Three Sisters Springs (Florida)
| Three Sisters Springs | |
|---|---|
Three Sisters Springs near Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge | |
| Location | Citrus County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Crystal River, Florida |
| Coordinates | 28°53′19″N 82°35′21″W / 28.888725°N 82.589191°W |
| Administrator | City of Crystal River, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
Three Sisters Springs is located on the Crystal River, in Citrus County, Florida, United States. It is in a natural inlet on the east side of Kings Bay and within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. It contains three spring areas with many sand boils and vents. No matter the "ambient conditions", these springs "maintain a stable temperature of approximately" 23 °C (73 °F).: 8 These springs are a winter refuge for manatees; manatee season is from November 15 through March 31. Paddle-craft are not permitted within the Three Sisters during this period.
The land surrounding the springs was privately owned property until it was acquired in 2010 by a partnership between local, state and federal organizations. There is presently no landfall or boat tie-up permitted; the only access to the springs is blocked by concrete posts to stop the boats from entering. Only kayaks, canoes, and swimmers are permitted in the area but only by arriving from outside the park. There is also an observation boardwalk with no access to the water.