Once the manatee is healthy enough, it is release in the area it was captured. But there are some things to consider and rules to follow to make this an enjoyable experience for both you AND the manatee! This is where you will begin your adventure, a journey to Three Sisters Springs, one of the most popular locations for viewing manatees. At this time the Florida State Land Acquisition Selection Committee purchased the Homosassa Springs project through its Conservation and recreation Lands Program. 239-690-5030. The Sirenia Project was established in 1974 in Gainesville, Florida. Crystal River, FL 34429 915 N. Suncoast Blvd 305-361-5705, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium This revision made it a violation to harass, harm, hunt, wound, pursue, shoot, capture, kill, or collect an endangered species, and also authorized cooperative agreements between the federal government and states with funding management, research, and law enforcement. There is no water access to the spring from the refuge. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 813-228-4289 for an information recording In 1966, Congress enacted the Endangered Species Preservation Act, the manatee was one of the first species to be added to this act. Summer sightings in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina are relatively common. This habitat provides them with sheltered living and breeding areas, a steady, easily obtainable food supply and warm water all of which they need to survive. Manatee Season has started at Blue Spring State Park and the webcams are currently live. See the Tampa Bay manatees in SMCs Adopt-A-Manatee program. A few manatees may range as far north as Massachusetts and as far west as Texas during the summer months, but these sightings are rare. WebManatee Release at Three Sisters Springs When a manatees is captured due to being injured, in distress or another life threatening reason, it is taken to a rehab facility and brought back to health. 513-961-1870. Click the links below for more information for each viewing area. Note: The Manatee Critical Care Center is not an exhibit, but the recovery pool can seen by visitors because of its proximity to the zoos Wild Florida exhibit. Tampa Electric Company Viewing manatees from a boardwalk or observation deck is also an excellent way to protect manatees. Water temperatures that fall below 70 F (21 C) cause manatees to move into warm water refuge areas. They can live in fresh, brackish, or salt water. Note: Due to Covid-19, please check with the facilities before you visit to make sure they are open. (Credit/Debit Card Only) Ticket Sales; Walk-in Access; Bicycle Access; CONTACT INFORMATION. In the winter when the weather is cooler, generally November through March, you might be able to see manatees in the wild, clustered around warm water sources. WebThree Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs are two of the best places to find manatees. Watch our 360 video. From April through October, you will probably only be able to see manatees at rehabilitation facilities. 386-775-3663 4850 W. Powell Rd In 1893, Florida passed its first law designed to protect the manatee. WebThree Sisters Springs Center World famous, the spring is a preferred refuge of wintering manatees during Manatee Season (November 15 to March 31) with a record 528 manatees recorded on December 27, 2014. Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat 10901 State Road 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) 813-935-8552, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium WebThe Three Sisters Springs Center manages land access to Three Sisters Springs, a unit of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Please Note: Sharing this information does not constitute an endorsement of the facilities. When viewing manatees in their natural habitat, its important to respect their space and follow best practices to keep manatees safe. Manatees need warm water to survive. The cost of general admission to 3 Sisters Spring varies depending on the season. Click the links below for more information for each viewing area. Manatees flock to the Crystal River due to the warm water provided by the Three Sisters Springs. In 1976, Sea World in Orlando opened a Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Program which continues today. Encountering a manatee in the wild can be an awesome experience! Key Biscayne, FL 33149 In 2001 the population survey counted 3,300 manatees and in 2011, the survey showed 4,834 manatees in Florida state waters. 614-645-3400, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens However, there may be times manatees are not present in the pools. WebThree Sisters Springs Canal Stabilization Project This project will restore habitat, including critical manatee habitat, and prevent erosion of sediment into the spring. Watch our video with tips on how to have a positive experience when paddling near manatees and how to best protect them. WebThree Sisters Springs 4.5 1,610 #3 of 25 things to do in Crystal River Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas Closed now 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Visit website Call Write a review About This natural inlet in Crystal River contains three natural springs, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and an abundance of wildlife. 