Three Sisters Springs is often described as "an environmental jewel", a blue oasis of clear and pristine water. Located in the heart of Crystal River, Florida, Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three spring areas, with vents and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of Crystal River, in Citrus County, Florida. These springs at Three Sisters also constitute one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee. The mouth of the Three Sisters Springs run is blocked by concrete posts to prevent boat access; only snorkelers, canoers, and kayakers can enter the springs and can currently only be accessed by way of the river. A concerted effort to raise funds to purchase Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River for preservation as a low impact public access recreation area was successful. The City of Crystal River and southwest Florida Water Management District commonly known as swiftmud now own the property and it is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A boardwalk has been built around the springs for future use to the public as a manatee viewing platform. Refuge officials hope to have the boardwalk open to the public by National Refuge day on October 22, 2011. Future plans for the 57 acres of land that surrounds Three Sisters Springs will include an environmental educational and visitor center for Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, interpretive kiosks,  hiking and bicycling trails just to name a few.

In the winter months when we have the highest concentration of manatees, Three Sisters Springs and the outer sanctuaries provide a safe haven for the Florida manatees. On a cold day in January 2011, a federal biologist counted more than 200 manatees in Three Sisters and the outer sanctuaries. Three Sisters remains at a constant temperature of 72 degrees, offering an ideal setting for a manatee get together. For those who do not venture out in wetsuits and snorkel gear to swim with the manatees, observers can get an up close look at the manatees in the winter months in the near future from the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs. For those of you who would enjoy an up close and personal encounter to swim with the manatees, River Ventures Manatee Tour Center is located just steps outside the Three Sisters property on the Northeast corner of Kings Bay Drive and Cutler Spur Blvd. River Ventures provides you with everything you need for the manatee swim tour. Tide and weather conditions conducive we will guide you by water to snorkel up the run to visit the beautiful crystal clear water at Three Sisters Springs.