Located along a stretch of Florida shoreline known as the Nature Coast, Crystal River is famous for its wildlife refuge dedicated to the preservation of manatees. Here, the river and dozens of freshwater springs set the scene for outdoor adventures including snorkeling with manatees, clear kayaking excursions, fishing charters, and eco tours. And in addition to the long list of things to do on the water, Crystal River also offers a historic downtown and attractions such as the Three Sisters Spring Boardwalk and Fort Island Gulf Beach.
The best time to visit Crystal River is November–May when the manatees are most plentiful. Although manatee tours run year-round, the manatees prefer to chill in the spring-fed waters in the cooler months and the ocean in summer. Still, whenever you visit, there are plenty of other things to do, including kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, fishing, scalloping (July-October), shopping, eating, and visiting historical sites.
Conveniently located on Florida’s “nature coast” between Tampa, Orlando, and Gainesville, Crystal River is best accessed by road. To minimize driving, pick a spot on the waterfront close to Kings Bay and spend your time boating, SUPing, and snorkeling around the springs. The coast is a short drive away, and most of the town center can be accessed on foot or by bicycle—although if you visit in summer be prepared for plenty of heat and humidity.
Crystal River is the only place in the US where people can legally swim with wild manatees, which means it’s very popular in peak manatee season. Visit out of season for fewer manatees but also fewer people, lower prices, and the chance to visit the springs that are closed off to boats in high season. Be sure to escape manatee mayhem at Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a 2,500-year-old pre-Columbian site a few miles out of town.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 3 | Tours 73 | Reviews 13,075 |
Many visitors know Crystal River for its world-class fishing, but hundreds of manatees know these warm waters as their winter home. Each year, from November through May, hundreds of manatees migrate to Crystal River, offering visitors a chance to swim, kayak, and dive with these gentle creatures.
...MoreYou’d better bring your swimsuit, camera, and love of marine life when you visit Crystal River. Popular for being the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with manatees in their natural habitat, Crystal River is also a notable place to fish, kayak through mangroves, and take boat tours.
...MoreYes, Crystal River has a compact downtown area which includes the Three Sisters Springs Visitor Center. The historic Main Street is lined with locally owned restaurants offering seafood and Southern barbecue. There’s also a monthly First Friday celebration with live music. The nearby Coastal Heritage Museum tells of local history.
...MoreYes, there have been alligator sightings around Crystal River. Florida is home to over 1 million alligators and these creatures may be present in any body of fresh water throughout the state. However, alligators are typically not in the areas of Crystal River where you’d swim or dive with manatees.
...MoreYes, you can swim in the Crystal River and in the waters around Crystal River. Crystal River is the only place where you’re legally allowed to swim with manatees. You can also swim in Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs, but marine life such as alligators may be present.
...MoreThe closest beach to Crystal River is Fort Island Beach, sitting only a 15-minute drive west of the city. This soft, white-sand beach rests along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a family-friendly public beach that features a fishing pier, a boat ramp, covered picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of parking.
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