Three Sisters Springs Manatees

About this spectacle

Three Sisters Springs is a crystal-clear freshwater spring complex nestled within Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. During cooler months, warm spring water — a constant 72°F — draws hundreds of West Indian manatees seeking refuge from chilly Gulf waters. Visitors who enter the water encounter these massive, gentle mammals at close range, drifting slowly through gin-clear water amid swaying eelgrass. The experience is intimate and unhurried: manatees may approach within arm's reach, rolling lazily to breathe at the surface. The underwater visibility can exceed 20 feet, making snorkeling alongside them a vivid, otherworldly encounter. Above water, the narrow spring run is bordered by subtropical vegetation draped in Spanish moss, and the sounds of wading birds and gentle current complete the scene. Access is managed to protect the manatees, limiting crowds and preserving the sense of encountering wild animals on their own terms.

When to go

Oct — Apr, peak Dec — Mar

Getting there

Nearest airport: TPA. Nearest city: Ocala.

Booking options

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