Crystal River is the only place in North America where visitors can legally swim with wild West Indian manatees. Three Sisters Springs, a sheltered spring pool, hosts hundreds of manatees on cold winter days and is reachable by boardwalk and trolley. It is a long day trip, so many visitors stay overnight. The trip is about 90 miles (145 km) northwest from Orlando, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Take the Florida Turnpike to US-98/US-19 north to Crystal River; about 1 hour 45 minutes. Costs: Three Sisters Springs boardwalk admission about $20 for adults in winter (Nov 15-Mar 31), $12.50 in summer, children 6-15 about $7.50 (confirm with the city); manatee snorkel tours about $60-$110. Before going, confirm hours and any closures with the operator at 352-586-1170 or www.threesistersspringsfl.gov.
| Distance | About 90 miles (145 km) northwest |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 45 minutes by car |
| Getting there | Drive: Take the Florida Turnpike to US-98/US-19 north to Crystal River; about 1 hour 45 minutes. No LYNX or SunRail service reaches this destination, so rent a car, book a tour or use rideshare. |
| Cost | Three Sisters Springs boardwalk admission about $20 for adults in winter (Nov 15-Mar 31), $12.50 in summer, children 6-15 about $7.50 (confirm with the city); manatee snorkel tours about $60-$110 |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- Gas plus about $4-$8 in tolls
- Frequency
- Any time; leave early to beat I-4 traffic
- Operator
- Rental agencies at MCO or Orlando hotels
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
- Mode
- Guided tour or coach
- Cost
- Manatee snorkel tours from Crystal River cost about $60-$110 per person; transport from Orlando is not included
- Frequency
- Daily departures where available
- Operator
- Orlando tour operators (book via Viator or GetYourGuide)
- Departure point
- Selected Orlando, I-Drive and Disney area hotels
- Mode
- Rideshare one way
- Cost
- About $150-$210 each way
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Uber / Lyft
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
Location
917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
28.8858, -82.5925 View on map
Highlights
- See hundreds of manatees at Three Sisters Springs on cold days
- Join a licensed snorkel tour on Kings Bay
- Walk the boardwalk and wildlife trail
- Visit the Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Tips for visiting
- Book snorkel tours weeks in advance in winter
- Arrive early to catch the trolley
- In-water access to the springs is closed Nov 15-Mar 31
- Wear a wetsuit; winter water is cold
When to visit
Mid-November to March for manatees. Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Accessibility
Boardwalks are accessible; the trolley has wheelchair lifts. Phone 352-586-1170.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim with manatees?
Yes, on licensed Kings Bay tours with guidelines; in-water access at Three Sisters Springs is closed in winter.
How far is Crystal River from Orlando?
About 90 miles, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
When are manatees there?
Mid-November through March.