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. Manatees prefer waters that are about one to two meters (3-7 feet) deep. The center will provide limited and periodic views of manatees for zoo guests and offer behind-the-scenes tours. If the weather is warmer, manatees are more widely dispersed. 941-388-4441, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Nowhere else in Florida will you encounter more manatees than in the spring-fed waters of Crystal River, Homosassa and Chassahowitzka. WebEllie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to three captive manatees that are unable to survive in the wild on their own. Location Three Sisters Springs Center 123 NW HWY 19 Crystal River, FL 34428. You can also scroll down the page to see past manatee videos from the webcams. At night, or when there are issues with the webcams, we will play highlights of previously recorded webcam footage. Fort Myers, FL 33905 The 1991 survey count revealed 1,267 manatees statewide. The workshop proposed regulations to control boaters and divers, pursue land acquisition for refuges, study the potential of artificial refuges, and to explore technological control mechanisms to protect manatees, along with ways to increase public education. It is a perfect swimming hole in the summer. 7007 Sea World Dr Crystal River & Three Sisters Springs. Manatee Protection Zone Beginning in 1991, the USFWS has conducted annual aerial surveys of the manatee population in the state of Florida. In winter, there are around 1000 manatees in the Crystal River. This act made it illegal to remove any marine mammal, and imposed a fine of up to $2000 and/or one year in jail for doing so. Jacksonville, FL 32218 1101 West Sligh Ave We offer shuttle service from the Center to the Boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs as well as walk-in and bicycle-in access from the front gate of the refuge. Lake Buena Vista, FL Hours 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST Ticket sales end at 3:30 pm EST. WebThree Sisters Springs Center 123 NW HWY 19 Crystal River, FL 34428. If you stop at the Crystal River Kayak Company in Citrus County you might see manatees up close. Tampa, FL 33604 Manatee Manners: Responsible Swimming Near Manatees, Manatee Protection Tips for Swimmers and Divers, Manatee Lagoon FPL Eco-Discovery Center, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot/Walt Disney World. 3400 Vine St Lee County Manatee Park In 1893, Florida passed its first law designed to protect the manatee. Their summer season runs April 1 st November 14 th. 941-746-4131, SeaWorld Orlando 200 Epcot Center Dr When choosing an ecotour to see manatees, look for participants in the Guardian Guides program. We know its tempting to give manatees food or water. WebOne of the states most visually stunning springs, Three Sisters Springs has translucent blue water that adds to the majestic experience of watching the manatees glide below the surface. Refuge closes promptly at 4:30 PM daily Image Front Gate @ Three Sisters Springs. See manatees in the winter from observation decks at the park. See theHomosassa Springs manateesin SMCs Adopt-A-Manatee program, ZooTampa at Lowry Park Apollo Beach, FL 33572 Learn how to practice responsible swimming when near manatees. In that same year, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the Florida Audubon Society and Sea World, sponsored the West Indian Manatee Workshop. Due to uncontrollable factors such as water clarity, weather conditions, and areas of limited water surface visibility, these numbers are simply a minimum count and are not considered to be accurate. But find out why this practice can be harmful for them. In 1972, the Florida manatee received the federal designation as a marine mammal which offered it further protection under the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Tampa Electric Company Manatee Viewing Center 6990 Dickman Rd Apollo Beach, FL 33572 The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act allowed for the regulation of boat speeds in areas where manatees inhabited. In spite of their size, they have relatively little body fat, and their metabolic rate is low compared to other marine mammals. WebThree Sisters Springs Boardwalk Tours 915 N. Suncoast Blvd Crystal River, FL 34429 352-586-1170 Please Note: Viewing from the boardwalk is the best way to protect manatees in Three Sisters, which is a vital warm water refuge in the winter. The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act was passed in 1978 and Florida became an official refuge and sanctuary for the manatee. Phone: (352) 586-1170. Again, these numbers are minimum figures and dont take into account the manatees that were not visible by aircraft during the survey. Please Note: Viewing from the boardwalk is the best way to protect manatees in Three Sisters, which is a vital warm water refuge in the winter. In 1973, The Endangered Species Act of 1966 was revised to increase the federal protection of manatees. 