Crystal River, Florida is a hub of adventure and excitement, making it one of the best beach vacation destinations in the state. The region is renowned for its numerous natural springs including Three Sisters Spring, Seven Sisters Spring, Hunter Springs Park, King Spring and Homosassa Springs. The springs in Crystal River offer many unique experiences from swimming with manatees to diving for scallops. With so much to be explored, we’re sharing the top outdoor activities in Crystal River that you should add to your bucket list if you’re planning a visit.
For a truly unforgettable experience, swimming with manatees at Three Sisters Spring is a must-do outdoor activity in Crystal River. This spring is known for having the largest group of manatees during the winter months, and it is the perfect place to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. All you need is your snorkel gear and a kayak to reach the spring, and you can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, located in Homosassa Springs, Florida, is only a 15 minute drive from Crystal River. The park is home to endangered species like the Florida panther, red wolf and more. This park offers the chance to get up close to the species in their natural habitat. Here you can observe marine life from a floating observatory or meet the parks most famous resident, Lu The Hippo.
The Fish Bowl at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is an underwater observatory allowing visitors to view marine life in their natural habitat without getting wet. The bowl-shaped observatory is perched at the edge of the Homosassa River and provides underwater views from every angle. You can climb into the bowl just below the surface to watch schools of fish swim by, observe turtles, and even catch a glimpse of a manatee. The observatory is also equipped with informational plaques to help visitors identify the different species of fish and other marine life that they see.
Lu the Hippo is undoubtedly one of the most famous residents at Homosassa Springs State Park. Lu was once an actor for Ivan Tors Animal Actors appearing in many Hollywood films and TV shows. He was relocated to Homosassa Springs but faced eviction in 1989 when the Florida Park Services took over the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The community created a petition to keep him there and Governor Lawton Chiles granted Lu honorary citizenship, preventing him from being relocated. Lu, who turns 64 years old this year on Jan 27th, remains a beloved member of the Homosassa Springs community.
Seven Sisters Spring in Florida is a beautiful location featuring clear water and solution holes formed by erosion through limestone and is surrounded by a medium-sized swimming hole. This spring is located on the Chassahowitzka River and is a great spot for snorkeling, manatee sightings, and kayaking.
Seven Sisters Spring in Florida is a beautiful location featuring clear water and solution holes formed by erosion through limestone and is surrounded by a medium-sized swimming hole. This spring is located on the Chassahowitzka River and is a great spot for snorkeling, manatee sightings, and kayaking. The water level can be shallow and there are sharp, slippery sections of exposed limestone rock covered in moss and algae. There are some shallow areas in the spring run connecting Seven Sisters Spring to Chassahowitzka River that may require paddlers to exit their kayak to maneuver over sandbars. This is a spring fit for a experienced adventurer looking for the ultimate outdoor activity in Homosassa Springs.
“The Crack” is a spring in Homosassa Springs, accessible only by paddle craft on the Chassahowitzka River. It features a deep, 30-foot-long crack where salty ocean water flows out amidst the fresh spring rover water. This spring can be a tricky to find. It’s located down Baird Creek, away from the mouth of Chassahowitzka River. Adventurers seeking a secluded retreat can rent a paddle craft and use the public boat dock at the Chassahowitzka River Campground to reach “The Crack.”
One of many natural springs that is a local favorite in Crystal River is Hunter Springs Park. This spring is perfect for families or anyone looking for a more low-key outdoor activity in Crystal River. At the park you can enjoy different amenities, including a small beach area, a swimming area that is enclosed by ropes, a launch spot for kayaks and canoes, a boardwalk along the waterway that offers views of waterbirds, a playground, and other facilities. You can bring your beach gear, stretch out on the grass, have a picnic, and take a dip in the water. There might even be manatees swimming nearby, particularly during the colder months.
Go scalloping in the sea grass beds of the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve for a unique coastal adventure. All you need to go scalloping is a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, cooler and a seasoned charter captain to lead the way. Many local restaurants will even cook your catch, making it a more delicious outdoor activity.
Scalloping season is July – September.
Highly recommended to book a charter in advance. Holidays and weekends are usually the first to fill up.
The bag limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops per person per day; or 1 pint of scallop meat per person per day and can’t exceed 10 gallons per vessel.
Harvesting is done about 2-3 miles from shore in the gulf, and can be found almost anywhere eelgrass is located.
Crystal River is a hub for outdoor activities that are worth exploring. We believe that there are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and we would love to hear your thoughts. What outdoor activities in Crystal River inspire you? We encourage you to share your ideas. Let’s discover the beauty of Crystal River together!
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