Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Tours

Photo by Brad Taylor


Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is ideal to spend some time outdoors. Get out into nature and find out how this distinctive area is being thoughtfully looked after.

This nature reserve is located in Springs at Kings Bay, a place that has plenty of things going for it! Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Three Sisters Springs and Fort Island Gulf Beach are other interesting attractions nearby when you're done at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

Plan a trip to see Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

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Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Universal Studios Area
Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive
Westgate Town Center Resort

Reviews of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
92
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
49
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

You must visit Three Sisters.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Rogers park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Manatee sightings galore

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The Port Hotel & Marina

The Port Hotel & Marina

2 out of 5
1610 SE Paradise Circle, Crystal River, FL
The Port Hotel & Marina
PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

2.5 out of 5
614 Nw Us Highway 19, Crystal River, FL
PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Holiday Inn Express Crystal River by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Crystal River by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1203 Ne 5th St, Crystal River, FL
Holiday Inn Express Crystal River by IHG
Hampton Inn Crystal River, FL

Hampton Inn Crystal River, FL

2.5 out of 5
1103 North Suncoast Boulevard, Crystal River, FL
Hampton Inn Crystal River, FL
Your personal Tiki Hut waterfront/pool/spa home.

Your personal Tiki Hut waterfront/pool/spa home.

Crystal River
Your personal Tiki Hut waterfront/pool/spa home.
Cozy Cottage - River House - Kayaks - SUP - Relax & Recharge

Cozy Cottage - River House - Kayaks - SUP - Relax & Recharge

Crystal River
Cozy Cottage - River House - Kayaks - SUP - Relax & Recharge
Bring your Boat and Enjoy Crystal River! Fish & See Manatee at Our Dock

Bring your Boat and Enjoy Crystal River! Fish & See Manatee at Our Dock

Crystal River
Bring your Boat and Enjoy Crystal River! Fish & See Manatee at Our Dock
Pet friendly water front home in the heart of Crystal River

Pet friendly water front home in the heart of Crystal River

Crystal River
Pet friendly water front home in the heart of Crystal River
Waterfront home in Crystal River w/private dock and kayaks

Waterfront home in Crystal River w/private dock and kayaks

Crystal River
Waterfront home in Crystal River w/private dock and kayaks
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

At Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, kayaking, and observing local wildlife. Popular options for an unforgettable experience include wildlife viewing, wildlife watching, and guided water tours. For those seeking adventure underwater, snorkeling tours offer a unique chance to explore the vibrant aquatic life. This refuge is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Coastal Way - Coastal Landing is a shopping mall located 25 miles away from Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This vibrant center offers entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a variety of shops perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs to remember your trip.

Recreation

Explore Hunter Spring Park, a serene recreational area perfect for relaxation and nature walks, only 0.8 miles from the refuge. For sports enthusiasts, Pine Ridge Golf & Country Club and Skyview At Terra Vista offer scenic golf courses, located 8 and 10 miles away, respectively.

Adventure

At Crystal River Kayak Company, paddle through serene waters while exploring vibrant underwater life, located 0.5 miles from the refuge. For a scenic hike, visit Crystal River Preserve State Park Eco-Walk, 3 miles away, or trek the Felburn Park Trailhead, 10 miles away, both offering stunning outdoor views.

Nightlife

Catch a movie at Regal Citrus Cinemas, located 12 miles from Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, where you can enjoy a blend of entertainment and romance. Afterward, explore local dining options for a relaxed evening filled with good food and conversation.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge offers a range of exciting attractions, including national and state parks, beautiful islands, and marinas. Travelers can enjoy outdoor adventures, beach activities, and wildlife experiences. Explore the scenic Crystal River and its surrounding nature, as well as the diverse wildlife within the refuge. This destination is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in a stunning natural setting.

  • Three Sisters Springs: Located only 0.4 miles from the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Three Sisters Springs offers a breathtaking natural setting with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and kayaking. This unique spot is famous for its vibrant scenery and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.
  • Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge: Right at the doorstep of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is a serene preserve that showcases diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore its wetlands and waterways, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Crystal River Watersports Marina: Situated 3 miles from the refuge, Crystal River Watersports Marina is the gateway to aquatic adventures. Whether you're looking to rent a kayak, paddleboard, or take a boat tour, this marina offers a fun beach vibe, ensuring an exciting day on the water.

Best time to go to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The best time to visit Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

To save money on your trip to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, consider visiting during the off-peak months of August and November to December for lower accommodation rates. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help you avoid the high Saturday prices. Use Expedia to compare hotel options and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and offers. Explore free activities in the area and utilize public transport to keep your travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are August and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia