Crystal River approves new shuttle to help with busy manatee season

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — It’s the height of manatee season, and local leaders are adding accommodations to help visitors get to their destinations easier.

The city of Crystal River recently bought a new shuttle. Once it’s up and running, leaders say it will help ease the flow of increased traffic between the Three Sisters Springs Visitor Center. The recent investment is coming at a crucial time for the “Manatee Capital of the World.”

Gathered around Three Sisters Springs, visitors fill the water’s edge, snapping pictures, trying to glimpse of the manatees huddled together down below.

“The colder the weather, the more manatees we have and the more visitors we have to see those manatees,” said Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts.

It’s the height of manatee season, the city’s busiest time of year. It’s something Curts understands better than most.

“We have in excess of 100,000 visitors per season, probably reaching the 200,000 range at this point, coming to the area to see these manatees,” said Curts. “That’s a lot of people for a very small town to absorb.”

Due to those growing numbers, the city recently approved the purchase of a new shuttle, helping reduce wait times from an hour to 30 minutes. Parking lots throughout the city are also being made accessible to the route.

“They even have a QR code so that people can buy their tickets to the refuge to see the manatees right from the parking lot,” says Curts. “Then they board the bus and they can come down here and go straight to the park at the gate.”

“With the crowds getting larger and larger, the City of Crystal River has done a great job of recognizing those needs,” said Director of Tourism Auvis Cole. He said the move is much needed.

“It’s connecting all of our resources and our attractions,” he said. “But number two, and I think it’s really the most important thing, is it offers accessibility. Everyone cannot walk the short distances or whatever and it’s really important to make sure we welcome all visitors.”

Connecting visitors with all there is to see in Crystal River.

“This is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and our manatees, obviously, many people love to come here and see them,” said Curts. “We welcome everyone to come see the manatees here in Crystal River.”

Getting them one step closer to nature.

Curts says they hope to have that new shuttle soon. In the meantime, the city’s current stock of buses is running more frequent routes to help transport visitors.