Three Sisters Springs

Best time to dive

January to December

What you might see

• Sea turtlePossible

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - yes - primary activity is passive-observation snorkeling with manatees

Safety notes

boat traffic in Kings Bay, cold water in winter (wetsuit needed); manatees are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act - touching/chasing/disturbing is a criminal/civil offense; no fishing in refuge waters. CONTESTED: 2025 Center for Biological Diversity notice of intent to sue over reduced federal enforcement enabling manatee harassment (crowding/touching); 2026 local boat captains publicly raised overcrowding/stress concerns - mass swim-with-manatees tourism vs. passive-observation mandate is an active controversy

Permits & fees

no refuge entrance fee at the visitor center; Three Sisters Springs boardwalk has a City of Crystal River entry fee (exact amount not verified, contact 352-586-1170); independent paddlers can self-launch in-season (Apr-Nov) at public ramps at no refuge fee; commercial tour operator prices vary and were not independently confirmed

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Crystal River