Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Swim with Manatees Rotator

    Virtual Swim with the Manatees

    Experience the Virtual Swim with the manatees online !

    Virtual Swim

  • Manatee Recovery Rotator

    Florida Manatee Recovery Plan

    The purpose of recovery is to focus on implementing, monitoring and addressing effectiveness of conservation to reduce threats.

    Learn More

  • Manatee Threatened Rotator

    The Florida Manatee

    This gentle giant is threatened largely because of alteration and destruction of coastal habitats by man.

    Learn more

  • Kayak 2

    Volunteers Needed!!

    Would you like to be apart of something great? Come volunteer for the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge!

    Volunteer Opportunities

Important Information

Mind Your Manatee Manners

Manatee Button

Observing from a distance is the best way to protect manatees and all wildlife. Watch manatee manners videos before swimming, diving, boating, photography or videography.

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Three Sisters Spring's Makeover

Three Sisters Springs Master Plan

New improvements are being made to Three Sister Springs! They include a new paved entrance road, a small parking area for educational programs, a refurbished entrance, an ADA-compliant trail, restrooms, manatee-viewing platforms, and native plantings. Construction started in early July and will continue through early 2020. The project is being funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Friends of the Crystal River NWR, and a state grant acquired through the City of Crystal River.

Click here for the Master Plan Map

Three Sisters Springs

Manatee with a calf Ivan Vicente

Three Sisters Springs property was acquired by the City of Crystal River and the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 2010. Click on the link below for more information.

Three Sisters Springs Center

Crystal River NWR Information Tear Sheet

Manatees 250 W

Refuge related Manatees information along with Kings bay maps and much more.

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Get Involved

Help Make A Difference!

MR

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.

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About the Complex

Crystal River Complex

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Crystal River Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

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
Follow NWRS Online