We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

1502 S.E. Kings Bay Dr., Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
Update attraction details
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Bodies of Water
Activities: Swimming, Viewing wildlife, Snorkelling
Description: Swimming with manatees is the highlight of a trip to this nature reserve.
Write a Review

47 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    33
    11
    3
    0
    0
Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013 via mobile

What a wonderful park!! We really enjoyed our visit today to this park! Well maintained, knowledgeable and clean park. There were lots of wildlife to see. Loved it!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by krizzteena for Crystal River
Edmond, Oklahoma, United States
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
39 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

I went during a time when the Crystal River was cloudy and I could barely see the manatees. I remember touching one but I just didn't enjoy it. It wasn't for me.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Hartford, Connecticut
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

It was a nice place to visit, convenient and clean. The staff was great especially the man who took us on the boatride down the canal. Everyone was so knowledgable and took their time to answer all of your questions.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by donnamarie7370 for Crystal River
Poplar, Wisconsin
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

Very neat opportunity to view the natural wildlife of Florida. A boat takes you down the wild side on the river and you can either take the boat back or walk the trail through the woods. We walked back and saw a big snake~~just keep walking....fast. Staff was knowlegeable and went out of their way to teach the kids facts... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

Manatees, water fowl, wide open lots of things to see and do. Worth the trip. that's all, and that's enough.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by George C for Crystal River
Naples, Florida
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

Manatees Manatees every where-loved seeing these super cool animals but also provided them with their own space! Thes river is cyrstal blue and is a magical place to snorkel. It is a very loved destinastion with many users including kayakers, boaters, snorklers, and divers.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by travel_junkie2324 for Crystal River
Alcoa, Tennessee
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2013

Found this place by accident and spend the whole day there. If you go to Crystal Spring and you miss this place, you haven't really seen Crystal Springs!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by tlunsford for Crystal River
Beverly Hills, Florida, United States
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2013

This is a very nice place to see all the Wildlife that there can be. If a Wildlife animal is injured, they get treated for the injury(ies) then the Employees take care of them to make sure that they get healed and ready before they head back to where the animals come from. Not all injuries will get healed and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Maggie S for Crystal River
Beacon, New York
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2013

The entire park was great but when we were able to see manatees playing just outside the park that we could watch from the observation dock. We even got to see a couple of VERY young babies!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by TandPK for Crystal River
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2013

The real Florida. Wonderful volunteer guides in family friendly environment that takes you back to the Florida of years past.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by scheskiewicz for Crystal River

Travellers who viewed Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge also viewed

 

Been to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing