Three Sisters Springs Kayak And Swim Eco-Tour Crystal River
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Crystal River, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spend time swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in crystal-clear waters on this small-group eco-tour from Crystal River. Head to Three Sisters Springs and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, turtles, and otters that live in these freshwater springs. Learn more about the surrounding ecosystem than you would on your own with live commentary from your guide.
- All necessary equipment and instruction is provided
- Learn about the area’s conservation efforts
- Upgrade your tour to include a photo package
- A small group means more attention from your guide
What's Included
- A Sit-On-Top Kayak, Life Vest, and Paddle
- Amazing LOCAL Guide
- Gratuities
- Optional Photo Package For $37.99
- Entrance fee - Marina Parking Fee$10.00 per booking
- Admission Fee - Marina Launch Fee$7.50 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Clear Kayaking Tours1 SW 1st Pl Suite B, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
Our building is located on the right side of Pete's Pier Marina at 1 SW 1st Place, Crystal River FL 34429. There is a $10.00 Parking Fee to be paid upon arrival to the parking attendant. Must arrive 30 minutes early to complete check-in process.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Megan_P
Paddles Outdoor Rentals is upfront about everything you should prepare for. Make sure to read the information prior to arrival and you will have a smooth experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the short kayaking experience and swimming in the springs. The water was crystal clear. Cyrpris was a very accommodating guide.
Reviews
4.8
based on 165 reviews
Mark_M, Nov 2025
Great tour. Great tour guide (John) and excellent customer service. This was first time kayaking for my friend and she did great - just enough help from the staff and no pressure. Perfect amount of time swimming in the springs. Plus, WE SAW A MANATEE!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this wonderful review!! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear you had such a great time out there! 🌞
John is going to be over the moon when he sees this — he loves nothing more than helping first-timers feel confident and relaxed on the water, so hearing that your friend crushed her very first kayak trip (and got just the right amount of support) is the best feedback we could ask for!
And… MANATEE SPOTTING!! 🦦 That never gets old — those gentle giants really know how to make a tour unforgettable.
We’re so happy the swim time at the springs felt just right too. That’s exactly the vibe we aim for: fun, no pressure, lots of smiles.
Thank you again for choosing us and for taking the time to share your experience. We’d love to have you both back anytime — next time maybe for a manatee-focused winter tour when they’re practically lining up to say hi!
Hope to see you on the water again soon! 💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Pam_P, Oct 2025
This was the most relaxing awesome experience perfect for any age ! I would recommend this to any family, great day adventure!
Loveed it !!!!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Wow — thank you SO much for this glowing review!! 😍 Your words just put the biggest smiles on all our faces!
“Most relaxing awesome experience perfect for any age” is pretty much our mission statement in a nutshell, so reading that you and the family felt exactly that way means the absolute world to us. There’s something magical about floating along with the manatees, the birds, and that crystal-clear water that just melts the stress away and makes everyone from little kids to grandparents light up.
We’re beyond grateful you chose us for your great day adventure and that you loved it as much as we love sharing this special place. (Those extra exclamation points tell us it was a good one!!!!)
We’d love nothing more than to welcome your family back the next time you’re in the area — the river’s always here, and so are we!
Thank you again for the wonderful recommendation and for being such fantastic guests. See you on the water soon! 🦦💙🌞
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Megan_P, Sep 2025
Paddles Outdoor Rentals is upfront about everything you should prepare for. Make sure to read the information prior to arrival and you will have a smooth experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the short kayaking experience and swimming in the springs. The water was crystal clear. Cyrpris was a very accommodating guide.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this wonderful review — we’re thrilled you had such a great time! 🌞
We really appreciate you pointing out how important it is to read the prep info beforehand — it makes all the difference for a smooth, stress-free morning, and we’re so glad it paid off for you with crystal-clear water and that perfect combo of paddling + swimming in the springs!
Cypris (our manatee-whisperer 🦦) is going to be grinning ear-to-ear when she sees your kind words. She loves making sure everyone feels comfortable and gets the most out of their time on the water.
Thank you again for choosing us and for taking the time to share your experience. We’d love to welcome you back the next time you’re in Crystal River — the springs are always ready for round two!
