Three Sisters Springs — Attraction in Crystal River

STUNNING… breathtakingly surreal to see in person! The name, Three Sisters Springs, refers to the three lobes: Pretty Sister, Deep Sister and Little Sister. The Three Sisters are in a natural inlet that contains more than 70 springs between them and collectively discharges millions of gallons of water daily… all of which maintain a constant temperature of 74*. The source of the magnificent crystal clear turquoise water is underground aquifers, through sand boils and vents, that don’t merge with the darker water in the bay until they empty into nearby canals. This separation allows for the majestic hues of turquoise and blue waters with a clarity that is normally reserved for swimming pools or the Maldives. The combination of the clear blue waters, the bright green moss covered boulders and the swaying green grass beneath the surface of the water was absolutely otherworldly! When you round the corner from the dark water canals, to the clear blue waters of the springs, it takes your breath away!

There are two ways to visit the Three Sister’s Springs: by kayak or by land via the boardwalk that surrounds the springs. We went in July when the heat and humidity levels were oppressive, so we were happy to kayak and swim in the cool spring waters. Surrounded by wildlife, we saw cranes, a Limpkin, crabs and fish of all sizes. Gorgeous palms, wild vines and Spanish moss hanging from the trees encircle the Three Sisters shorelines where beautiful moss covered boulders create the borders - Heaven on Earth! The circumference of the Three Sisters Springs is surrounded in a wooden boardwalk to allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Springs by land.

Unfortunately, we used a local business, located in a small building directly off the canal, that was very unprofessional and overpriced - I will not name them or give them any credit. What these type of business do is they prey on tourists and they aren’t honest about the likely hood of actually seeing manatees in the spring, summer or fall. YOU WON’T SEE THEM! They’ll act very vague when you ask questions about Manatee sightings, but their dishonesty gives people hope, so they’ll still pay for the rentals. It’s terribly deceptive and misleading! When the water temperatures in the Gulf drop into the 70’s, Manatees move inland to the warmer waters of the springs to stay warm during the winter months. If you’re planning a visit anytime outside of winter in Florida, do NOT plan to see any Manatee!

We did enjoy our time at the springs even though we were delayed by an hour due to thunder in the area. It rains everyday in Florida, so a delay is always something to consider. It was a very small, but magical and natural wonder - otherworldly for sure! The hues of blues are stunning and although it was VERY overcrowded, we would gladly see it again. There are homes all along the canals that rent to people wanting to be within swimming distance of the springs. There are companies that take boatloads of people there daily, around the clock, and there are kayakers who rent from the rip off business in the area, so please be aware of the sheer number of people in the springs before you go. You’ll likely never have it to yourself, so expect about 30-50 people there minimum and at all available times. Also be aware that the 3 springs are very small and difficult to navigate around other swimmers, kids in rafts and arm floats, boatloads of people being dropped off and other kayakers.

Pros: A magical natural wonder with hues of blue that you will never forget. Cool water year round and beauty that defies description!

Cons: Cost to get on the water is WAY too high and the local businesses are dishonest about the chances of seeing manatee outside of the winter season. The springs are very small, loud and...

When we stopped in the visitor center to buy our pass to go in and walk around, they have a sign out front indicating how many manatees have been seen in the area that day. Sadly, the sign said zero but we decided to pay the fee and walk around the park.

There is a path that walks along the edges of this park. Not much to see on the edges of the path, but we kept our eyes open, hoping to see an alligator.

While we were in the park, almost ready to leave we are in an area called Magnolia Spring and we were able to spot a group of manatees eating and swimming in the area. We actually counted six manatees!

I thought this would be important for the volunteers at the front desk to know because they were somewhat dissuading people from coming into the park since there were no manatees. So I called them and told them that we saw six manatees and they should update their sign.

The volunteers inside the park were doing a great job talking about the park in the spring and the manatees and they were definitely worth spending some time with.

On the way out, I stepped at the drive-in booth where people also pay to go in and their sign still said zero manatees. Which again is a negative influencer for people who want to come into the park and enjoy it.

We went back to the main visitor center as we left the area just to see if they updated the main sign and they had not. I was very disappointed. Perhaps it’s because the staff just doesn’t care?

But I heard them talking to people who lived halfway across the USA who came specifically hoping to see manatees and they told them We’re sorry, but you won’t see any manatees today.

I think they can do better.

I changed the sign on the way out by...

Be Aware! We are VERY Disappointed; waste of time and trip! If you buy tickets to JUST VISIT the Three Sisters Springs, and you don’t Rent a boat charter or rent a Kayak, you will NOT BE ALLOWED to access, sit at the edge, or swim in the Springs; you can ONLY walk the board walk. No one at the main office next to City Hall or the gate entrance ever told us that purchasing tickets would not give us access to swim in the springs.

Military discount is $1, and only for the military member, spouses and children don’t qualify for the discount. We paid $14, $7.50 & $6.50 each (wife and I) and Very disappointing, and I believe it is intentional.

If you bring your boat, rent a boat, or a Kayak, get ready to paddle two miles to the springs, or anchor your boat outside of the canal leading to the Springs and use a floaty to paddle your way one mile to get to the springs. We own a small 16’ boat; nope, you can’t anchor at the Springs!

Local tour Pontoon boats park right outside the entrance, and some even anchor to wait for their customers to return. Sadly there is a sign that states “Do Not Use anchors or tie watercraft with engines” right where the charters are anchoring!

Having said that, the Springs are beautiful and the water was clear as glass. The boardwalk was brand new. There you can over-watch the Springs take pictures, and so forth, but you can’t get...