Manatee FAQ: Is Three Sisters Spring Open?

Manatee FAQ: Is Three Sisters Spring Open?

Key Takeaways:

  1. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates Three Sisters Spring and decides whether or not to allow visitors access to the springs based on various factors, such as water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico, overcrowding of manatees, and the presence of nursing mothers and calves.
  2. If Three Sisters Springs is closed, there are still other options for visitors to have a fantastic manatee encounter within Kings Bay.
  3. Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees offers guided manatee tours in Crystal River for all skill levels, from first-time snorkelers to seasoned swimmers.

If you are planning a trip to Crystal River, Florida, and are curious about the status of the famous Three Sisters Spring, this article is for you. Find out whether the Three Sisters Spring open and what impacts those decisions. As a bonus, learn more about the incredible manatee tours offered by Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees.

Understanding Three Sisters Spring Regulations

Before diving into the status of the springs, it’s vital to grasp the governing body that impacts whether or not you can swim in these pristine waters. Justin Strickland, Manager of Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees, sheds light on this matter: “Three Sisters is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is a part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.”

This regulation means that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the authority to close the springs for swimming, based on various factors. So, how do they decide whether or not to allow visitors access to the springs?

Factors Influencing the Spring’s Accessibility

According to Strickland, there are several factors that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers when deciding to shut down the springs for swimming. These include:

1. Water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico: When the water temperature drops, manatees move into warmer springs for survival. This movement can lead to an influx of manatees in the springs, which could prompt a temporary closure to protect the animals.

2. Overcrowding of manatees: Just like humans, manatees need their space. If there are too many manatees crammed into the springs, the government may decide to close the area to ensure the well-being of these gentle giants.

3. Nursing mothers and calves: Manatees are incredibly caring mothers, and the presence of a nursing mother and her calf can cause the springs to close. In Strickland’s words: “If there’s actually a nursing mother with her calf, they will shut down the spring so that they are uninterrupted.”

Exploring Alternative Springs

The good news is that if Three Sisters Springs is closed during your visit, all is not lost. Strickland reminds us: “Three Sisters Springs is one of five springs that we visit within Kings Bay. That offers us a wide range of options to be able to swim with manatees in a spring here in Crystal River, Florida.” So even if one spring is closed, there are still other options for you to have a fantastic manatee encounter.

Swim with Manatees with Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees

If you’re ready to take a plunge into the world of manatees, there’s no better way to do so than with a guided manatee tour in Crystal River. Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees, led by experienced professionals like Justin Strickland, offers unforgettable experiences that will leave you in awe of these gentle giants.

With knowledgeable guides, Captain Mike’s team ensures you have a safe and memorable encounter with the manatees. Their tours cater to all skill levels, from first-time snorkelers to seasoned swimmers. To learn more about their unique manatee tours, visit [Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees’ website](https://swimmingwiththemanatees.com/). Jump in and make memories that will last a lifetime.

References:

Transcription:

Frequently asked manatee questions. Is Three Sisters Springs open?
So it’s important to understand that Three Sisters is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is a part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife makes determination every day as to whether they are going to shut down the spring for swimming or not. And that is all based upon several different variables.
One being, of course, the water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico. Another one being whether there is an overcrowding of manatees within the spring.
And then lastly on that is if there’s actually a nursing mother with her calf. They will shut down the spring so that they are uninterrupted.
It should also be noted that Three Sisters Springs is one of five springs that we visit within Kings Bay. That offers us a wide range of options to be able to swim with manatees in a spring here in Crystal River, Florida.

Kayak and Swim with Manatees at Three Sisters Spring

The highlight of visiting Crystal River is kayaking and swimming with manatees. Kayaking along Crystal River is a remarkable and almost magical experience. The gorgeous and pristine springs of Crystal River are open for kayaking and snorkeling from April 1 to Nov. 14 and only for snorkeling from Nov. 15 to March 31. That means you can plan your tour and enjoy a wonderful time on the water any time of the year whether or not you see manatees. But if you’re able to have your tour in the winter when hundreds of manatees flock to the springs, then your tour would be even more exciting.

Navigating the waterways

From the time you launch your kayak, you can follow the shoreline, enjoying a relaxing paddle under the King’s Bay bridge and up the canal leading into Three Sisters Springs. While you’ll be able to spot manatees as you kayak through the canal, you should head to the springs because that is where you’ll be able to see and swim with hundreds of manatees. You can tie off your kayak at the entrance to the springs, then wear your life jacket and swim into the springs. Since the springs have warmer water than in the canal, you will find the conditions there ideal for snorkeling with manatees.