Hope to see you soon! 💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Michelle_D, Sep 2025
This was an excellent activity for grown-ups and kids. We all had a great time. Good equipment, beautiful hot Springs were still talking about it.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this wonderful review — you just made our day! 😄
There’s nothing we love more than hearing that both the grown-ups AND the kids had an absolute blast out on the water (and that you’re still talking about those gorgeous springs days later!). That’s the magic of Three Sisters — the crystal-clear water, the fish darting underneath, and just floating along together… it’s pretty unforgettable for all ages.
We’re really glad the equipment worked great for everyone too — we take a lot of pride in keeping everything comfy, clean, and kid-friendly so families can focus on the fun.
Thank you again for choosing us and for bringing such great energy to the river. We’d love to have your crew back anytime — the springs (and the manatees!) are already asking when you’re coming again!
Hope to see you all soon! 🦦💙🌴
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Brandon_R, Aug 2025
Wife and I took the kayak tour to Three Sisters Springs and had Danni as our guide. We had a fantastic experience and the springs were gorgeous. Danni made the experience even better. You can tell she really enjoys her job. Must do if you're in the area. Will definitely do it again.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this amazing review — you’ve absolutely made Dani’s day!! 😄🦦
We’re thrilled to hear that you and your wife had such a fantastic time floating through those gorgeous springs together. There’s just something extra special about sharing that crystal-clear magic with the person you love most, right?
Dani is going to be grinning from ear to ear when she sees this — she really does light up out there and pours her heart into every tour, so knowing she helped make your day even better is the best kind of feedback we could ask for.
Thank you for calling it a “must-do” and for saying you’ll be back — we can’t wait to welcome you both again (the springs and Danni already have your kayaks reserved for round two!).
Lots of love from the river,
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 💙🏼♀️🌿
Donna, Jul 2025
A wonderful time on the kayak. Lots of leisurely paddling. Plenty of time to stop and swim in the crystal clear waters. Bring sunblock and reapply midway. Our guide Cypress was great- lots of interesting info and fun facts.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this fantastic review — we’re absolutely thrilled you had such a wonderful, leisurely day on the water! 🌞🦦
That perfect mix of relaxed paddling + plenty of swim stops in the crystal-clear springs is exactly the vibe we love for our summer tours, and we’re so glad you got to enjoy every minute of it. (And YES to the sunblock reapply tip — Florida sun is relentless, even when you’re half-submerged!)
Cypris is going to be over the moon when she sees your kind words. She loves dropping those fun facts and little secrets about the springs — hearing that it made your trip even better is the best reward for her!
Thank you again for choosing us, for the great energy you brought to the group, and for the helpful sunscreen reminder for future paddlers. We’d love nothing more than to have you back — maybe next time for a manatee-filled winter tour or another sunny swim day!
Lots of love from the river,
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 💙🏼♀️🌿
Kristina_N, Jul 2025
Great kayaking and swimming with very knowledgeable guide! Beautiful clear waters though a little bit chilly.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this wonderful review — we’re absolutely thrilled you had such a great time kayaking and swimming! 🌞🦦
That crystal-clear water is pure magic, isn’t it? (And yes… “a little bit chilly” is the official Florida way of saying “refreshing wake-up call” this time of year 😂 — it definitely gets the blood flowing!)
We’re especially happy your guide made the trip even better with all the fun facts and local knowledge — that’s exactly what we love sharing with everyone who comes out with us.
Thank you again for paddling (and braving the chill!) with us. We’d love nothing more than to see you back when the water’s bathtub-warm again… or this winter when the manatees turn the springs into their personal spa day!
Lots of love from the river,
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 💙🏼♀️🌿
Helen_D, May 2025
The experience was amazing! Got to see a mother manatee and her 2 babies! Our guide was very knowledgeable…just wish I could have heard her!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful review — we’re absolutely thrilled you had an amazing time and got to see a momma manatee with her TWO babies!! 🦦🦦🦦 That’s pure Crystal River magic and one of those moments people remember forever!
We’re blushing over the “very knowledgeable” compliment, but we’re really sorry you had trouble hearing your guide at times — that’s not okay, and we take it seriously. Wind, distance between kayaks, and group size can sometimes make it tricky, and we clearly dropped the ball on making sure everyone could hear every word. We’re already looking at adding small portable speakers or voice amplifiers for our guides on busier or windier days so this doesn’t happen again.
