Features
Virtual Swim with the Manatees
Experience the Virtual Swim with the manatees online !
Virtual Swim
Visiting Crystal River Refuge?
The best times for viewing manatees are late November through early March. Check out our visit page for more info.
Plan Your Visit
Florida Manatee Recovery Plan
The purpose of recovery is to focus on implementing, monitoring and addressing effectiveness of conservation to reduce threats.
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The Florida Manatee
This gentle giant is endangered largely because of alteration and destruction of coastal habitats by man.
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Conference Three Sisters Springs Manatee
Audio file of the Three Sisters Springs Manatee Conference.
Media conference on Three Sisters Springs Manatee
Get Involved
Support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by assisting in the conservation of our public lands and the protection of our natural wildlife resources and their habitat.
Learn MoreAbout the Complex
This complex also includes Chassahowitzka, Egmont, Passage Key and Pinellas NWR.
Crystal River is managed as part of the Crystal River Complex.
Learn more about the complex About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Important Information
In order to keep you updated on whether Three Sisters Springs is open or closed, we are posting the latest information on our Facebook page. You do not need to have a Facebook account to see these updates.
Open or Closed Status on Facebook
Click the link below, to see latest Protocol and Guidelines for Opening and Closing Three Sisters Springs.
Photo credit: Broderick Jenkins
Protocol and Guidelines for Opening and Closing Three Sisters Springs
Two observational studies assessed manatee usage of the Springs and the Spring Run, the interactions between manatees and people, and the visitor experience by both: boardwalk and in-water visitors.
Manatee Studies
Observing from a distance is the best way to protect manatees and all wildlife. Watch manatee manners videos before swimming, diving, or boating.
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These gentle and slow moving mammals occur primarily in Florida and southeastern Georgia usually in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater habitats.
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Page Photo Credits — All photos courtesy of USFWS unless otherwise noted., Manatee- Photo by Wayne Lynch
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2016