Kayaking Crystal River, FL

Crystal River is a waterway located about 60 miles north of Tampa Bay and empties into the Gulf of Mexico.  Crystal River is located just north of Homosassa Springs, and offers a wonderful opportunity to get up close with nature.  Crystal River's main water sources are nearby natural springs that pump out very clear water and maintain around 72° water temperature year round.  What you end up with is wonderfully clear water and in many spots along the river and nearby springs, a beautiful white sandy bottom.  The vegetation nearby consists mainly of mangrove trees immediately along the river, many of which are drooping with Spanish moss.

While on a Crystal River and its tributaries, you will likely notice many boaters, tour groups, and kayakers.  During the months of November through March, the manatees migrate into the waters of the Crystal River.  During the winter months, manatees are in seek of warmer waters.  So, they travel to Crystal River to escape the colder waters of the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the spring fed constant temperature and calm waters of Crystal River and its natural springs.  Because of this natural phenomenon, Crystal River has gained its fame as a place where you can observe and even swim with the manatees during these winter months.

Map of Hunters Spring Park, Crystal River, FL

After launching your kayak from Hunters Spring Park, paddle to the west.  You will find yourself in the canal system at this part of the Crystal River that is bounded on all sides by waterfront residential housing.  Continue west along this and now and you will see a large marina area called Pete's Pier ahead of you.  Paddle towards this marina and keep it on the left side of your kayak as you maneuver around it.  As you turn the corner around Pete's Pier, you will be turning left and now heading in a southerly direction on a wider canal at the edge of a water way called Kings Bay.  Continue south for some time on this canal, and it will begin to narrow as that houses are closer together.  Then up ahead, on your left side as you continue to paddle south, you will begin to see thicker strands of trees along the water and inland. 

Continuing ahead, you will see thickets of mangrove trees to the east and as you round a corner you'll make out a bunch of signs some displaying warnings about manatees, others saying to stay off of the land.  Additionally you will notice about a 1/2 dozen cement pilings installed in the shallows of a small river mouth here.  This marks the entrance to Three Sisters Springs.  If you pause long enough to read all of the signs, it will remind you not to touch, scare, ride the manatees.  This is as far as you can go on a power boat.  However, if you choose to swim or you are on a kayak, you can proceed in between these pilings and into Three Sisters Springs itself.  Kayakers can paddle their kayaks in between the pilings and all the way into the springs. 

Clear waters at the entrance to Three Sisters Springs

We kayaked in between the pilings and through this very narrow waterway that was but a few feet deep.  The waters however, were crystal clear and you could see the rocks sticking out through the sandy bottom below.  Above us and all around were mangrove trees with their interlocking canopy forming almost a green tunnel for us to tell through as Spanish moss dangled and touched our shoulders.  After kayaking about a dozen yards through this narrow chute, we came out into a vast open area of 3 Sisters Springs.  The scene was surreal, as we entered through that narrow opening we were completely surrounded on all sides by thick mangrove trees and we could no longer see any houses or man-made structures. 

The waters all around the springs were absolutely clear and we could see right down to the bottom, in the deepest sections we gauged the water to be about 30 feet deep.  The entire bottom of the whole spring areas our covered in fine white sand, giving the waters a very light blue misty color.  The springs were incredibly beautiful.  This is where during the months of November through March, you will often see dozens and dozens of manatees frolicking in these waters.  We like to kayak around the entire perimeter of the springs exploring all of the edges and paddling between narrow openings in between trees.  Additionally, we also bring a wet suit or at least a rash guard along with our snorkel gear so that we can put our faces in the water and really enjoy the clear waters and all of the underwater life here period on various occasions, we have encountered large schools of fish that will swim right up underneath our kayak.  Enjoy Crystal River and the springs, but be respectful, do not leave any trash, and please do not touch the manatees!

At the end of the day kayak back the way you came to the north, circle Pete's Pier off your right this time, and return back to Hunters Spring Park.  We recommend printing a map or satellite view off of the Internet to take with you as you are paddling.  We always back ourselves up with our waterproof GPS.  Until you've made this trip several times, it is easy to become disoriented in the canal system, because many of the canals look identical. 

If you plan on kayaking, remember to leave your travel details with family and friends so that they know when to expect you an approximately where you will be kayaking.  Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear a hat in the sun is strong that day.  Year round the water temperature hovers around 72°, so bring a wet suit if you have one.