This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A popular swimming spot with dogs is right at the mouth of Three Sisters Springs before you actually enter or the beach area I mentioned above. This makes it an easy day trip from Tampa, Gainesville or Orlando, wherever you are located. The springs got their name because they are made up of three springs, Pretty Sister, Deep Sister, and Little Sister. We will be back in winter when we can see manatees. Manatees can still hang around here, they just arent here in hoards like they are in other months! It was an amazing trip! for nearly as long. Children must be at least 3 years of age to participate. Mikes Kayak Academywe have the best Kayaks and value on Kings Bay in the quaint little town of Crystal River, Florida. I'd recommend going early! Insider's tip: Rent or bring a kayak or canoe. In this video, I'll go over our experience and what to expect when kayaking . This post may contain some affiliate links. My 1 daughter and I had never been kayaking before so we felt the guided tour was best for us. Visit. What can I say in words to encourage everyone and anyone to take this tour? All of our kayaks are simply the best boats on the bay. Then you can enjoy the walking trails and beautiful views without getting wet. Please come back to visit us again soon and thanks again for your 5-star review! But at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refugethe only protected area dedicated to Florida manatee habitat preservationmanatees reside year-round. During the winter months (from about November to March), manatees are attracted to the crystal clear warm spring waters. This is a great place to stop and take a break and eat a snack. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. We have free parking available and we shuttle you to our launch area which is 1/2 mile away. Length 1.3 miElevation gain 3 ftRoute type Loop. There are also normal kayaks available, with single and tandem options. During the winter when the ocean cools down manatees head into the springs to take advantage of the warmer waters. or do you suggest another guided tour? kayak or canoe in. History; City Map; Discover Crystal River; Column 2. The water is crystal clear, and there is a spring-fed beach to enjoy in addition to swimming in the waters. . The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Or stay dry with our various river cruises! Cancellations made inside of 7 days will not receive a refund; however, we will offer a voucher for the booking value that will be good for 1 year after original reservation. We are located a few hundred feet off of US 19 in Crystal River on NE 1st Street. As soon as we launched we started seeing herons, pelicans and osprey. Quick text and email confirmation received. We offer a selection of gifts and apparel, alongside kayak accessories such as waterproof bags, phone cases and goggles. She had a lifetime of information about the area and was excellent at her job as a tour guide. Dont take it from us heres what people have to say about this operator. Hop into a completely clear kayak on the Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs where you'll be seeing manatees, turtles, otters, and more on this guided tour. On the map, "You are here" is the location of the Chassahowitzka River Campground. Kayaking inside the spring itself is permitted during non-manatee season. If you stop at the Crystal River Kayak Company in Citrus County you might see manatees up close. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. At Capt. Our clear kayaks will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the underwater world beneath you. We are open year round with the exception of two days: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. At the rivers origin, theres a tiny community with a handful of houses and trailers. We had never seen Manatees before and loved watching them. Crystal clear spring water, Manatees, and a good paddle create the perfect afternoon adventure! 2.5 Hours. Captain Mike's Kayak Academy offers paddle board and kayak rentals. This article by Discover Crystal River Florida is a great resource to find the best fit for you. Plan your Florida trip: Learn more about other places around the state to spot manatees in the wild. It was great and all thanks to your instructions and willingness to share your adventure with us. We ran out of time on our rental while trying to reach them and had to turn around. More About Nina. Copyright Law. You can rent mask/snorkel sets and wetsuits from us if needed. Its a beautiful paddle; be sure to go to the end. We got started late - not the company's fault - and Josh apologized about the late start and assured we'd have all the time we wanted, which we did. My family and I made reservations for the tour the night before our tour after researching and comparing different sites and we were happy we went with Paddles Outdoor! Timing is everything to see the manatees, kayaking was fun! Our guide was Josh and we really enjoyed him! The park keepers were also very nice there. From your fully transparent kayak, youll easily observe any manatees you come across, as well as dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish. The entrance fee is $7.50 in summer, $15 in winter and includes a trolly that will take you to the springs and back. COVID update: Three Sisters Springs has updated their hours and services. I hope you enjoy your day on the water as you are kayaking Crystal River! This page may include affiliate links from which we earn modest commissions if a purchase is made. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida. The headsprings of Three Sisters Springs is open to kayakers from May 1st to November 15th, when the sanctuaries go up for the winter season. Do note this is the only area where you can legally swim with manatees in the country! Make sure you bring water, sunscreen and a waterproof bag! Join us on our all-inclusive guided swim eco-tour inside of Three Sisters Springs on your choice of a kayak or paddle board with our amazing local guides. The windey narrowing trail was great. Just bring your curiosity, your desire to meet and commune with manatees, and a willingness to explore and youre all set! Photos (243) Directions. On one of the Chazs tributaries, we spent 15 minutes watching a family of five or six otters scampering, swimming, fishing, diving and delighting us. Three Sister Springs originates in King's Bay before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Join us on our all-inclusive guided swim eco-tour inside of Three Sisters Springs on your choice of a kayak or paddle board with our amazing local guides. 123 NW HWY 19 Let us take away the fear and anxiety of getting in and out of your boats so you can put more time and energy into doing what we love best having fun! First you reach the Blue Spring, a wide area where the water turns turquoise. The paddle in the bay and down the river are beautiful on their own, and the springs and wildlife are just an added bonus. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! THREE SISTERS WINTER CLOSURES. The best way to get there is by car, I dont know of any public transportation that could get you there. No pick up or drop off is needed! The must do tributary is Baird Creek, a narrow shaded winding stream that is considerably longer. There are a few different rental companies to choose from, such as Hunter Springs Kayaks, which offers various kayak options. We venture out to spot various springs, manatees, turtles, dolphins, fish, and many species of birds. She was with us every step of the way, helped us with docking the kayaks and the logistics. Yes. I've added a note to that effect to the post. We welcome paddlers with all levels of experience, from first timers to hard-worn adventurers. VISIT FLORIDA is the Sunshine States official tourism marketing corporation and travel planning resource for visitors across the globe. Even came up to our kayak. You can arrange gear and tours to swim with manatees at most places you rent kayaks from. Due to shoreline erosion, visitors cannot access the water from within the refuge. Alexander Springs, Altoona Three Sisters Springs Canal Stabilization Project April 1, 2023-November 2023, In-water access to Three Sisters Springs is open from sunriseto sunset daily (unless the springs are closed which can occur during manatee season). Our location is great too just a 15-minute ride into Three Sisters Springs. Part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, is a 57-acre protected wetland, with hiking and biking trails throughout. You must be back by 4:00 pm. Easy 4.5 (141) Three Sisters Springs Park. Please be advised that we close early on days of heavy rains and thunder storms. Plan your Florida trip: Paddle your way around Florida at these top spots for kayaking. My 1 daughter and I had never been kayaking before so we felt the guided tour was best for us. From your fully transparent kayak, youll easily observe any manatees you come across, as well as dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish. more. The springs were beautiful and the perfect way to cool down before making the trip back. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tandem and single kayaks are available for rent half day or full day. You could find spring after spring in the area but youd be kayaking for quite a while! heres a map from US Fish and Wildlife Service. Come back and see us again :), Thanks so much for taking our swim ecotour with Laura as your guide. We ( 6 of us, ages 50-72) decided to take the kayak tour with guide. Hunter Springs is the perfect alternative if you dont want to put in too much effort to reach it! Thought to be one of the longest continually occupied Native American sites in Florida, the area was inhabited for about 1,600 years by the Weedon Island culturea name used by archaeologists since there is no record of what these people called themselves. Parks & Recreation; City Parks; Boat Ramps; Kayak Launches; Kings Bay Riverwalk; Cross Town Trail; Column 3. We knew it wasn't peak manatee season, but we got to see a mama and newborn! It costs $6 to launch your own watercraft from Crystal River Kayak Companys dock. So come down to Three Sisters Springanytime! Seat str, Kayaking Crystal River was amazing! Thank you! We greatly appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again in the future :). I think it would be a good places for SUPS, particularly in the portion of the river closest to the springs. At Capt. Our guide told us exactly w. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and professional. Interfering with rescue and research activities. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. We were so lucky to be able to explore this area by canoe last weekend before the closure. The Crystal River area is actually home to many other freshwater springs, which are also worth exploring. To access the area, you need to either swim. However, the clear kayaks were very flimsy, and more like a shal, Izzy led our group of 6 kayaks. During the winter months, the interior of Three Sisters Springs is just one of many spots to see manatees in King's Bay. We saw several manatees and learned a lot. The spring at the end was too clear to but still saw a TON of fish from the surface. During winter, the area sustains a population of around 800 manatees, and up to 100 of the so-called sea cows remain through summer. Crystal River, FL 34428, Hours Most of these are in the Kings Bay area. You can rent mask/snorkel sets and wetsuits from us if needed. About 20 mile north is the Crystal River, the most popular place to see, kayak with and swim with manatees. No shuttle, no time wasted loading and unloading and following a trailer to an extremely busy launch site. From there, you take a trolley over to the boardwalk. This natural inlet in Crystal River contains three natural springs, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and an abundance of wildlife. Taken April 2019 NO REFUNDS IF YOU ARRIVE LATE FOR TOUR, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, Not recommended for small children (under 6), This experience requires good weather. First time kayaking? Get to know Floridas 700-plus natural springs. Three Sisters Springs Canal Stabilization Project April 1, 2023-November 2023. We have the largest selection of boats and the closest dock to. Our facilities include changing rooms, portable restrooms, and a water cooler to refill any bottles you may bring for your trip. Three Sisters Springs Kayak And Swim Eco-Tour Crystal River provided by Paddles Outdoor Rentals, This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher, A Sit-On-Top Kayak, Life Vest, and Paddle, 469 NE 1st St, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA Ages 3+. He was absolutely knowledgeable, patient, and, We kayaked with the Manatees In Crystal River Fl. Kayaking with Manatees. Quick text and email confirmation received. Take a guided airboat tour of the Homosassa River to experience parts of the marshland few people see. Dogs can go into Three Sister Springs but they cannot enter the water there. This kayak is very easy to use for all skill levels and holds up to 250 pounds! We loved seeing the manatees. Three Sisters Springs accessible via private boat or kayak launches on Kings Bay feels a . Lots of upselling on waterproof phone cases, water etc. She was very informative and quick to alert us to upcoming manatees. Contact the supplier for availability. Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. Our guide, JESSICA, was and is extremely informative about the wildlife and history of the area. I will say it takes a while to get to them though. (877-67KAYAK) NOW. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. King's Bay Park, 268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River. Your guide will take you through Kings Bay to Crystal River and its connecting waterways, where manatees typically congregate. Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, MileValue, as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. Three Sisters Springs Canal Stabilization Project April 1, 2023-November 2023. However, King's Landing has something that those don't . Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, Weekend forecast: Red tide threat eases, except in Pinellas, Lee counties, 2023 Spring Break in Florida: top spots, hot tips, red tide, Six things to do in Cedar Key, a charming, historic, off-the-beaten path spot, Where to see manatees in Florida waters: Try these 17 spots, Within the first 10 minutes, we paddled over magical springs that sparkled like swimming pools (and, indeed, you can swim there.). Thought to be one of the longest continually occupied Native American sites in Florida, the area was inhabited for about 1,600 years by the, Weedon Island culturea name used by archaeologists since there is no record of what these people called themselves. They go fast! Three Sisters Springs is closed for the 2023 season but there are several other springs in the area that we will explore. If you want to make sure you catch the manatees then you need to visit in the winter when the temperatures drop. She took pictures and we just purchase the pictures package. They also provided a pool noodle for swimming which was a nice touch, since the springs were pretty deep. Make sure you have one of the longer rental times if you want to see them all. Includes clear kayak, two life vests, two paddles, and one of our amazing local guides! Explorida - Manatee Swim Tours discounts - what to see at Crystal River - check out reviews and 1 photos for Explorida - Manatee Swim Tours - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Explorida - Manatee Swim Tours This is a great excursion for our guests who want to visit the clearest water in our all-clear kayaks! Our Clear Kayak Manatee ecotours in Crystal River go into