Thank you for the honest feedback — it helps us get better, and we’d genuinely love to have you back (and make sure you hear every single fun fact next time!). Just mention this review when you book again and we’ll give you a nice returning-guest discount as our apology.
So glad the manatee family made it unforgettable anyway — they definitely stole the show! 💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
JAYNE_J, Nov 2024
Family of Four of various ages (all adults) everyone of us thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the day. Check in was so easy & the staff were very welcoming and friendly. Outdoor picnic area to eat lunch before our afternoon excursion.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. We visited during the last few days in October & only managed to see 1 manatee which was disappointing but the guide did her upmost to make sure we did see at least one which we appreciated. Great swim opportunity in the springs & plenty of time to enjoy the springs too. Thanks guys excellent customer service.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you so much for spending the day with us and you very kind words about our environment and staff. We try to really separate ourselves from the competition and we are so happy you had a blast with us. Please come back to visit us again in the future and have safe travels.
Daniel_M, Aug 2024
Our first time to a spring. We were so happy with our guide Dani. She knew a lot about the springs and manatees. Paddles is so organized and professional. All in all our trip was perfect. Highly recommend Paddles and if you’re lucky you’ll get Dani to guide you.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for taking your tour with Dani. We greatly appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again in the future :)
Angelica_M, Aug 2024
Wonderful experience and beautiful sight so see. The tour guide was wonderful with leading and educating us about the Springs. Water was cold and we didn’t see any manatees but over all it was a great experience scuba diving.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thanks so much for spending the day with us and venturing into the springs on your tour! We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Stephanie_O, Aug 2024
The spring was amazing. Entertaining guide John was very personable and informative. Swimming and snorkeling was incredible
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for taking your tour with John. we greatly appreciate the business and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Christina_G, Jul 2024
We had the best time ever. Drive 16 hours missed out tour and the ladies (Jessica)at the office were amazingly accommodating they let us opt for a kayak without the guided tour.
They got us in and Koda and Josh were super helpful with instructions and getting us off the launch. Even waited in the rain as a thunderstorm was raining over us when we paddled back.
Sorry we missed the tour but either way the springs were incredibly refreshing the water was crystal clear and everyone we passed was so friendly and helpful we didn’t get lost on our own we will definitely be back again for the tour next time.
Not difficult to manuver and we had two 50 yr olds and 3 Twentysomethings but even little kids had no problem paddling.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you so so much for your positive 5-Star review of your time with us! We are so excited that everything ended up working out for you and your group. We definitely enjoyed hosting you and hope to see you back during manatee season. :)
Gabby_F, Jul 2024
This is an AMAZING opportunity to visit the crystal clear Three Sister Springs. If you’re a local, make this a habit! If you’re visiting Florida, add this to the bucket list! Tour guide was highly knowledgeable and easy going, it’s the perfect amount of casual kayaking and swimming.
Natalie_B, Jul 2024
Wonderful guide and a lovely natural oasis. It did rain while we were out, but we made it fun and had a great experience.
Allison_L, Jun 2024
Need to get a more experienced guide before someone gets hurt, or coach the guides you have. Little communication with the whole group about what to do or expect
Shane_R, Jun 2024
John was an awesome guide. He was very informative and entertaining. We were able to see a few Manatees as well. The kids loved it.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for taking your tour with John. We are so happy you had a great time and spotted some manatees as well. Please come back to visit us again soon and have safe travels :)
Christin_B, Jun 2024
It was so amazing! The springs look just like they do in all the pictures, absolutely beautiful! We were able to see a momma manatee with her 5 day old baby! Would hands down recommend Paddles Outdoor, our tour guide Dani was so sweet and very knowledgeable! Will 100% be going back!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for taking your tour with us and are so happy you saw a momma and a baby! Dani does a great job and our guests LOVE her. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you again soon :)
Emma_D, Jun 2024
This tour was so wonderful :) our tour guide was so helpful in making sure we made our second tour of the day, and everything went by seamlessly. We saw a manatee and discovered the springs, it was a wonderful trip. Would come again anytime
Response from Host, Jun 2024
We are so happy you had a great time on your tour. Thanks for booking with us and we look forward to seeing you again soon :)
Debbie_B, May 2024
John was a great tour guide. Love the photos too. The springs were amazing, all 3 sisters. Definitely a morning workout.
