Crystal-clear waters of Florida’s Crystal River make it one of America’s finest paddling destinations.
Budget-conscious travelers can rent single or tandem kayaks for self-guided exploration, while guided 2-hour tours offer expert navigation through manatee-rich waters.
Our favorite option combines kayaking with manatee swimming – a 2.5-hour adventure that gets you face-to-face with these gentle giants.
The stable vessels accommodate all skill levels, and guides ensure wildlife spotting success.
Check out these recommended Crystal River tours for your next Florida adventure.
Key Points
- The Crystal River offers guided clear kayak tours through springs, providing opportunities to view manatees, turtles, dolphins, and other local wildlife.
- Kayak rentals in Crystal River allow visitors to explore the waterways and search for a variety of marine life, such as manatees, dolphins, and turtles.
- Crystal River’s paddle board rentals cater to all ages, offering the chance to spot manatees, dolphins, turtles, fish, and birds while on the water.
- The Crystal River Kayak and Swim with Manatees Tour is a 2.5-hour experience focused on encountering manatees, with kayaks, snorkels, and wetsuits provided.
- With a 4.5/5 rating based on 54 reviews, the Crystal River kayak rental service offers reliable and affordable options for exploring the area’s diverse wildlife.
Crystal River: Springs and Manatees Clear Kayak Tour
For those seeking an up-close encounter with Crystal River‘s captivating natural wonders, the Crystal River: Springs and Manatees Clear Kayak Tour offers a remarkable opportunity. This 2-hour guided tour takes participants through the crystal-clear waters in search of manatees, turtles, dolphins, and an array of local wildlife.
Embarking from the activity provider’s gift shop, guests will enjoy a 1-mile paddle to the renowned Three Sisters Springs, accessible by kayak from April 1 to November 14.
The tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Guests will be provided with a clear 2-seater kayak, life vests, and paddles, along with transportation to the launch location.
Before setting out, a short video on manatee interaction and safety will be shown. With a maximum weight limit of 420 lbs per kayak, the tour accommodates a variety of fitness levels.
Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to witness the region’s captivating natural beauty from the unique vantage point of a clear kayak.
Read our full review: Crystal River: Springs and Manatees Clear Kayak Tour Review
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Crystal River: Kayak Rental
Amidst the tranquil waters of Crystal River, kayak rentals offer visitors a chance to explore the region’s captivating natural beauty at their own pace. With prices starting at $45 per person, the 2-8 hour experiences allow adventurers to search for manatees, dolphins, turtles, fish, and birds, as well as discover scenic spots like the Three Sisters Springs.
The rentals include a kayak, paddles, life vest, and a $5 city launch fee, with a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs for single kayaks and 500 lbs for tandems. While not suitable for children under 3 or individuals over 250 lbs, the tours cater to both beginners and experts, providing an opportunity to capture stunning photos of the surrounding environment.
With a 4.5/5 rating based on 54 reviews, the kayak rental experiences in Crystal River are praised for their great customer service, fair pricing, and overall enjoyability, even in inclement weather.
Visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes early and bring necessary gear like sunscreen and a change of clothes.
Read our full review: Crystal River: Kayak Rental Review
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Crystal River: Paddle Board Rental
Paddle boarding in Crystal River offers visitors a unique way to explore the region’s captivating natural beauty. With prices starting from CzK960 per person, the paddle board rental activity promises an adventure lasting 2 to 8 hours.
Suitable for all ages, from children to seniors, the experience allows nature enthusiasts to search for manatees, dolphins, turtles, fish, and birds. The activity is ideal for both beginners and experts, providing the opportunity to explore Florida Springs, including the renowned Three Sister Springs.
Participants must arrive 30 minutes prior to their reservation and complete a mandatory video briefing by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before signing waivers and heading to the launch dock.
The rental package includes stable boards, paddles, a map, life vests, and the required CzK5 city launch fee. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed, as the maximum weight limit is 250 lbs for single riders.
Visitors should bring essentials like sunglasses, towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for this captivating paddle boarding experience in Crystal River.
Read our full review: Crystal River: Paddle Board Rental Review
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Crystal River: Kayak and Swim With Manatees Tour
Visitors embark on a captivating 2.5-hour kayak and swim tour to encounter the majestic manatees in Crystal River, Florida. This small-group experience, limited to 10 participants, allows adventurers to paddle and swim through serene waters in search of the gentle giants.
Equipped with provided kayaks, snorkels, and wetsuits, explorers have the opportunity to learn about the unique manatees and spot other local wildlife, including dolphins, tarpon, turtles, otters, and an array of birds and fish.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour operates from November 15th to March 31st, offering a prime window to witness manatees in their natural habitat before they migrate to the Gulf of Mexico.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can reserve their spot with the option to pay later. Priced from Kč2,221 per person, this immersive wildlife experience is suitable for ages 3 and up, making it an ideal family-friendly adventure.
Read our full review: Crystal River: Kayak and Swim With Manatees Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Crystal River offers a variety of exciting water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy a clear kayak tour to see the natural springs, rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and even book a tour to swim with manatees. With its diverse aquatic experiences, Crystal River is a premier destination for those seeking to connect with the area’s unique natural beauty and wildlife.