug 25, 2018
Paul Onorato | Aug 25, 2018

Manatee connection see Hank is the best around in Crystal River Tell him Paul is ex neighbor recommended him

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Best place to bring a boat and launch and stay nearby? Ok 3 questions

S Manier | Aug 25, 2018
April and Caleb Meade | Aug 25, 2018

Plantation and yhe Best Western are both good choices. Plantation is going to be more family oriented vs Best Western.

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How much is entry? Can you blow up tubes there?

Diana Burch | Aug 25, 2018
Michael Stone | Aug 25, 2018

You can not get to the water here. Rainbow River is the best bet.

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Are there any manatees to see during Jun - Jul. Don't want to make the trip if not.

Sue Fedorczuk | Aug 25, 2018
Michael Stone | Aug 25, 2018

Manatees are only there in the cooler weather and gone when it starts warming up.

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Is there a fee to just look around?

Betsy Webb | Aug 25, 2018
Michael Stone | Aug 25, 2018

Judi, has her information correct.

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Is this open?

Sarah Duncan | Aug 25, 2018
Michael Stone | Aug 25, 2018

Yes, it's always open.

Are you open today (Easter)?

Patricia Conkle | Aug 25, 2018
Michael Stone | Aug 25, 2018

Give them a call

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Can I launch a kayak there and explore?

Timothy Elszasz | Aug 25, 2018
Jayson Bortz | Aug 25, 2018

There are public launches at Kings Bay Park, and Hunter Springs Park. Both parks are a short distance off US 19, in the bayside area of downtown Crystal River. Vehicle parking is $5 for a full day, free parking is available if you dont mind carrying your kayak a couple hundred yards.

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Is this open today a Saturday

Jonathan Nash | Aug 25, 2018
Martin Mariaantony | Aug 25, 2018

Yes

Do they have kayaks for rent?

Sherry Hall | Aug 25, 2018
Keith M | Aug 25, 2018

There are plenty. Kayaks, canoes etc. Groupon has good deals as well.

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Visibility of water?

Dena Vess | Aug 25, 2018
Knute Johnson | Aug 25, 2018

Can you swim

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