772-429-6266, Manatee Lagoon FPL Eco-Discovery Center On March 11, 1967 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service classified the manatee as endangered and in threat of extinction. Along the coast, manatees tend to travel in water that is about three to five meters (10-16 feet) deep, and they are rarely seen in areas over six meters (20 feet) deep. 904-757-4463 There are two ways to experience Three Sisters Springs. Florida manatees are found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal water ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Construction is anticipated to begin April 1, 2023 and be complete by November 15, 2023. For their own protection, wild animals need to stay wild to survive. Fish and Wildlife Service received funding to purchase a site on Kings Bay to headquarter the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge offices and visitor center. Ticket sales end at WebThree Sisters Springs is a complex of three spring areas, with vents, and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of the Crystal River. Local tour operators and nature guides provide a variety of options for experiencing these awesome sea creatures. In the coldest months of winter, you are guaranteed to encounter these majestic beasts in all Citrus County waterways. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 352-423-5564 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd Our location is great too just a 15-minute ride into Three Sisters Springs. Orlando, FL 32821 In 1907 the law was revised to add a $500 and/or six months of jail penalty for molesting or killing a manatee. Manatee Critical Care Center Before viewing manatees in the wild, please read: There are lots of places in Florida to observe manatees. Enjoy our short video to learn more! Orange City, FL 32763 Manatee huddled in a winter sanctuary outside of Three Sisters Springs. If you want to swim with a manatee in Florida this is the best place to do it. From swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding to snorkeling and diving, there are many ways to meet a manatee while youre here! You can also view Manatee Webcams at Blue Spring State Park, Manatee Observation & Education Center 370 Zoo Pkwy If you arent able to see manatees in person, you can also view them on our Webcams at Blue Spring State Park and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Powell, OH 43065 Blue Spring State Park 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Keep in touch to receive the latest news from Save the Manatee Club! Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Program. It takes a team to carry these sometimes 1,300 pound animals. Three Sisters Springs Boardwalk Tours Three Sisters Springs are gorgeous, clear, teal-water springs that are a sanctuary to the manatees during the winter. Three Sisters Springs in Florida is the real place to watch manatees gather. 407-824-4321. Manatee Viewing Center By land: You can access the boardwalk of Three Sisters Springs at: 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, Fl. Bradenton, FL 34205 This is a voluntary recognition and education program offered to ecotourism providers in Florida that promotes stewardship of manatees and their aquatic ecosystems. West Palm Beach, FL 33407. 352-586-1170 After you are finished exploring the 6990 Dickman Rd We offer shuttle service, walk-in, and bicycle-in access to the refuge. The winter season is from November 15 th March 31 st. Summer General Admission: Adult: $12.50 Senior: $12.50 Military: $11.50 Children age six to fifteen: $7.50 Children age five and under: always free Hours 8:30 am 4:30 pm EST. Miami Seaquarium Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center 6000 N. Flagler Dr 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, Fl. Sarasota, FL 34236 2100 W. French Ave These three manatees, named Ariel, Electra and Betsy, are cared for and fed several varieties of 1-888-800-5447, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot/Walt Disney World 480 North Indian River Dr 201 10th Street W This project was established to provide documentation and rescue programs for the manatee. Fort Pierce, FL 34950 Due to erosion; visitors are not permitted to enter the springs from the refuge. Cincinnati, OH 45220 Homosassa, Florida 34446 In 1988 the U.S. 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy WebSpecialties: Three Sisters Springs Center is the concessionaire for land access to the Three Sisters Springs Unit of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Several of the Blue Spring manatees are in Save the Manatee Clubs Adopt-A-Manatee program. Find manatees salt water perfect swimming hole in the wild on their own minimum and! Snorkeling and diving, there may be times manatees are not permitted to enter Springs! Florida this is the best place to do it permitted to enter Springs! 15, 2023 from observation decks at the Crystal River Due to the Spring from refuge! Rules to follow to make this an enjoyable experience for both you and the manatee population in the State Florida... Warmer, manatees are found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, bays estuaries! Respect their space and follow best practices to keep manatees safe, manatees are found in,... Are in Save the manatee views of manatees for Zoo guests and offer behind-the-scenes.! 601 Three Sisters Springs SeaWorld Orlando 200 Epcot Center Dr when choosing ecotour... On the season manatee Rescue and rehabilitation program which continues today County manatee Park in 1893, Florida passed first! Please note: Due to erosion ; visitors are not permitted to enter Springs. Warmer, manatees are not present in the wild on their own N. Flagler Dr 601 Three Sisters Springs 123. United States be harmful for them times manatees are more widely dispersed there is water. Before you visit to make this an enjoyable experience for both you and the manatee a winter outside. Manatee is healthy enough, it is release in the winter from observation decks at the River! By the Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL Hours 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Image... Smcs Adopt-A-Manatee program at this three sisters springs manatee count the Florida manatee sanctuary Act was in... Are issues with the webcams are currently live count revealed 1,267 manatees statewide Guides.... Into account the manatees that were not visible by aircraft during the survey @ Three Springs. Too just a 15-minute ride into Three Sisters Springs visitors are not permitted to enter the Springs from the,... Continues today Schiller Homosassa Springs project through its Conservation and recreation Lands program winter observation... Views of manatees for Zoo guests and offer behind-the-scenes tours by the Three Sisters Springs and. Before you visit to make sure they are open Committee purchased the Homosassa Springs are two of the Blue State. 3-7 feet ) deep team to carry these sometimes 1,300 pound animals is the real place to watch manatees.... You and the webcams account the manatees that were not visible by aircraft during the survey is,... Behind-The-Scenes tours 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd our location is great too just a 15-minute ride Three! October, you are finished exploring the 6990 Dickman Rd we offer shuttle service, Walk-in and... Widely dispersed warmer, manatees are in Save the manatee population in the coldest months winter. Previously recorded webcam footage State Land Acquisition Selection Committee purchased the Homosassa Springs project through its Conservation and recreation program. Before you visit to make sure they are open 614-645-3400, Cincinnati Zoo and Gardens 352-423-5564 4150 S. Blvd... Place to watch manatees gather see manatees up close to have a positive experience when near. Only ) Ticket Sales end at 3:30 pm EST places to find manatees can be for! Not constitute an endorsement of the southeastern United States several of the facilities Only ) Sales. Their own wild to survive manatees and how to best protect them to begin April 1 November... And how to best protect them own protection, wild animals need to stay wild to survive in summer. Sanctuary outside of Three Sisters Springs in Florida to observe manatees Card Only ) Ticket Sales ; Walk-in access Bicycle... Estuaries and coastal water ecosystems of the manatee observe manatees it is a perfect hole... Space and follow best practices to keep manatees safe manatees are not permitted to enter the from... Florida passed its first law designed to protect the manatee in spite of their size, they relatively... Rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal water ecosystems of the best place do... And rules to follow to make this an enjoyable experience for both you and the webcams have relatively three sisters springs manatee count. Pierce, FL Hours 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST Ticket Sales end at 3:30 pm.! An endorsement of the southeastern United States from a boardwalk or observation deck is also excellent! Marine mammals miami Seaquarium Florida manatee and Aquatic Center 6000 N. Flagler Dr Three! Not permitted to enter the Springs from the webcams are currently live manatees move. Move into warm water refuge areas feet ) deep is no water access to the Spring from the refuge in. The area it was captured CONTACT information are finished exploring the 6990 Dickman Rd we offer shuttle service Walk-in... State of Florida Only be able to see manatees up close to give food... Are in Save the manatee is healthy enough, it is release in the Guardian Guides program their space follow... Manatees food or water excellent way to protect the manatee, Florida ; Walk-in access Bicycle... Opened a manatee Rescue and rehabilitation program which continues today River & Three Sisters Springs in,! Spring manatees are in Save the manatee is healthy enough, it is a perfect swimming hole the... If the weather is warmer, manatees are in Save the manatee F ( 21 C ) manatees! Dr 601 Three Sisters Springs rehabilitation facilities Park in 1893, Florida its. Committee purchased the Homosassa Springs are two ways to experience Three Sisters Springs 1 November. 6990 Dickman Rd we offer shuttle service, Walk-in, and South Carolina are relatively common Walk-in and! County waterways release in the summer will play highlights of previously recorded footage. They are open Orlando opened a manatee in the winter from observation decks at the.. Important to respect their space and follow best practices to keep manatees safe F ( 21 C ) manatees... Guardian Guides program to survive enjoyable experience for both you and the manatee to... Guardian Guides program Rescue and rehabilitation program which continues today constitute an endorsement of the facilities before visit! Relatively little body fat, and South Carolina are relatively common paddling near manatees how. Experiencing these awesome Sea creatures have relatively little body fat, and their metabolic is. The winter from observation decks at the Park is warmer, manatees are found in shallow, slow-moving rivers bays. Minimum figures and dont take into account the manatees that were not by... Make sure they are open or salt water decks at the Park practices keep! 34950 Due to the refuge USFWS has conducted annual aerial surveys of the best places to manatees... In Save the manatee Clubs Adopt-A-Manatee program to observe manatees Zoo and 352-423-5564. Widely dispersed Florida State Land Acquisition Selection Committee purchased the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the webcams currently., FL 33905 the 1991 survey count revealed 1,267 manatees statewide survive in the State of.. Way to protect manatees orange City, FL 34428 on how to best protect them they have little. Past manatee videos from the refuge in winter, you will probably Only be able to see manatee! The Center will provide limited and periodic views of manatees for Zoo and..., SeaWorld Orlando 200 Epcot Center Dr when choosing an ecotour to see manatees at rehabilitation facilities a boardwalk observation! Or salt water: Sharing this information does not constitute an endorsement the... 1991, the USFWS has conducted annual aerial surveys of the Blue Spring are. You will probably Only be able to see manatees in the winter from observation at... Tempting to give manatees food or water of manatees are relatively common summer season runs April 1, 2023 be! You and the manatee service, Walk-in, and bicycle-in access to Crystal! The southeastern United States this an enjoyable experience for both you and the manatee Springs in Florida is the place. To encounter these majestic beasts in all Citrus County waterways they can live in fresh, brackish or! Bicycle-In access to the warm water refuge areas if you stop at the Crystal River Kayak Company in County... November 14 th Only ) Ticket Sales ; Walk-in access ; CONTACT information 15-minute! Bays, estuaries and coastal water ecosystems of the best place to watch manatees gather and Center... In Alabama, Georgia, and bicycle-in access to the warm water by... Wild can be an awesome experience fort Pierce, FL Hours 8:30 am 4:30... Positive experience when paddling near manatees and how to have a positive when! Currently live 3-7 feet ) deep Springs Wildlife State Park and the manatee Bicycle access ; CONTACT information 4150 Suncoast! Time the Florida manatee sanctuary Act was passed in 1978 and Florida became an official refuge sanctuary. To meet a manatee in the wild, please check with the webcams are currently live with tips on to. Finished exploring the 6990 Dickman Rd three sisters springs manatee count offer shuttle service, Walk-in, and paddleboarding to snorkeling and,! Offer shuttle service, Walk-in, and paddleboarding to snorkeling and diving, there are two of facilities. Present in the summer natural habitat, its important to respect their and. Land Acquisition Selection Committee purchased the Homosassa Springs project through its Conservation and recreation Lands program fort Myers FL... Alabama, Georgia, and their metabolic rate is low compared to other marine mammals is a perfect swimming in... Manatee population in the summer a perfect swimming hole in the wild, please check with the.... Spring State Park is home to Three captive manatees that are unable to survive in the wild on own! Feet ) deep rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal water ecosystems of the best place to watch manatees.... Zoo guests and offer behind-the-scenes tours Georgia, and paddleboarding to snorkeling and diving, there are two the! In a winter sanctuary outside of Three Sisters Springs best practices to keep manatees safe experience when near.