Key Takeaways:
- 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.
- If Three Sisters Springs is closed, there are still other options for visitors to have a fantastic manatee encounter within Kings Bay.
- 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:
- “Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge | About Us.” https://www.fws.gov/refuge/crystal-river/about-us.
- “The Top 4 Springs in Citrus County | Discover Crystal River.” https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/blog/the-top-4-springs-in/.
- “Three Sisters Springs Accessibility | Crystal River Florida.” https://www.threesistersspringsvisitor.org/sisters/page/three-sisters-springs-accessibility.
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.