Things to Do in Crystal River

Experience a 3-hour tour in Crystal River in an enclosed heated boat with a water guide and free photos. Explore one of the only places on Earth where you can get up close and personal with manatees.

As the leaders in the industry we feel it is our duty to have all our tours conducted by professionals. Our Manatee snorkel tours are guided by USCG Captain as well as a licensed and insured dive professional. Our in water professionals are trained as first responders, with First aid, CPR, AED administration and in-water rescue training. Captain and guides are also trained in manatee manners, through the Manatee Eco Tourism Association in coordination with United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The training allows us to lead the industry by operating the saftest tours on the water for our guest and manatees alike.

Board a clear Kayak and experience an eco-friendly tour of Crystal River. Join expert local guides as you explore springs, on the lookout for manatees. There are two seasonal options for this tour.

We provide an amazing in water experience to swim with manatees. In this private tour on our enclosed heated boats you will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kings Bay as we make our way to get up close and personal with the peaceful manatees. While you are in the water we will capture your memories for you with our in water guide/photographer leading you through your experience.

Explore the outstanding scenery and diverse wildlife of Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge on a boat trip in Crystal River. Observe fascinating manatees in their natural habitat without getting wet.

We are a locally owned business. I am the owner and operator, I possess extensive expertise in leading tours on Kings Bay, gained from years of experience. I am ardently committed to preserving the beauty of our waterways and strive to maintain a negligible environmental footprint.

Explore one of the only places on Earth where you can get up close and personal with manatees. Snorkel next to these gentle giants on this three-hour Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge tour.

Crystal River is home to beautiful fresh water springs, a large variety of wildlife, and or course our famous manatee residents! This in-water manatee snorkel experience is EXTRA special since the 6-passenger boat is strictly dedicated to you and your party and includes a FREE photo package. ($40 value.) Each winter between 700 and 1000 manatees migrate here seeking out our three first magnitude spring systems, each with a constant temperature of 72° to 74° F (23° C). Even in the warm summer months, Crystal River has a local population of 70-100 manatees that remain here year round. Due to efforts by many local, state and federal entities, our manatee population is thriving. We feel that an in-water swim experience is an important part of this education and conservation effort. Our team of highly trained in-water guides ensure your experience with this cherished and threatened species is handled with the utmost care and respect by encouraging passive observation.

Swim with the manatees in their natural environment on a guided tour in Crystal River, Florida. Snorkel alongside these gentle giants and learn fun facts about them from your guide.

This is a great way to see the sights and everything going on below you in the water from the BEST perspective. Our water bikes are human-powered and is the best eco-friendly way to get around the area to see everything Crystal River has to offer. You can see manatees swim directly underneath your bike, which is an incredible view to experience. The water bikes easily hold up to 250 pounds and have adjustable seats for all different heights of riders.

Join a guided snorkeling tour in Crystal River, Florida and go in search of Manatees in their natural habitat. Enjoy a convenient package tour with transportation from the meeting point included.

As the leaders in the industry we feel it is our duty to have all our activities conducted by professionals. Our Manatee snorkel tours are guided by USCG Captain as well as a licensed and insured dive professional. Our in water professionals are trained as first responders, with First aid, CPR, AED administration and in-water rescue training. Captain and guides are also trained in manatee manners, through the Manatee Eco Tourism Association in coordination with United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The training allows us to lead the industry by operating the saftest tours on the water for our guest and manatees alike.

Discover the springs of Crystal River with your own kayak rental. Enjoy an experience suitable for everyone and relax on the water as you create your own adventure.

See wild manatees and a variety of Florida wildlife on this relaxing boat cruise! Led by one of our stellar Coast Guard-Certified Master Captains, this tour operates throughout the King's Bay Manatee Refuge, searching for manatees dwelling in their natural habitat. Enjoy your guided tour as your captain tells you about the local area and the captivating manatees that call this area home. Our residential Refuge provides a mixture of a quaint "Old Florida" setting while being the wintertime host of the largest natural aggregation of manatees in the world. Visiting in the summer? No problem! We have a residential population of manatees that call Crystal River home year-round. Please note that this is a true wildlife tour and, although our captain will do eveything poasible to make sure you have a great trip, conditions vary day-to-day and nothing is ever guarenteed with wild animals.

Glide through the Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge on a guided kayak tour in Crystal River. Keep an eye out for manatees, otters, tarpon, bird species, and other wildlife.

As Florida natives, we are dedicated to giving a fulfilling day of scalloping, snorkeling, and a relaxing boat ride to all guests. We want our guests to come as strangers and leave as friends. As operators, we focus on making the experience as personal and fun as possible. We always have a guide that can show your friends or family around the waterways. With a lifetime of experience on the water comes knowledge and expertise that will ensure you have a great experience whether you are an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeler.

