Crystal River

Tours

Children Under The Age Of 3 & Pets/Service Animals Are Only Permitted On Private Tours Voted one of the top 10 World’s “Bucket List” Experiences in 2022, swimming with manatees is something you cannot miss while in Florida. Citrus County is revered as the manatee capital of the world, and swimming with manatees in their natural habitat is a privilege. Coming face to face with a thousand pound gentle giant is an experience unlike any other in the world! During your introduction to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's "Manatee Manners" video, you'll learn all about manatees and how to behave around them. This ensures that you have a super time snorkeling with these gentle giants while not disturbing any other their natural behaviors. After sliding into wetsuits, your guide will take you on a 5-minute van ride to the dock where you will be greeted by your Master Captain. As you hop aboard a safe, comfortable, and clean US Coast Guard certified vessel, you will to embark on your journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. Offering information on ecology, history and some silly anecdotes about our area, your crew will offer the best manatee eco-tour in Crystal River, FL. Your captain and guide are very skilled in locating manatees even in the most challenging conditions. When it's time to ease into the water, your guide will give you a snorkel lesson and help get you comfortable in the water. They will be your personal photographer and assistant every step of the way, making your manatee tour safe and memorable. The amount of time you will spend snorkeling in the water with manatees varies greatly as these are wild animals and their behaviour changes by the day and even the hour. If they are not found in the springs areas, you will typically have time to swim into one of the springs after the manatee portion of your tour. At the end of the tour, your guide will bring you back to the shop where you can view their pictures and videos and decide if you'd like to purchase them.

Hop aboard a US Coast Guard-certified vessel and join your captain for a journey into the tranquil waters of Kings Bay, a refuge for manatees. Discover authentic Florida scenery and gaze at these gentle giants as you navigate in Crystal River, Florida. Allow your captain to help you find manatees during any season of the year. Capture the picturesque scenery and diverse wildlife that call this refuge home, including a variety of bird species, turtles, and the occasional dolphins. While cruising and exploring the region, learn all about the history of Kings Bay, the biology and ecology of manatees, and interesting facts about other creatures that live alongside them.

Explore Crystal River with your own kayak rental, with a variety of rental durations available. Follow the map to King's Bay and search for a variety of native wildlife species as you discover the area at your own pace. Check-in at the shop 30 minutes prior to your reservation time to watch a short video, required by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. From there, head to the launch dock where you will get a short introduction to your equipment and how to paddle your kayak. Start your adventure in the water by getting comfortable with your kayak while paddling through the waterways that lead to King's Bay and the Crystal River. Follow the map toward your preferred location as you look for manatees, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and other wildlife. Enjoy nature, the sun, the fresh air, and the calm waters of Crystal River. When arriving at the natural springs, such as the Three Sister Springs, take advantage of the beautiful clear waters to take plenty of wonderful photos.

Get back to nature and discover the home of the world’s largest population of endangered manatees in the winter on a pontoon boat tour to Three Sisters Springs. Get the chance to interact with the curious, gentle giants in their natural habitat.  Learn all about the animals in a classroom-type setting and get tips for your snorkel tour to make the most of your day. Hear about "passive interaction" that ensures that the animals enjoy the experience just as much as you do. Then, journey to the estuary with a Coast Guard captain aboard a covered pontoon boat. Get your snorkeling gear on, marvel at the wildlife around you, and get up close to the sea cows as they move slowly through the water. Head back to base camp to visit the one-of-a-kind gift shop and purchase unique souvenirs. Get tips on what to do in the Kings Bay area, along with directions from the well-informed staff to other local attractions and restaurants.

Enjoy two unique tours at different times of the year in the "Manatee Capital of the World!" 1st Tour Option is from November 15th - March 31st each year. On this tour, you will be on an All Clear Kayak Ecotour in search of our local manatees and view these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Follow your trusty and experienced guide as they introduce you to various wildlife on an eco-friendly tour. This tour does NOT go to Three Sisters Springs as those springs are closed from November 15th - March 31st each year. The next tour option will take you to Three Sisters Springs. 2nd Tour Option is from April 1st - November 14th each year. On this tour, you will be on an All Clear Kayak Ecotour of Three Sisters Springs. You will experience some of the clearest water in all of Florida with one of our amazing local guides. Along the way, you will learn all about our unique ecosystem and about the local wildlife as well, including our beloved manatees. Even though this tour is not during manatee season, our guides regularly spot them along the way on most days. Your will start your day by arriving at our local shop at Pete's Pier Marina in Crystal River. You then check in for your tour and watch a short video (required by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). Learn about the gentle giants and how to have a safe and respectful interaction with them. Head to the launch pad where you will board your clear kayak to begin your tour. Follow your local guide as he takes you to the best spots to discover the diverse wildlife of the region where you commonly see manatees, turtles, various birds, dolphins, and many species of fish. Journey through some of the most beautiful waterways in Florida and utilize the clear kayaks to give you the best viewing possible without getting wet. Everyone must check-in 30 minutes prior to the tour to complete your check-in process. There is a $10 parking fee per vehicle at the launch site that can be paid via card or cash.

Manatee- Adventure provides Florida’s best customized manatee tours. We are located in Crystal River, which has the largest concentration of manatees worldwide. About 600 manatees visit the Crystal River springs each winter. During your tour, you’ll swim and snorkel with the manatees and experience their beauty up close. Our tours are perfect for people of all ages. We provide you with your wetsuit, mask, and snorkel. It’ll be a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget. 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. 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. We offer a TREASURE CHEST FIND FOR ALL KIDS ABOARD participating in swim with manatees and scalloping (our exclusive offer) WE PLACE SMALL TREASURE CHESTS IN WATER DECORATED WITH BRIGHT COLORED RIBBONS FOR KIDS TO FIND. THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. KID TESTED KID APPROVED We Convince Kids they have found PIRATE or Mermaid Treasure or a Gift from THE MANATEE KING HOWEVER, KIDS ARE NOT Easily fooled but we do are best to hold up the FANTASY. Since your curious who or what is the manatee king? The MANATEE KING is a mythical creature of our own invention. A 1000-year-old Manatee that leaves Treasure for special Adventurers to find. ONLY CAPTAIN AL AND HIS CREW KNOW WHERE THE MANATEE KING LEAVES HIS TREASURE CHESTS.

Join us for an unforgettable Manatee Snorkeling Tour in Crystal River, where you'll have the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. What to Expect: Check-In & Preparation: Arrive at the meeting point to check in for your tour. You'll be provided with a wetsuit and snorkeling gear to ensure you're comfortable in the water. Golf Cart Ride & Boat Boarding: After getting suited up, hop on a golf cart that will transport you to the water's edge. From there, you'll board your boat and prepare for the adventure ahead. Guided Manatee Search: Expert captains and in-water guides will lead you to Kings Bay, the best spot to encounter manatees, Florida's beloved marine mammals. These animals are known for their calm and slow nature, making them perfect for a tranquil snorkeling experience. Snorkeling with Manatees: Slip into the water and enjoy the rare opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures. Your in-water guide will ensure that all interactions are done in a respectful and passive manner, putting the well-being of the manatees first. Photo Opportunity: Your guide will be by your side throughout the experience, and they will also take photos of your adventure. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the option to view and purchase these photos as a lasting memory of your manatee encounter. This is an incredible way to experience Crystal River's wildlife while creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Join a single or tandem kayak tour of Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River. Meet your guide and embark on this adventure through the bay. While manatees are the highlight of the experience, the bay is teeming with other incredible wildlife. As you paddle through the bay's serene inlets and springs, watch as your guide points out wildlife and shares fascinating insights about the area. Be on the lookout for playful river otters along the shore or a flock of birds drifting gracefully by. You might also spot tarpon gliding through the clear waters, adding to the thrill of this immersive nature experience. Fishing is not permitted, allowing for an undisturbed observation of this pristine ecosystem.

Glide through the saltwater marshes and shallow waters of the Homosassa River and Gulf of Mexico aboard a powerful airboat. Look for bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife in their natural habitat to reconnect with nature. Feel the speed beneath you as you twist and turn through the mangroves, canals, and backwaters. Access areas that other boats can't reach and encounter abundant wildlife off the beaten path. Marvel as your US Coast Guard Captain and guide safely pilots the boat at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Get an adrenaline rush as you traverse the waterways and soak up the natural beauty on all sides. Every day is different when it comes to the wildlife, but a morning ride is highly recommended if you hope to encounter animals in the wild. The diverse birdlife will truly amaze you, while West Indian manatees can sometimes be seen on a good day.

Swim with the manatees in Crystal River, Florida on a guided tour with an in-water photographer and USCG Master Captain. Snorkel alongside manatees in their natural environment and see how gentle these giants truly are. Learn fun facts about manatees as you embark on this journey. Be escorted to and from the dock on a heated boat. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and coffee all year long. This adventure takes about 3 hours from check-in to return to the dock. Never have more than 6 guests per boat to help ensure a more private setting for your manatee experience. All necessary equipment is provided for this activity (wetsuit, mask, and snorkel).