Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 20 islands and several small parcels of land surrounded by the crystal clear, spring-fed waters of Kings Bay. It aids in preserving Florida's most significant naturally-occurring warm water refugium for the manatee, and provides critical habitat for approximately 25 percent of the nation's endangered Florida manatee population. Six hundred million gallons of fresh water flow daily from more than 30 natural springs. The temperature of the water flowing from the springs remains a constant 72? F.

In addition to the Florida manatee, the refuge provides a home or vital migratory stop-over for many other threatened and endangered species, including the southern bald eagle, Arctic peregrine falcon, brown pelican , wood stork, West Indian manatee, Florida black bear, American alligator, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, green sea turtle, Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, and loggerhead sea turtle.

• Keep an eye out for the endangered Florida manatee, which thrives here.
• Take advantage of the amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities available here, and bask in the 72 degree water flowing from the dozens of natural springs.
• Bring binoculars and watch for the dozens of species of raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds.