Clear Kayak Three Sisters Springs & Manatee Tour Of Crystal River
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Crystal River, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Hop into a completely clear kayak on the Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs where you have the chance to spot manatees, turtles, otters, and more on this small-group kayaking tour. Paddle your way around Three Sisters Spring and enjoy all the beauty of it clear, colorful water without getting wet
- See marine life from all angles in a clear kayak
- Paddle to the best spots along the Crystal River
- Look for pelicans, tarpon, manatees, dolphins, and more
- Enjoy the intimate experience of a small-group tour
What's Included
- Clear Kayak, Life Vest, Paddle
- Amazing Local Guide
- Gratuity For Tour Guides
- Optional Picture Package $37.99
- Pete's Pier Marina $10 Parking Fee$10.00 per booking
- Admission Fee - Launch fee$7.50 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1 SW 1st Pl, 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
1
Three Sisters Springs
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Maximum weight of 250 pounds for any rider and 420 pounds for 2 riders
- You will be paired with another rider in your party to accommodate maximum participants unless an odd number in your party
- You must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start time or the tour will leave without you with no refund given.
- 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
Stephanie_G
As first time kayakers and a little nervous our tour guide Jax was wonderful. We did get to see a few Manatees and even a baby gator along with lots of other wildlife on our way to the springs.
The springs are beautiful and well worth the visit.
Absolutely fantastic time, would definitely reccomed.
Reviews
4.6
based on 226 reviews
Holly_H, May 2026
Clear kayaking tours were great. We were so fortunate to see Mantatee's even though it was out of season.Our guide Jas was attentive to the whole group. She was knowledgeable and personable.
Robert_B, Apr 2026
Our guide was very informative. It was beautiful scenery and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I would definitely recommend this outfit to others.
Jessica_K, Apr 2026
Make sure to wear a lot of sunscreen. All the guides are great. We saw almost 14 manatees, but that was very rare. The swim in the springs about 3/4 way through the tour was absolutely worth it. Make sure you go in, and perhaps bring a change of clothes and a towel.
CHRISTINE_B, Apr 2026
It was a cool experience and amazing to see manatees in their natural habitat. We went in late April so the population wasn't as large as it would be in the colder months. We were still able to see a couple of manatees but not in the clear waters. My biggest complaint is that the tourism is too much. As soon as we saw a manatee, there were 3 other tours around us. There needs to be a balance between experiencing the wild life and overwhelming them.
Alison_W, Apr 2026
We had a great time on our clear kayak tour! We went at the end of April and knew the chances of seeing manatees were slim, but our guide worked very hard throughout the tour to spot some for us and he found a mother and baby for us to observe. It was great! He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and down to earth. The bonus of going at the end of the season was being able to kayak into 3 Sister springs. Beautiful experience. Thank you very much to our guide!
Nancy_C, Apr 2026
A beautiful scene. Saw manatees turtles and an array of birds! Ask for Kyle with a Smile. He was awesome!!
Natalie_P, Apr 2026
We came from Jacksonville Florida for a little anniversary trip. Kyle was AWESOME! We definitely will be back with our kiddos! Beautiful views., we had a blast. Highly recommend
Denise_A, Apr 2026
We had a great time with Cypress! She got us off to a great start with sighting several manatees and gave us plenty of time to enjoy them. Then we made our way over to 3 Sisters and a dunk in the spring. She’s a wealth of information, so personable! The kayak loading was very accessible (we’re all late 50-mid 60’s, not decrepit but still cautious). Will totally ask for her again when we return. The whole reservation process was easy and the staff were super responsive to any messages I sent. 10 stars if I could.
Don_A, Apr 2026
Our tour guide Stephen was so informative and kind. He even pulled us back toward the dock when the wind wore us out ! He spotted us at least 10 manatees He’s the best Really enjoyed the lagoon area Looks just like the videos on tic tok
Arther_M, Apr 2026
It was a kayak ride. Not much action, water was cloudy, not clear and windy. I was expecting more, but it was okay.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We don’t control the weather, thanks for the three star :)
NANCY_P, Apr 2026
Nice day kayaking to the Homosassa Springs. The springs itself are just beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sounds like such a peaceful day out there—the springs really are something special! We truly appreciate the recommendation 💙 The Paddles Outdoor Team
Elizabeth_B, Apr 2026
Definitely worth it! Stephen was a great guide and we saw manatees, turtles, gators, birds on the kayak trip. The visit to 3 Sisters springs was amazing and the dip in the water was awesome!
Alicia_G, Apr 2026
One of our team members violated a rule they brought a bag and brought food... but we asked the guide to let us continue the tour, but he refused because one of our team members kicked us all out. There were 10 of us, we paid a lot, and they didn't care.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
STOP BREAKING RULES IDIOT! Why in the world do people think it’s okay to break a rule after being told not to do something SIX times????
You are an absolute moron and you feel entitled.
Absolutely one of the rudest groups we have EVER had in six years!!!
Andrew_K, Apr 2026
Advertised pictures and videos are deceiving! They are taken from a distance and not the kayak. From the kayak the water has a glare making it difficult to see clearly… even with our polarized sunglasses. You see large blobs moving slowly but not the 4k quality as seen in the videos. We had a clear kayak that had about a foot of open space to view once you get in making it difficult to see anything! Also, they advertise best time to visit is November to March, but we weren’t advised of the limited sightings (we saw one) outside the prime time season until after we paid! Water was only clear in the 3 Sisters, which is a small area, and swimmers did get a nice view underwater. It was a cloudy day so don’t know if a sunny day would be much clearer or add to the glare. Overall it was an enjoyable day but would not recommend going off season if given a choice.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your review, but it clearly states it is not manatee season and there are less manatees. It is a 640 acre area and there are manatees swimming freely wherever they choose to go. It is not a Zoo and we can not control where they are seen. Polarized sunglasses definitely help and they are told that BEFORE booking and also about the less manatees BEFORE booking. We are definitely not "deceiving" anyone and it's offensive to even mention that.
Also the water is clear in several different spots, but the tides effect water clarity in other areas and it's definitely not trying to deceive anyone.
Have a great day,
Dana_H, Apr 2026
Amazing. We saw a lot of wildlife. Our tour guide Cypress was knowledgable and patient. Perfect amount of time to explore.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sounds like the perfect balance—plenty of wildlife and just the right amount of time to take it all in! So glad you had an amazing experience 💙 The Paddles Outdoor Team
George_Z, Oct 2025
Jax was THE BEST!!! I took the early tour. We saw A LOT of birds, even a dolphin...yes a dolphin. I went off season so no luck with a manatee but the kayaking to Crystal River is a great workout. I could not believe how crystal clear the water was (No pun intended).
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Jax is going to be doing a happy dance when she sees this — thank you SO much for the huge shout-out!! 🙌
A dolphin on the early tour?! That’s such a rare and awesome surprise — they sometimes cruise up the river chasing mullet and it never fails to blow everyone’s minds (ours included!). Seeing all the birds with Jax pointing out the ospreys, herons, and ibis is one of the big perks of the early-bird trip — the river is so peaceful and the wildlife is wide awake.
We’re bummed the manatees weren’t around for your visit (they start showing up in big numbers right about now and stick around through March), but you picked a perfect time for crystal-clear water and that satisfying “I really earned this workout” feeling. No pun intended, but Crystal River delivered on the crystal part! 💎
Thank you again for paddling with us and for this amazing review. We’d love to have you back during peak manatee season — Jax already said she owes you a manatee sighting!
See you on the water again soon! 🦆🐬💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals team
idania_P, Oct 2025
Kevin was amazing really made it super enjoyable. We saw dolphin manatee. Great place. Smooth check in friendly staff.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
He is going to be absolutely thrilled when he sees this — he loves sharing those “pinch me” moments on the water, and getting to show off both dolphins AND manatees on the same trip is next-level special (that’s a banner day even for us!).
We’re so happy the check-in was smooth and the whole team made you feel welcome — that’s exactly the vibe we’re going for from the minute you pull into the lot until you’re back on dry land with a big smile.
Thank you again for paddling with us and for taking the time to share the love. We’d love to have you back the next time you’re in Crystal River — They already said the dolphins and manatees are asking about you! 🐬🦦💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Raquel_B, Oct 2025
If you are expecting to swim, that is not an option on this tour. It was beautiful and our tour guide Kyle with a smile was amazing! Super informative and interactive with us. Totally worth the money. Although you will see lots of native wildlife, manatees are not guaranteed but we did see one huge one. Not in the springs, it was in the bay.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this wonderful review!! We’re absolutely thrilled you had such a great time! 🌿🦦
Kyle (with the permanent smile 😄) is going to love reading this — he’s truly passionate about the river and loves making sure everyone learns something new and has fun along the way. We’re so glad his energy made the tour that much better for you!