Stay warm and dry on a covered boat tour in Crystal River. Watch manatees and other diverse wildlife as you cruise through the scenic Kings Bay area with your captain.

This activity is an amazing experience for those of all ages. At Crystal River Manatee Adventures we try our absolute best to make it a once in a lifetime trip. The day starts with free parking at our shop and then we provide transportation down to the boat, just a short drive away. We will then take a ride out to the Gulf of Mexico and find a spot where we think we’ll find lots of scallops! With the trip all equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) is included. We also have a cooler filled with water and ice on the boat, which you can use for any food or beverages you bring along with you. We also provide an in water guide for the trip to help collect your daily limit on scallops. After our time is complete in the Gulf, we will then return to King’s Bay where we will give you the chance to hop into one of our beautiful springs to swim around and check out before heading back to the dock.

Embark on a serene eco-tour experience on Kings Bay Crystal River, Florida. Observe wildlife in its natural habitat while minimizing disruption and fostering a love for this area and its creature's

After many years of scalloping we have teamed up to perfect the art of Scalloping in Crystal River. You can expect a safe and fun tour with us. We start with the best equipment possible and follow up with fun and entertainment. One will be your personal DJ, Scallop hunter and last but not lease Chef. After a day in the sun looking for scallops we cap it off with a dip in the Crystal Clear springs while enjoying Chef's special recipe (Scallop Ceviche) The other Captain is a licensed and insured Captain and one will be your in-water guide for the day. Your fishing license and all your equipment is provided, as well as bottled water. Our trips leave right from our own private docks so there is no need to pay for parking or shuttle!

Swim and snorkel with amazing manatees at a stunning wildlife refuge in Crystal River. Explore the natural springs aboard a covered pontoon boat and get up close to the friendly sea cows.

Your scalloping adventure will last about 5 hours.  All of your gear is included.  This will be your mask, snorkel, fins, bag for collecting scallops, and your fishing license.  You will snorkel the grass flats of the Gulf of Mexico hunting for the bright blue eyes of the scallops in a an Easter egg hunt suitable for families.  You may harvest the lesser of 2 gallons of scallops per person or 10 gallons per boat. We provide an in-water guide on all trips to help with snorkels and to assist in your scallop hunting.  All scallops collected by the guide will be yours as well.  The scallops are small and very sweet.  This is a private scalloping charter.  We require a booking equivalent of 4 people.  Additional people can be accommodated, just let us know.

Explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge at dusk on a boat tour. Spot wildlife such as manatees, river otters, turtles, osprey, and dolphins, and watch a stunning sunset over Kings Bay.

Very few places compare to the immense fishing experience provided by the tributaries of Crystal Bay and Crystal River State Park. Fishing is always a short distant and boat ride to great areas in the Bay. Enjoy fishing one of the most persistent and underused unique ecosystem found in Florida. Fishing is great all year round, and there is such a diversity of nearshore, flats and backcountry fishing for Flounder, Cobia, Redfish, Trout, Snook, Grouper and Snapper depending on the season.  Even on windy days there are plenty of places to fish, in the Bay you can fish one of the many preserves or tributaries of backcountry waterway, making this an experience, not just another fishing trip. Booking with confidence on TripAdvisor, it makes an easy, reliable and enjoyable decision. Reserve Today to get hooked up! 

Embark on a self-guided Clear Bottom Kayak adventure through King’s Bay! Explore crystal-clear waters, spot manatees (best Jan-Feb), and paddle at your own pace. Available year-round!

This is an all inclusive fishing charter that takes you through the mangroves and twisted backwater of the nature coast, as well as out into the beautiful shallow Gulf of Mexico. The diversity of wildlife and landscape will take your breath away. Come along with an experienced, native guide to maximize your adventure.

Come aboard for a snorkeling tour with manatees, surrounded by the beautiful springs and scenery of Crystal River. Enjoy all necessary gear including wetsuits, snorkels, masks, and even free photos.

As the leaders in the industry we feel it is our duty to have all our tours conducted by professionals. Our Manatee snorkel tours are guided by USCG Captain as well as a licensed and insured dive professional. Our in water professionals are trained as first responders, with First aid, CPR, AED administration and in-water rescue training. Captain and guides are also trained in manatee manners, through the Manatee Eco Tourism Association in coordination with United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The training allows us to lead the industry by operating the saftest tours on the water for our guest and manatees alike.

Enjoy a high-end experience at an affordable price and explore the home of manatees aboard a luxury pontoon boat. Embark on a 3-hour cruise through King's Bay Wildlife Refuge and encounter the gentle giants up close and personal.

Unique Glow Kayak Experience, Paddle in an all-clear kayak equipped with glow lights, offering a stunning view of the illuminated underwater world and creating a magical experience like no other. Free Photo Package, Capture the magic of your tour with complimentary photos, so you can relive the memories and share them with friends and family. Expertly Guided Adventure, Our professional local guides know the best routes to maximize your chances of seeing manatees and other wildlife, ensuring a safe, engaging, and educational experience. Stunning Sunset Views, Watch the vibrant Crystal River sunset as it reflects off the water, providing an unforgettable backdrop for your adventure. Exclusive Wildlife Encounters, Explore the serene waters of Kings Bay, a renowned habitat for manatees and other wildlife. Even during manatee season, when Three Sisters Springs is closed to paddlers, we take you to prime viewing areas on the outskirts and other hidden springs.

Experience the natural beauty of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on this sightseeing cruise with a USCG certified captain. Search for manatees and local wildlife from a pontoon boat.

Join us as we explore the Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge to find and swim alongside the gentle giants. As you embark on your journey, your Captain and In-Water Guide will teach you everything you need to know about interacting with these gentle creatures. In addition to learning manatee facts and their behavioral patterns, our captains are extremely knowledgeable about the Crystal River and Florida’s manatees, so they’ll be able to answer any questions you may have. Our tours include: full wet suits, mask, snorkel, and coffee and hot cholate All of our tours leave from our onsite private docks, with heated changing facility and hot showers.

Paddle through the serene waters of Crystal River on a kayak tour. Encounter Florida’s beloved manatees up close and learn about the unique ecosystem they call home.

A Florida-style underwater Easter egg hunt!! From July 1st - September 24th, Bay Scallops are the name of the game when it comes to the ultimate in family fun! Found in the shallow water grass beds of the Gulf of Mexico, these delicacies from the sea are the ultimate in harvest to table experiences. Like Discover Crystal River says, "It’s a fun family-friendly underwater adventure; all you need is a mask, snorkel, flippers, and one exceptional charter captain" that's where we come in! After a scenic 40-minute cruise to the scallop grounds, you'll don your masks, fins, and snorkels and grab a catch bag. (All provided in the cost of the charter.) Our in-water guide will get you started by pointing out these tasty morsels. Then it's off to the races snorkeling to collect your treasure. Once you’re back, you can even bring your catch to a local restaurant that will cook it for you. It’s a cherished local tradition and a Florida family favorite.

Learn about Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge’s “gentle giants” and snorkel in the waters where they live with this manatee-spotting boat tour and snorkeling excursion.

Join us for a 4-5 hour snorkeling trip where you can see all types of wildlife and pick up a tasty treat! While snorkeling you may see many types of fish, sting rays, turtles, seahorses, and many types of sponges and corals. Don't get too mesmerized by the beautiful surroundings to forget to pick up these tasty little morsels. The true novelty of Florida Gulf bay scallops is the fact that you can only get them yourself three months out of the year! All gear is included with this snorkling trip as well as license. Mask and snorkel, fins, collection bags, dip nets, buckets, and even floatation aids will be provided. Bottled water provided on every trip. A professional swim guide will join us to help you in the water and help collect scallops for your party.

Experience the beautifully clear waters of Three Sisters Springs on this guided kayak or paddleboard tour. Relax as you glide through the water, discover diverse wildlife, and stop for a short swim.

If you are looking for an experience that is both serene and thrilling, look no further than the motorized paddleboard tour at Crystal River Preserve. With Old Florida waters that are lively and exciting, it’s the perfect place to indulge in some much-needed relaxation or dive into the world of adventure. This is a seriously fun, unforgettable experience! On the tour we will explore around the preserve, stopping along the way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. We might see alligators, manatees, different species of fish and birds. Our electric paddleboards are wide and stable, even beginners will have a great time. All skill levels are welcome to join, we offer a lesson before each tour. We typically cruise 4-6 mph but can paddle even faster if we want. Going on the days where the wind pushes you in the opposite direction ? Our PowerBoard keeps you on course going into the breeze. Finally, a watersport that everyone can enjoy!

Swim with the gentle manatees in the clear waters of the Crystal River of Florida. Visit the Homosassa State Park, home to a variety of endangered species including the state panther. This is the perfect tour choice for the whole family to enjoy.

Step aboard for an intimate adventure with Crystal River’s most beloved residents—the Florida manatee. This semi-private experience is limited to just six passengers, ensuring a relaxed and personalized journey on the water. Our company includes everything: Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and a photo package. Your U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain and in-water guide will take you to the best spots to encounter manatees in their natural habitat. With small group sizes, you’ll have more space, more time in the water, and more opportunities for one-on-one guidance and wildlife education. We also include photos and videos on all trips. Snorkel alongside these peaceful creatures, learn about their behaviors, and capture unforgettable memories—all while enjoying the comfort and ease of a smaller group. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or looking to join a small group, this semi-private tour offers the perfect balance of privacy, adventure, and affordability.

