Top Crystal River Nature and Wildlife Tours

Florida's Crystal River is home to many manatee habitats, but if you don't know where they are, chances are you won't catch sight of them. Go on this Crystal River Swim, Snorkel, and Manatee Experience that allows you to take a boat near their habitat and snorkel in the area to see both manatees and other fish and creatures that call the river home.

Get to know central Florida’s endangered manatees on this boat tour. Swim and snorkel with these gentle giants at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, located in King’s Bay in the town of Crystal River — well known as the home of the manatee. Photos above and below the water will be taken throughout the tour and can be purchased afterward, if desired. Use of a mask, snorkel gear and wet suit, plus fees and beverages are included.

Hop into a completely clear kayak on the Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs where you’ll be seeing manatees, turtles, otters, and more on this guided tour. If you’re over 3 years old, you can join this expedition. There are 70 freshwater springs here, and we’ll explore the best one, the Three Sisters Spring. Enjoy all the beauty of this clear, colorful water and its wildlife.

Explore Kings Bay in a relaxing way on a scenic cruise. Sail around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and look for local wildlife as your captain shares the history of the area. Manatees, dolphins, otters, and turtles are often spotted in the area. The boat is fully covered for protection from sun and rain.

Swim with the manatees on a half-day pontoon boat tour of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a marine refuge designed to protect the threatened Florida manatee. Learn about the fascinating marine mammals on a tour designed for spotting manatees without disturbing them or disrupting their habitat, and explore a scenic Florida ecosystem. This small-group experience is limited to six people for personalized service, and all equipment, entrance fees, water and hot drinks, and snacks are included.

One of the densest populations of West Indian manatees can be found in Crystal River, Florida. Swim alongside the gentle creatures on a trip into the river, with a wetsuit and snorkel mask included. Your guide, who navigates to the best spotting locations, accompanies you into the water in addition to taking souvenir photos available for purchase. To ensure your comfort, dry towels, hot drinks, and showers are provided.

With so much wildlife to enjoy, the Nature Coast beckons you to explore! Our Eco-tour will enlighten the wildlife enthusiast, amateur photographer, birdwatcher and every individual in between! Grab your binoculars and join us for an eco-journey to take in the sparkling springs and the calming river. Kings Bay is the second largest spring system in Florida, which is fed by dozens of fresh water springs spitting out more than 280 million gallons of fresh water daily! The bay serves as the head waters for the Crystal River and is extremely unique and incredibly important to each animal species that depend on it for survival. Wading birds, waterfowl, black crowned night herons, wood storks, bald eagles, brown and white pelicans, osprey, red-tailed hawks, and of course the endangered manatee are just some of many animals that depend on this ecosystem to sustain themselves! Your Captain and Mother Nature will team up to ensure the most unforgettable, awe-inspiring time possible!

Get a closer look at the gentle Florida manatee as you embark on an educational snorkel tour in Crystal River. Join a small group and don your gear for an underwater adventure with the sea cows. Observe the manatees from a safe distance in the water, or, if you prefer not to get wet, stay on board to see them from the boat.

Discover the "Manatee Capital of the World" when you embark on this private manatee-viewing cruise in Crystal River. Led by Florida-born locals seek out wild manatees, explore the diverse fauna of Kings Bay, and witness the beauty of Crystal River. With a maximum of six passengers, this private tour ensures a close encounter with nature while educating you about the rich wildlife and history of the area.

Get to know central Florida’s endangered manatees on this private, 3-hour tour and boat cruise. Swim and snorkel with these gentle giants at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, located in King’s Bay in the town of Crystal River — well known as the home of the manatee. Photos above and below the water will be taken throughout the tour and can be purchased later, if desired. Use of a mask, snorkel gear and wet suit, plus fees and beverages are included.

Crystal River is home to one of the densest manatee populations in the country. With the trained eye of your guide, visit the best spotting locations to swim with the gentle giants of King’s Bay. The private tour ensures the full attention of your guide, as well as closer interaction with the manatees. For your comfort and convenience, wetsuits, hot drinks, and towel service are included.

Swim with the manatees in Crystal River Florida, the ‘Manatee Capital of the World’.This private tour has up to 6 guests per boat, which helps provide a better experience for the manatees and our guests. This tour takes place in the manatee’s natural habitat, meaning that manatees are not trained to come up to you, and every trip we run is different.

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.

Enjoy fishing in one of Florida’s most underused ecosystems when you book a private charter boat in Crystal River. Spend your day out on the calm waters where you can enjoy nearshore, flats, or backcountry fishing depending on your preference and the weather. Cast your line for flounder, trout, redfish, grouper, snapper, and snook, depending on the season.

Get off the beaten path with this fishing experience on the backwaters of Ozello and Crystal River National Refuge and Homosassa Springs. Learn about the unique ecosystem from your guide as you travel, casting lines for local fish such as trout, grouper, snook, redfish, and snapper. Watch the scenery glide by and snap frame-worthy photos of the wetlands and their indigenous wildlife.

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.

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.