Top Crystal River Art & Culture

Explore Kings Bay in a relaxing way, and without getting wet, on a scenic afternoon cruise. Sail around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and look for local wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, otters, and turtles. Enjoy commentary about the ecosystem and history of the area from your captain while you cruise.

At Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find a truly unique experience: swimming with manatees. It’s the only spot in the world where you can hang with the gentle giants in their natural habitat, though you’ll want a guide to make sure you—and the manatees—have the best experience possible. With this tour, you’ll hop aboard a certified vessel with your in-water guide, snorkeling through the “Manatee Capital of the World.”

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!

Focus on Florida's flora and fauna during this half-day tour in Crystal River. Sail past a national wildlife refuge, a state nature preserve, and an archaeological park on route to snorkel with native manatees. This boat tour is easy with all transportation provided and gives you a full picture of the natural elements that make this area of the country unique. All instruction and safety information for the swim with the manatees is provided by your guide.

Explore the pristine waters of Crystal River on a small-group clear kayak tour, offering unmatched views of the underwater world. Choose the Three Sisters springs tour for peaceful paddling, stunning spring views, and a chance to swim, or the manatee season tour to spot manatees in their natural habitat. With expert guides and 100% clear kayaks, this is the ultimate way to experience Florida’s natural beauty year-round.

Wind down on a cruise through King's Bay with sunset views of the shoreline rarely seen by visitors and locals alike. With the option to bring refreshments on board, this tour is a popular choice for romantic date nights or visitors who want to experience Crystal River's natural landscape. Along the way, your captain and guide points out easy–to–miss landmarks and wildlife, which may include manatees, otters, and fish.

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!

Experience unspoiled wilderness during your time in Florida when you book this clear kayak tour on the Chassahowitzka River. Join a small group and grab your gear for a gentle paddle down the river to underwater caves and connecting streams. While you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like manatees, dolphins, alligators, river otters, and several fish species.

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.

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.

Discover the heart of Crystal River on a 1.5-hour Historic Walking Tour guided by a local who was born and raised here. This relaxed experience takes you beyond the water to explore the town’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Covering about 1.5 miles in total, the route begins downtown at Abound Coffee and winds through historic streets and scenic waterfront areas before ending at Three Sisters Springs. It’s an easy, flat walk that takes around 45 minutes at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time for storytelling, photos, and shade breaks. Your tour includes admission to Three Sisters Springs, where you can stroll the boardwalk, enjoy the crystal-clear waters, and often spot manatees during the cooler months. This family-friendly experience is the perfect way to see Crystal River through the eyes of a true local.

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.