Updated November 3, 2026
North of Tampa Bay, the Nature Coast is Florida's springs country. Crystal River and Kings Bay draw manatees in winter, Weeki Wachee has its famous mermaid shows, and state parks like Rainbow Springs and Homosassa Springs make an easy day trip.
Most springs keep the water around the same temperature year-round, which is why manatees gather there in cooler months. Popular parks can fill up or require reservations, so plan ahead and check the official page the day you go.
Jump to: Fishing charters & piers · Diving & snorkeling · Springs & manatees
Fishing charters & piers in Nature Coast & Springs
Captain Mark Zorn Fishing Charters
Private light-tackle flats, backcountry, inshore and near-shore charters out of Crystal River/Homosassa, plus scalloping trips in summer.
Cast N Reel Fishing Charters of Crystal River
Inshore fishing charters on the Crystal River area waters.
Diving & snorkeling in Nature Coast & Springs
Bird's Underwater Dive Center
Dive center on King's Bay offering manatee snorkel tours (gear included), dive trips, scalloping, cave diving and classes.
Plantation Adventure Center & Dive Shop
Charter tours for manatees, diving, fishing and scalloping with Kings Bay boat ramp, plus boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (scuba and snorkel rules)
Federal refuge says scuba at King Spring is allowed year-round, Three Sisters Spring scuba only Apr 1-Nov 14, and snorkeling is allowed year-round but not in marked manatee sanctuaries.
Devil's Den Spring (scuba and snorkel)
Spring-fed prehistoric sinkhole offering scuba 7 days a week (Open Water cert, no cave entry) and snorkeling by reservation; Williston is roughly 2.5 hours from Tampa.
Springs & manatees in Nature Coast & Springs
Three Sisters Springs
City of Crystal River-run boardwalk and shuttle access to the springs within Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge; swimming is not allowed from the boardwalk, and paddle craft may enter the springs only Apr 1-Nov 14.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
USFWS refuge protecting Kings Bay manatee habitat; winter manatee sanctuaries are closed to all public use and passive observation is required.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
State park around the Homosassa River headwaters where rehabilitating manatees can be viewed daily, including from the Fish Bowl underwater observatory.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
State park with live mermaid shows, the Buccaneer Bay water park with four slides, and kayaking down the spring-fed river.
Rainbow Springs State Park
State park with swimming, tubing and canoe/kayak rentals on the Rainbow River; everyone entering needs a day-use reservation.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
North Florida state park for tubing the Ichetucknee River from Dampier's Landing; entry is first-come, first-served.
Manatee Springs State Park
Suwannee River-area state park with a first-magnitude spring offering swimming and spring/cave diving.
Adventure Center at Plantation (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
American Pro Diving Center (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Birds Underwater (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Shop (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Crystal River Manatee Adventures (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Crystal River Watersports (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Explorida (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Family Adventure Charters (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Manatee Tour and Dive (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
River Ventures (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Salty Sirens (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Port Hotel and Marina (manatee tours)
Operator listed on the USFWS Crystal River NWR 2025-26 special use permit list; verify tour details with the operator.
Good to know
- Manatee season rules matter: some springs close the water to swimmers in winter to protect manatees, and Three Sisters Springs has its own access rules. Follow posted guidance and licensed tour operators.
- Several parks (for example Rainbow Springs, Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring) can require day-use reservations or close when full. Check before you drive.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a dry bag. Many springs ban food, alcohol or disposable containers in the water.