Fees · Destination Guide
Crystal River and Homosassa
Manatee-safe spring snorkeling, shallow scuba and summer scallops on Florida's Nature Coast
Key fee: Three Sisters Springs land admission, adult
USD $12.50 summer / USD $20.00 winter
Fees · Destination Guide
Manatee-safe spring snorkeling, shallow scuba and summer scallops on Florida's Nature Coast
Key fee: Three Sisters Springs land admission, adult
USD $12.50 summer / USD $20.00 winter
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Do not buy a fictional universal marine-park tag for Kings Bay. Refuge visitor-center entry is free, while the City of Crystal River charges for land admission to Three Sisters Springs and for some launches/parking. The Homosassa wildlife park and Crystal River archaeological park charge their own entry. Manatee snorkeling tours charge private operator fares and must operate lawfully under applicable refuge authorization. Recreational bay scallop harvesting has an FWC saltwater licensing requirement unless an exemption or valid charter coverage applies. Verify all rates and season rules immediately before purchase.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Sisters Springs land admission, adult | USD $12.50 summer / USD $20.00 winter Single-day admission; summer Apr 1-Nov 14, winter Nov 15-Mar 31 | Visitors using Three Sisters Springs boardwalk and land trails | City of Crystal River Three Sisters Springs Center, online ticket system or eligible front gate | The prices are the city page's published standard adult amounts, subject to change. This ticket does not provide a way to enter the water from land. Special age, residency and pass discounts exist. |
| Crystal River NWR visitor center | Free During published visitor-center hours | Refuge visitor center and Nature Store | No purchase required | USFWS states no admission fee for its visitor center. No unrestricted right to enter wildlife sanctuaries is created. |
| Hunter Springs and Kings Bay park launch/parking | Variable city metered fee Per visit or vessel launch, as posted | Park vehicle parking and private paddle craft launches | City of Crystal River parking and launch meters | City documents fees at both parks and additional city boat ramps. Check posted rates and whether your rental operator uses an authorized commercial launch. |
| Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park admission | USD $13 adult; USD $5 child age 6-12 Single park admission subject to current policy | Visitors to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park | State park ticket counter | Children age 5 and under were listed free. Paid admission is for wildlife park access, not permission to swim in its protected spring. |
| Crystal River Archaeological State Park entrance | USD $3 per vehicle Single park visit; standard vehicle admission | Visitors arriving by vehicle at the archaeological state park | Park entrance honor box | Correct change may be required. Museum days and park hours are not identical. |
| Crystal River Preserve State Park general admission | Free During regular park opening | General land-based use of Crystal River Preserve State Park | No purchase required | Tours, launch services or separate partner eco boat trips may charge independent prices. |
| Florida recreational saltwater fishing license for scallops | Varies by residency, duration and exemption Valid FWC license covering the date and activity unless legally exempt | People harvesting recreational bay scallops by swimming or snorkeling | FWC GoOutdoorsFlorida or authorized vendors; ask charter about included coverage | A shoreline-only free license does not cover snorkeling away from shore. In 2026, Citrus County scallop harvest was July 1-Sep 24, with strict take limits; a tour payment alone is not always sufficient proof of coverage. |
| Commercial manatee tour Special Use Permit | Operator-specific; not a general visitor ticket According to active USFWS permit conditions | Businesses conducting commercial manatee tours requiring refuge authorization | Commercial tour operator coordinates with USFWS; visitor checks permit status | USFWS explains that Kings Bay commercial tour businesses operate with refuge-issued Special Use Permits. A directory listing or 2022 holder roster is not reliable current verification. |
| Florida boater safety education | Course or temporary certificate cost varies As required by current Florida law | People born Jan 1, 1988 or later operating qualifying powerboats of at least 10 HP, unless exempt | FWC approved course or temporary examination providers | The FWC boating education card is not a conventional boat license. Rentals may add their own qualification and age rules. |
Fee
Single-day admission; summer Apr 1-Nov 14, winter Nov 15-Mar 31
The prices are the city page's published standard adult amounts, subject to change. This ticket does not provide a way to enter the water from land. Special age, residency and pass discounts exist.
During published visitor-center hours
USFWS states no admission fee for its visitor center. No unrestricted right to enter wildlife sanctuaries is created.
Per visit or vessel launch, as posted
City documents fees at both parks and additional city boat ramps. Check posted rates and whether your rental operator uses an authorized commercial launch.
Single park admission subject to current policy
Children age 5 and under were listed free. Paid admission is for wildlife park access, not permission to swim in its protected spring.
Single park visit; standard vehicle admission
Correct change may be required. Museum days and park hours are not identical.
During regular park opening
Tours, launch services or separate partner eco boat trips may charge independent prices.
Valid FWC license covering the date and activity unless legally exempt
A shoreline-only free license does not cover snorkeling away from shore. In 2026, Citrus County scallop harvest was July 1-Sep 24, with strict take limits; a tour payment alone is not always sufficient proof of coverage.
According to active USFWS permit conditions
USFWS explains that Kings Bay commercial tour businesses operate with refuge-issued Special Use Permits. A directory listing or 2022 holder roster is not reliable current verification.
As required by current Florida law
The FWC boating education card is not a conventional boat license. Rentals may add their own qualification and age rules.