Crystal River

When the ocean becomes too cold for the manatees, they take refuge in the 70 degree water at Three Sisters Spring. So, the best time to see the manatees in the spring is just after a cold front has come through. We also learned that they will swim back out to the ocean before low tide to avoid becoming trapped in the spring.Not owning our own boats, we started our adventure at Hunter's Kayaks j...

Three Sisters Springs is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Crystal River, Florida.

The Mound Trails is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Crystal River, Florida.

Preserve Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Crystal River, Florida.

Take Fort Island Park Rd (Hwy 44) all the way until it dead-ends, it will end at Fort Island Park. The park also has a sandy entrance for paddle or small crafts to the left of the main boat ramp. This area is very popular for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating.Leaving from the boat ramp or beach entrance, Shell Island is directly North of Fort Island. It is a 35-45 minute kayak paddle dep...

Homosassa Spring State parks showcases native Florida wildlife including the manatees which can be seen from an underwater observatory in the main spring. Other animals you will see will include black bears, panthers, bobcats, flamingos, alligators, American crocodiles, river otters and many different types of birds. This is also home to "Lu" the oldest living hippo in captivity. He turned 57 i...

Inglis Island is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Crystal River, Florida.

Withlacooche Bay Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Crystal River, Florida.

Blue Run Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Dunnellon, Florida.