crystal river national wildlife refuge

982gladysb

Lots of birds and wildlife to see. Wildlife and birds are native to Florida. We saw a lot of manatees while there. Boat ride and/or trolley ride to get to main park. Great place for young and old alike.

557cynthiaw

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is more than a small office as suggested by previous reviewers. It a vast expanse encompassing King's Bay, Crystal River, Three Sisters' Springs as well as other springs and hiking and biking trails. The refuge office is a very convenient and accessible place to gather information to assist with your visit and to make the most out of your trip. They also have some nice things to purchase to take home to remind you of your visit to the area.

BobW894

This is a very small building open to the public. It is informative and has a few nice displays but it is mostly a tourist type shop...

HowlnBubba

The refuge office is a little hard to find, but they are very helpful. The Three Sisters area has restrictions on land access, but we got good views on a commercial boat ride. The one problem is crowds, which I suppose are somewhat beyond the refuge's control. Visiting Three Sisters on a nice day is like visiting Times Square - a ton of visitors, many of whom are ignorant or rude. While snorkeling, I personally got hit by two bumbling kayakers, and took another one's paddle in the face - all while I hugged the shore in an attempt to avoid them. I also watched at least two people knowingly nudge resting manatees with their feet - an unlawful act. Anyway, I got to see manatees close up, and got to pet one that approached me. Just be aware that a crowd of manatees and/or people will make the water less than ideally clear.We took two boat trips and would gladly return for more.

JudiMatthews

This is the headquarters for Fish and Wildlife for this area. The gift shop is manned by volunteers who can give you information about anything in the area. Certainly worth a visit if you are in the area and looking for some gifts to take home. Ask about those cute manatee ornaments made by Judi M. from Beverly Hills

london057

Nothing to see . There more to see south at the Homosassa Springs State Park. It is a nice area though.

WhirldWind

If Walt Disney could have created a unique Florida wildlife experience, this would be it. But then many folks might not be able to afford it. You can join a tour to snorkel with manatees for around $50, or rent your own boat, canoe or kayak and do it even cheaper. Keep in mind that there are very strict rules about how to interact with manatees. If you break them, you risk a steep fine. Even worse, you risk ruining this unique opportunity for future generations. Show some humble respect for this very unique place and opportunity. If you are not comfortable with mask, fins and snorkel, don’t be a ditz. Get some gear and learn in a pool before you go.

chris52817

The hipo, 1600 pounds of wonderful, had celebrated his birthday the week before we were there. They gather the school kids and watch Lou enjoy his birthday cake! He was was 4 years old when the park got him. Of course the media has this in the local paper. Loved watching the wildlife, fish, birds etc. I could go on and on. Reminds you of an outdoor zoo. Lots of fun for everyone. Good deal of walking, but have carriages for your journey around the park., if needed. Nice atmosphere as well.

956CarolB956

If you find the refuge center, you find a lot of information on the area and refuges along the Gulf coast. If's a nice place to put a kayak in the water. But from here you have to go to the some adventure parking lot to take a bus ($) to a boardwalk to see the wildlife. There is a bridge close by that you can stop and see the manatee entering and leaving the area . . . depending on temperature and tides. The best thing is to find a boat tour that provides wet suits to swim with the manatees . . . that is fun. And then find a nice waterside restaurant to enjoy a nice lunch.

l-theiss

Manatees are peculiar animals and being able to interact with them is an experience of a lifetime. The park staff are friendly and keep errant tourists in line. You can tell they have a true heart for protecting the manatees.

NewAdventurer2

The 84 manatees were mostly in a tight cluster near the boardwalk. The water is indeed "crystal clear", making for a stunning display. Come when these gentle creatures "hunker down" for the winter. It's worth the trip.

tillok

This is a beautiful spot to kayak or snorkel with the manatees. Personally, I wish the kayaks had to be tied up outside like everything else but hey, that's me. We took two snorkeling trips there and we did a paddle board trip out as well. It gets very congested with tour groups -- which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I wish they'd limit the numbers going in. If you are there with people that follow the guidelines - -it is still enjoyable. But many people walk and stir up the bottom so it doesn't remain as clear as you see in the photos all the time. Two of our trips there were great but one trip we were constantly bossed around by kayakers and walkers on the boardwalk. Know your manatee rules and enjoy -- and don't let the bossy know it alls spoil your fun. Don't persue or chase the manatee, but if they come to you, you can touch them with one hand. The end. :)

manatee858

This is a beautiful, natural setting filled with wildlife. Hiking and biking through this area is some of the most fun our family ever had together.

DriveA320

They have all kinds of animals that are native to Florida. All animals in the refuge are injured wildlife that would not survive in the wild. This place is educational and is a great way to see Florida wildlife up close. Everything from Florida panthers to bald eagles to manatees can be seen there.

amanateegirl

I had been here, years ago. I thought to bring my family to share my love of manatees. There is an option to take a trolley or a boat ride to the entrance. The boat ride was amazing, don't miss it. The guides point out all kinds of things you might miss. It is a nice relaxing 20 minutes, with all kinds of wildlife to be seen. Once we got to the refuge I was a bit disappointed. The manatees being rehabbed were stuck in a small enclosure with filthy murkey water. The last time I visited, the rehabbed manatees were swimming in the spring that is blocked off from the rest of the river for that purpose. It was pretty unsettling to see 3 huge manatees squashed into a nasty cement enclosure. Nothing at all like their natural habitat. I have seen numerous manatees in rehab, this is by far dirtiest set up. It was almost like they penned them up there for the tourists to see. We won't be back.