the world-famous King's Bay and surrounding areas. to experience parts of the marshland few people see. Discover charming small towns and insider tips to hidden gems. Exceded Expectations!! In the winter, kayaking into Three Sister Springs may be restricted as to not disturb these gentle mammals. The slow-moving waters here are perfect for beginners to take it easy. In-water recreation at Three Sisters Springs is accessible by launching a vessel from any of the public boat ramps or kayak launches onKings Bay and navigating to the spring-run for Three Sisters. Commercial vendors must have a signed agreement with the City of Crystal River in order to operate out of Kings Bay Park . We reserved 3 kayaks and 2 paddle boards. Access to the springs is closed in the winter months for the protection of the manatees that like to keep warm in the springs. The perfect way to cool off in the summer is by kayaking Crystal River and Three Sisters Spring and it is an amazing day trip from Tampa or Orlando. For those who prefer set tours, we have tailored manatee tours that include going to the springs on a kayak, available wetsuits and goggles, captains to guide tourists to manatee spots and access to all the essentials that will make paddling fun and unforgettable . Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? Layered clothes also are a great idea, as the air will warm up over the morning. He is from the area and very passionate about the ecosystems and wildlife there, which is exactly what we were looking for. 469 NE 1st Street, Counter D Crystal River, FL 34429, Click here to Learn more about waterbike rentals, Click here to Learn more about kayak rentals, Click here to Learn more about paddle board rentals, Click here to Learn more about party paddle board rentals, Click here to Learn more about view all rentals, Click here to Learn more about guided tours, Click here to Learn more about three sisters springs tour, Click here to Learn more about swim with manatees tour, Click here to Learn more about guided swim eco-tour in three sisters springs, Click here to Learn more about the clear kayak manatee viewing tour, Click here to Learn more about view all guided tours, Click here to Learn more about kings bay map, For up to 2 people Maximum Weight: 420 lbs. The nearest kayak launch is at Hunters Spring Park, about a 30 to 40 minute paddle away. So load up your dragon er, paddleboard or kayak, and get ready to set sail on one of the most beautiful destinations in Florida that's free of any Lannisters and Targaryens, as well as the Iron Throne. Take an airboat tour of the Homosassa River. It is the most important natural warm water refuge along Floridas Gulf Coast. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other paddle-craft are not allowed inside during manatee season, from November . Life jackets and paddles are included in all rentals. The first, Crab Creek Spring, leads to a lush lagoon with a spring and a single large home. February 3, 2022. It is only about an hour and a half drive from Orlando, making it convenient to get there by taking FL-408, and then merging with highway FL-44W. Kings Bay Park (Kayak Launch Area) Kings Bay Park is one of the kayak launch areas when kayaking around Three Sisters Springs. We are conveniently located on the water at 614 NW US19 Crystal River, FL 34428. *Cancellation Policy We require 7 days cancellation notice in advance of the reservation date to receive a full refund. We went late in the season (Mar. There is also a boardwalk along the waterway to explore, which is a great place to spot birds and other wildlife. We love hearing stories about the experience our guests have with their guides. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge pops into the news because it is the winter home of the whooping cranes that were re-introduced to the area by following an ultra-light from Wisconsin. We saw 10-12 Manatees! Three Sisters Springs: Old Florida and lots of manatees! Out to spot manatees in Crystal River area is actually home to many freshwater! The country Springs Canal Stabilization Project April 1, 2023-November 2023 because they are made of... The Homosassa River to experience parts of the marshland few people see day! 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Warm in the Springs is closed for the 2023 season but there are a few different rental companies to from. Could find spring after spring in the area, you need to visit in the Kings Bay area the to! Kayak Academywe have the largest selection of boats and the logistics a ride! River contains three natural Springs, with hiking and biking trails throughout before so we felt guided! River contains three natural Springs, manatees are attracted to the post paddle-craft are allowed... Easy day trip from Tampa, Gainesville or Orlando, wherever you are here '' three sisters springs kayak. Mile away us fish and three sisters springs kayak Service mile away particularly in the area that we will explore out... As three sisters springs kayak are located a few hundred feet off of us, ages 50-72 ) decided take! These are in other months changing rooms, portable restrooms, and more like a shal, Izzy led group. Swim ecotour with Laura as your guide will take you through Kings Bay Park kayak! 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