Response from Host, May 2024
We are so glad you had a great tour with Jon in Three Sisters Springs! Thanks for your business and we look forward to seeing you again soon :)
Alexis_T, Apr 2024
I’m gonna be honest, I made a huge mistake and booked my entire bachelorette party for a tour on the wrong day and (obviously) we missed it. After a brief moment of panic, I called Shawna and she, the owner, and Josh turned my panic into magic. The stars luckily aligned and they hooked us UP. Josh was so knowledgeable of the area and the wildlife, got us some amazing pictures, and it’s a day we will all remember and cherish forever. Thank you so so much to the staff at Paddles Outdoor Rentals and Tours!!
Response from Host, May 2024
WoooHoooo!!! We are so glad you day turned out awesome for you ladies!!! We could hear
it in your voice and knew we had to hook you all up!!! Thanks so much for visiting with us
and hopefully we will see you all again soon :)
AnnaMarie_R, Apr 2024
Eli was hands-on and friendly. Very easy going and informative. All of the staff were super friendly, helpful, and attentive to safety and fun! My daughter and I had so much fun and would definitely do this again on the next trip to FL!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thanks so much for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you again in the future :)
Ruth_B, Oct 2022
Josh was my tour guide on a very cold day. He was helpful and knowledgeable and made sure I saw lots of wildlife beyond the amazing manatees. He also recommended a visit to the nature preserve/hospital on the way back which was also above expectations.
Would definitely recommend this company
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you so much for spending the day with us and we are glad you had such a great time. Please come back to visit us again soon :)
Janeen_W, Oct 2022
Josh our tour guide was amazing! So happy to support local, family-owned small business that really care about nature and the environment. Professional, not too large of a group, thoroughly enjoyed Crystal River and can't wait to go the second Location with the clear kayaks in St. Pete!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thanks so much for spending the day with Josh and we look forward to seeing you at our second location. Thanks again :)
Marie_G, Oct 2022
The weather was beautiful as well as the springs. It was so fun kayaking and then jumping into the refreshing water. I was bummed that there were no Manatees, but overall, it was a lot of fun
Response from Host, Oct 2022
We are glad you got a chance to experience Three Sisters Springs. It is not manatee season until mid November but the manatees are just now starting to come back to the early with our latest cold front that just came through. Please come back to visit us again and possibly take our Swim With Manatees Tour :)
Barb_S, Oct 2022
Kate our guide was AMAZING!
Great experience and I felt safe for my grandson and myself the entire time. Our guide (Kate was also so knowledgeable witj not only The Springs but entire experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
We are so happy that you had such a great time with Kate as your guide. She is so amazing at handling all different age groups and types of customers. Thank you for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you again in the future :)
Raymond_B, Sep 2022
Our tour guide, Kate, was wonderful. The check in process was efficient and professional. The staff is positive & courteous (which is difficult to find nowadays). They thought of everything! Waterproof iPhone pouches, last minute drinks. Instructional videos… it is a very organized company. I was impressed. The photo package was definitely worth it, Kate took photos & videos that I never could have captured! My only complaint has nothing to do with the company, we wish we had seen more manatees.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you for your kind words about Kate and our staff. We try to think of everything for our guests and are happy you had such a great time. Unfortunately for you, it is not manatee season in September and the manatees usually do not start showing back up in larger numbers until the end of October or early November. Whenever the weather turns colder, that's when we start seeing a whole lot more manatees :)
Julie_A, Sep 2022
We had an amazing time, we can’t wait to go back! Beautiful day and a great experience. I highly recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
We are so happy that you had an amazing time! Please come back to visit us again in the future :)
Sean_D, Aug 2022
Laura was so friendly, personable and knowledgeable as our guide. She really made this experience so much better by being with us. Thank you!
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you so much for taking your tour with Laura. We greatly appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again soon :)
Jeffrey_M, Aug 2022
They are well organised, work hard at taking care of each client’s individual needs and offer great information. Even though I am a seasoned kayaker, it was great getting to know the area and eco information.
We knew the likely hood that we wouldn’t see manatees because it was not the season - but the three springs and the swimming were awesome. Much better than just kayaking! There is no need to have a clear bottom boat. I will do this again during manatee season.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thanks so much for taking your tour with us. We greatly appreciate your business and look forward
to seeing you again in the future :)
From $74.99
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Three Sisters Springs Kayak And Swim Eco-Tour Crystal River
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