Tis’ the season for the big chill! Winter in Florida not only brings in cooler air temperatures, but cooler water temperatures as well. With the drop in mercury, our beloved Florida manatees make a beeline inland from the gulf to the warm waters of the springs. Nestled in a small nook off the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Three Sisters Springs is the ultimate haven for these protected gentle giants, especially this time of year. As the temperatures plummeted last winter, their numbers soared, at one point coming close to 530 in the small spring, and 1,000 more gathered in the surrounding waters of Kings Bay. As of today, 250 manatees call it home for the winter.
Three Sisters Springs consists of three second magnitude freshwater springs that bubble up from the aquifer, creating a network of clear, warm pools that create a draw for man and nature alike. Surrounded by lush wetlands, pine forests and swamps, it is an exceptional spot for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and families. The area is home to a variety of plants, flowers and animals, including egrets, herons, turtles, otters and, of course, the occasional alligator, making it a haven for nature lovers. Sitting at a comfortable 72 degrees year-round, the spring sees its highest number of manatees from November to April, when it is closed to any paddle craft. It is open to swimmers but with a catch. You cannot access the water from land, so you have to paddle to the narrow entrance, tie off your vessel and swim in. The water feels warm compared to the winter air, but many choose to don wetsuits as extra insulation against the cold. It is continuously patrolled to ensure the safety of the manatees, and actively touching or harassing them is strictly prohibited. The rest of the year it is open to paddle into, but boats are not allowed.
If you aren’t up for the paddle and the swim in, a visit to the park will reveal the sights of the Florida potatoes, as the manatees are affectionately called, from above the waterline. The boardwalks within the park have fantastic views of these winter inhabitants, but parking on the refuge is restricted to vehicles with a handicap permit. The town of Crystal River runs trolley tours from the Three Sisters Springs Visitor Center on US 19 for a small fee. More information can be found on their website. There are also several tour companies that run boats to the entrance, even supplying snorkel gear and wetsuits, and a few that run clear kayak tours. Whatever you fancy, there is something for everyone.
Check off another gem in your Florida Spring passport when you visit Three Sisters Springs. Whether taking it in over or under the water, visiting by trolley, boat or kayak, it’s sure to be a fun-filled day out that the whole family can enjoy!
