King's Spring is part of the King's Bay in Crystal River, Florida, along the state's Gulf Coast . The spring, just off the south bank of Banana Island , is the largest of several springs and sinks in the bay, and is considered the most popular. It's about 75 feet (23 m) across. Access is by boat and several dive operators serve the area. From mid-November to March 31 diving is prohibited in some areas frequented by manatees, which are an endangered species. Manatees are sea cows which come up river in November or December and stick around through the winter months.

Depths to: 30 feet (9 m) with a cave that descends another 60 feet (18 m).

Visibility:

Crystal-clear.

Water temperature:

72 degrees Fahrenheit

(22 degrees Celsius) year-round.

Aquatic life: Manatees, tarpon, mangrove snappers, catfish, blue crabs.

Fees: None

On-site amenities: Multiple amenities are available in Crystal River .

More info: Visit www.floridastateparks.org or www.crystalriverflorida.com.

Open: Year-round.

Getting there: From Tampa, take the Suncoast Tollway until it ends at Hwy 98. Turn left onto US-98N (about 4 miles). Turn right onto US-19N. Follow into Crystal River . Turn left onto SE Paradise Point Road . The refuge is about half a mile on the left.