Avoiding manatee sanctuaries

There are areas that have been roped off as sanctuaries for manatees and you are not allowed to enter these zones. Such zones are a safe and serene refuge for manatees, allowing them to chill out and move about without interference. While there will be a lot of manatees in these sanctuaries that you’ll not be able to interact with, you can still watch them from a distance. The sight of these huge marine mammals clumped together, sleeping or resting in the sandy bottom, moving gracefully to the water surface for air, or just moving out and about is quite impressive. Just stick to the rules, relax and enjoy your time out there with the animals even if you have to watch from a distance.

Renting your kayak to own your schedule

If you want utmost freedom during your tour and intend to go on your own schedule, then renting a kayak may be necessary. Kayak rentals cost as much as set tours, but in most cases you will have the boat for the day instead of just a few set hours. With your rented kayak, you can paddle through the spring water at your own pace, swim with manatees for as long as you desire and create a perfect adventure for yourself. You don’t have to worry that you do not own a boat since you can easily get started with one of the rented kayaks. Captain Mike’s Kayak Rentals is only a few minutes away and they will haul your boat, paddles and life jackets to the launch, making it easier for you to embark on your manatee tour.

Going with a tour provider

You also can go on a kayak and swim with manatee tour using a tour provider. But when choosing your manatee tour provider, be sure to carefully check out the company and what it offers. Some tours take people out in big groups where everyone on the tour is taken to the same spot. Too many people will mean there will be a lot of noise and commotion, making it harder for manatees to approach the group for interaction. Make sure to reserve your tour with a provider who will enable you to swim freely and get close the manatees.

Want to go alone or with your family or friends on a kayaking tour of Crystal River? At Captain Mike’s Kayak Rentals, you can find the perfect boat to deliver that thrilling outdoor adventure you seek. Whether you are a beginner or an expert kayaker, Captain Mike’s has a wide range of kayaks that suit the needs of paddlers at any skill level. We also are friendly, knowledgeable and can provide all the information you will need to find and swim with manatees and to have a great time out in the springs. Our location is great too — just a 15-minute ride into Three Sisters Springs.

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 for you. For more information on kayaking and snorkeling with manatees, visit the “Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees” site.

Springs Near Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees

Manatees, also known as sea cows, are some of the most endearing creatures perhaps because of their peculiar mannerisms and lovable appearance. They are a favorite with tourists, especially children, who get a chance to swim with these gentle sea creatures in the Crystal River in West Central Florida. Captain Mike’s guided tours will let you swim or snorkel in the Crystal River and offer the chance to let the manatees get close to you. These magnificent creatures are inquisitive, but it is important to remember that this is a wildlife encounter, not an amusement park, and there are strict rules for any contact.

If you want to experience the glory of nature at its best, Florida’s Nature Coast provides an aquatic and birdwatchers’ paradise where you also may catch a glimpse of the whooping cranes, an endangered species found in Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. Accommodations and restaurants are available at Crystal River at reasonable prices. The area around Crystal River is increasingly growing in popularity and is one of the most visited manatee habitats in the U.S. Guided tours in this region attract tourists who want to watch the manatees.

Florida Manatees

The Florida manatees found in Crystal River are an endangered species. They weigh up to 1,000 pounds and can grow up to 10 feet long. These sea creatures hang around in groups, so it is quite common to see hundreds of them swimming together in Crystal River’s waters. Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees ensures that your tours are enjoyable and safe by providing guided tours with trained personnel as well some of the best boats. A guided tour of this region offers a unique experience for you and your family, especially if you love to get in the water for kayaking or snorkeling. You also can explore Crystal River’s breathtaking and amazing sea life under the Florida sun.

Other attractions in the area include the Crystal River Blue Springs, where you can take a boat to watch the manatees as they gather in the shallow crystal clean water, communicating with one another through funny sounds. Swimmers get a chance to visit the Three Sisters Springs, while divers and snorkelers can explore the Main Spring. Tourists also can take hiking trips in the expansive Citrus County and visit the State Preserve. A guided tour of Crystal River offers your family a great and unforgettable experience.

References:

  • Don Rhodes. (February 17, 2016). ‘Beautiful’ Manatees steeped in history. Retrieved from https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/outdoors/article60970667.html
  • WonderPolis. (2011). Do Sea Cows Moo?. Retrieved from https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/do-sea-cows-moo