Florida • United States
Let the spirit of adventure guide you as you uncover the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that make Crystal River a destination like no other. Uncover awe-inspiring locations and exciting attractions across Crystal River, chosen by our community and tailored to you.
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.
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.
We’re proud to be the only manatee tour company in Crystal River that’s fully owned and operated by true local natives — born and raised right here in downtown Crystal River. As a small, owner-operated business, Go Local Manatee Tours is built on passion, experience, and a deep connection to the springs, the wildlife, and the history of this special place. We specialize in small group tours to ensure a more personal, engaging, and respectful experience for every guest. Our tours offer more than just sightseeing — we share the rich local history, educate you about the gentle manatees, and operate with an eco-conscious mindset to help preserve the waters we call home. Come experience Crystal River the way only a local can show you.
Explore one of Florida's most diverse coastal fisheries on a private inshore fishing charter through the waters of Crystal River. This unique ecosystem offers quick access to productive flats, backcountry tributaries, and nearshore waters, giving your captain multiple fishing options throughout the year. Depending on the season and conditions, target redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, flounder, cobia, grouper, snapper, and other Gulf Coast species. Your local captain will adjust locations and techniques based on tides, weather, and fish activity to make the most of your time on the water. What makes Crystal River special is its variety. When conditions change, protected tributaries and backcountry waterways can provide additional opportunities away from exposed water. Combined with beautiful natural surroundings and abundant wildlife, this private charter delivers more than a day of fishing. It is an authentic way to experience Florida's Nature Coast from the water.
• Professional, experienced guides. Tours are led by trained adult guides with local and wildlife knowledge. • Educational and wildlife-focused • Beginner and family-friendly • Duration: Approximately 2.5–3 hours • Manatee season: November 15–March 31. For the best chance of seeing manatees, choose a morning tour when overnight temperatures are below 70°F. Sightings can be more challenging on warmer days. • Wetsuits are not provided. We do not offer in-water swim guides or traditional manatee swim tours. This is a kayak-focused experience. When conditions allow, we may stop at a safe, shallow area where you can exit your kayak and enter the water independently to observe manatees. We are environmentalists first. We do not condone crowding manatees or placing large groups around one animal. If a respectful swim opportunity naturally presents itself, you are welcome to enjoy it. Otherwise, we observe wildlife from the kayak. The manatees and their well-being always come first.
Experience the ultimate Crystal River scalloping adventure with Seacow Safaris, a top-rated, locally owned charter specializing in small-group, all-inclusive tours along Florida’s Nature Coast. Their guided scallop trips combine snorkeling, wildlife exploration, and hands-on harvesting for a fun, family-friendly day on the water. Led by experienced local captains with decades of knowledge, guests are taken to productive grass flats in the Gulf where scallops are plentiful. Each trip offers is a private experience with personalized guidance to help you find more scallops and enjoy more time in the water. Each scalloping charter includes everything you need for a stress-free day: snorkeling gear, a shaded boat, and a fishing license. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned scalloper, the crew ensures a safe, fun, and productive outing. This private 5-hour trip is perfect for families, couples, and private groups looking for an authentic Florida adventure.
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.
Explore the serene waters of Florida’s Nature Coast while swimming with gentle manatees in their natural habitat. This 3-hour guided snorkeling adventure caters to all skill levels, making it perfect for both first-time snorkelers and seasoned adventurers. With small group sizes, enjoy a more intimate experience while learning about manatee conservation from expert local guides. All snorkeling gear is provided, and complimentary water and hot chocolate are included to keep you refreshed. Create unforgettable memories while promoting eco-friendly tourism and appreciating the delicate ecosystem that supports these beloved marine mammals. - 3-hour guided snorkeling adventure in Crystal River - Small group sizes for personalized encounters with manatees - Includes all snorkeling gear and complimentary refreshments - Eco-friendly approach promoting conservation and education
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!
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!