Snorkel with our gentle manatees in Crystal River’s pristine waters. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour with expert care and comfort with an emphasis on education and conservation via passive observation.

Our objective is to provide a serene eco-tour experience on Kings Bay Crystal River Florida, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat while minimizing disruption and fostering appreciation for the creatures that inhabit Kings Bay. In the winter months, up to 1000 Floridian West Indian Manatees migrate to Kings Bay Crystal River Fl to seek refuge in its 72-degree spring-fed estuary. Our vessel accommodates up to six passengers. As an owner-operator business, I have been operating as a Manatee tour captain on Kings Bay since 2018. Having previously worked with prominent companies, I sought to establish my own business, focusing on smaller groups for a more personalized experience.

This one-of-a-kind night tour gives you the best of both worlds in Crystal River. You will tour through clear water to catch a sunset, then spot underwater wildlife from your lighted all clear kayak!

You’ll not only get a wonderful encounter with the manatees, but also you’ll receive unsurpassed service. Our captains are extremely knowledgeable of the Crystal River and will ensure you the best manatee tour possible. Our tours are conducted daily, year round, and our tours include snacks and beverages. Manatees are one of the most incredible, and elusive, creatures found on Florida’s Nature Coast. The first thing you need to know about manatees is that they like to stay warm. They spend most of the year lounging and hunting for seagrass in the Gulf of Mexico and flock to our crystal clear springs to stay toasty during the winter months. Florida’s springs remain a constant 72 degrees year-round. This may seem cool to us, but it’s just right for manatees. And nobody knows how to locate these amazing creatures better than our expert guides. We offer a TREASURE CHEST FIND FOR ALL KIDS ABOARD participating in Swim with Manatees Tour (our exclusive offer) Pictures and videos are free

Experience the BEST tour in Crystal River, Florida on our Clear Kayak Sunset & Night Glow Tour! Explore the world famous Three Sisters Springs, then catch an amazing sunset, and a glow night tour.

Our captains have been scalloping and fishing the waters of the gulf of Mexico for a combined 40+ years. This means we have the knowledge (and GPS locations) to ensure a successful day on the water. Safety is paramount, so your guided charter includes an in-water guide to help you start "finding" your catch as well as a USCG certified Master Captain aboard your vessel at all times. This charter is 7-hours & includes a stop at one of our local springs so you can wash the salt off while we shuck your catch! We also provide bottled water and deluxe seating along with all gear. You bring your own selection of other beverages and food and get ready for lots of family fun!

If you're looking for the best small-group (6 people!) manatee snorkeling tour, look no further. Let our amazing guides show you the wonder and beauty of the majestic Florida Manatee

Join us on a premier scalloping tour for an unforgettable adventure on Florida's Nature Coast. Perfect for both seasoned scallopers and first-time snorkelers, this 5-hour charter offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Our charters include a fully stocked 26ft tritoon with plenty of room, a fully covered bimini top to help keep everyone cool and out of the sun, and a knowledgeable guide on every trip that can help assist with snorkeling, scalloping and even taking photos! Morning and afternoon charters are available from July 1st to September 24th, scallop season is short and goes quick, so book while you can! - 5 hour scalloping charters running twice daily from July 1 through September 24 - Maximum of 6 guests for a private experience (Give us a call if your group is more than 6) - Comfortable vessel with a guide included on every trip - Complimentary photos to cherish your scalloping adventure - Everything Included (Gear, Licenses, Guide, Photos, Water, Ice)

Experience the magic of Crystal River at sunset with a kayak or paddleboard rental. Explore the calm waters, spot coastal birds, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the evening light.

At Manatees in Paradise, we are a small, family-owned company with a passion for wildlife & the environment! Founded in 2005 by manatee rescue volunteers focused on safeguarding the dwindling manatee population, our goal has always been to bring you the very best in educational, animal friendly tours. It has never been our ambition to have the largest fleet of boats on the water. Instead, we aim to have the smallest possible impact…which is why we only offer small tours & are proud to be 1 of 2 Guardian Guides with Save the Manatee Club! Regardless of whether you book a tour with us, we kindly ask that you respect the manatees & their space…not crowd or prey on them. Any tour company promoting the petting of wild manatees is truly part of an ongoing local problem. We love snorkeling with the manatees, but always remain mindful not to interfere with their natural behavior. You can also see them very well from the boat, so whether in the water or out, it's truly a magical adventure!