Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Overview
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Fish and Wildlife Service and is located near Crystal River, Florida.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983, is the only refuge created specifically for the protection of the threatened Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. This unique refuge preserves Three Sisters Springs, the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay. King Spring, one of seven federal manatee sanctuaries set up from November to March, provides critical habitat for the over 600 manatees that migrate to Kings Bay each winter. In addition to the establishment of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, manatees are also protected by the 2012 designation of the entire Kings Bay area as the Kings Bay Manatee Refuge (or Kings Bay Manatee Protection Area). Buzzard, Parker, and Banana islands provide habitat for bald eagles, osprey, wood storks, and many other shore birds
Things to Do at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Recreation Activities
Popular activities at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge include:
Nearby Activities
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Interpretive Programs
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Scuba Diving
- Wildlife Viewing
Plan Your Visit
Getting There
- From the north, turn right off Highway 19 onto SE Paradise Point Road. Follow the road until it curves to the right. The refuge parking lot will be on the right.
- From the south, turn left off Highway 19 on Fort Island Trail, then right onto Three Sister Springs Drive. At the first stop sign turn left onto Paradise Point Road. Travel three blocks until the road curves to the right . The refuge parking lot will be on the right.
GPS Coordinates: 28.88424788300000, -82.59260566600000
Contact & Resources
Phone: 352-563-2088
Additional Information:
