ICYMI: Manatees Parade Into Three Sisters Spring

CRYSTAL RIVER, FL — Northerners might not appreciate just how cold Florida can get in the wintertime, but manatees certainly do. The gentle giants are known to congregate together in warmer waters to escape the chill.

Such has been the case at Crystal River’s Three Sister Spring where an estimated 400 of the creatures have been weathering rather chilly nights. With year-round water temperatures of 72 degrees, the spring is a popular winter destination for many of Florida’s manatees.

As temperatures dipped earlier this week, the staff from Visit Citrus captured on video a conga line of manatees making their way into the spring’s waters. And, while 400 sea cows in one location might seem rare, that number doesn’t even come close to breaking the record for the spring. That was set on Dec. 27, 2014, when it was estimated 528 of the creatures gathered, according to Visit Citrus.

See Also:

• Watch: Sharks, Manatees Swim Together
• Feds Pitch Downgraded Manatee Protections
• Manatee Confab Breaks Records
• TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center: What To Know Before You Go

This week’s large gathering at Three Sisters Spring has prompted Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex officials to close the waters to human access. That, however, doesn’t mean visitors can’t take in the incredible sight. The boardwalk that offers a glimpse at the creatures remains open daily, the refuge noted on its Facebook page. That boardwalk is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through April 30.

The City of Crystal River runs a trolley service to provide access to the springs. The trolleys run every 30 minutes daily with a takeoff point at the city’s visitor center, 915 N. Suncoast Blvd. Trolleys also stop on Citrus Avenue in downtown and north of U.S. 19 and south of U.S. 19. Tickets are $15 for adults, ages 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 6 to 13 and $12.50 for seniors ages 62 and up. Children under 5 are free.

For more information on Three Sisters Springs, visit theCrystal River National Wildlife Refuge’s website or theThree Sisters Springs visitor website.

TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach also offers folks on the southern side of the Tampa Bay area a great place to watch these creatures in the wild. The center is also open daily. To find out more, check out this story.

Photo courtesy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Facebook page