You’re spot-on about the swimming — our standard guided clear kayak tours are focused on paddling, wildlife viewing, and taking in the beauty of Three Sisters Springs from the water (swimming/snorkeling is only allowed on our separate swim-with-manatees tours in winter or private swim trips). We always try to make that clear upfront, but we appreciate you helping set expectations for future paddlers!
Seeing that huge manatee out in the bay is still such a treat — sometimes the big ones hang out there munching seagrass and give us the best surprise sightings!
Thank you again for the kind words, for understanding the no-guarantee on manatees (Mother Nature keeps us humble!), and for saying it was totally worth it. That means the world to our whole team.
We’d love to have you back anytime — maybe next time for one of our swim tours when the water’s warm and the manatees are piled up in the springs!
Hope to see you on the water again soon! 💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Jennifer_M, Sep 2025
I understood it was not prime manatee season, and opted to go anyway. Glad I did. Read about the season dates and be informed before you schedule your trip. Off season you can go into the springs and check them out, they’re amazing. In manatee season, you cannot actually go into the springs. Our guide Jax was wonderful. She would find us different wildlife to look at and explain things well and answer any questions. I loved seeing the clear springs and different fish and crabs in them. The beauty of the springs itself was amazing!! Even though it was off season, we did see a manatee and her calf but they were not in the clear springs, just on our way to them. We also saw a variety of birds & turtles. I was hoping for an alligator sighting at a distance, but no sighting. The clear kayak was pretty cool. I think I would prefer to have a kayak to myself, not two people to a kayak. That might be a good option to consider offering.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and super helpful review — we truly appreciate you taking the time to share all the details! 🌿
You nailed the seasonal differences perfectly (and we love that you’re helping future paddlers know exactly what to expect — off-season you get to paddle right into the stunning Three Sisters Springs themselves, while in peak manatee season we keep the sanctuary roped off so the manatees can rest undisturbed). It’s such a cool trade-off depending on what you’re most excited about!
Jax is going to be over the moon when she sees this — she absolutely loves introducing people to “her” river and all the little critters along the way. A momma manatee and her calf on the way in, plus turtles, birds, fish, and crabs in that crystal-clear water… that’s a pretty epic off-season jackpot (even if the gators decided to play hide-and-seek this time 😉).
We’re really glad you enjoyed the clear kayaks! And thank you for the feedback about offering more single clear kayaks — we actually do have them available (sometimes they book up fast in the busy season), but we’ll make sure we highlight that option even more clearly on the website and when folks call. Great suggestion!
Thank you again for paddling with us, for being so understanding about manatee season, and for the wonderful recommendation. We’d love to have you back — maybe next time in peak winter for the full manatee cuddle-puddle experience!
Hope to see you on the water again soon! 🦦💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
James_F, Sep 2025
Jaqs was great, she was very passionate about this tour and so informative. The area was great and we really enjoyed this. Gran pa and granddaughter!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this heartwarming review! ❤️
Jax is going to light up when she hears this — she truly pours her heart into every tour and loves nothing more than sharing her passion for this beautiful river with guests of all ages. A Grandpa + Granddaughter adventure is exactly the kind of multi-generational magic we live for out here — those are the days people remember forever!
We’re so happy you both had such a wonderful time exploring the springs together. Moments like these (floating along in the crystal-clear water, spotting wildlife, making memories) are why we do what we do.
Thank you for choosing us for your special day out. We’d love to welcome you and your granddaughter back anytime — the river’s always ready for round two!
Lots of love from all of us,
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 🦦💙👴👧
Michelle_S, Sep 2025
Guide extremely knowledgeable. Found tour very educational. Reservations made easy. Very accommodating as we could not go out the first day.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this fantastic review — we're absolutely thrilled to hear about your experience! 🌟
Jax is going to be beaming when she sees your kind words about her knowledge and passion for making the tour so educational — she loves diving deep into the history, wildlife, and secrets of the river, and it's awesome that it made your day that much richer.
We're also super glad the reservations were smooth and that we could accommodate rescheduling without a hitch — flexibility is key when Mother Nature (or life!) throws a curveball, and we always want to make sure you get out on the water when it works best for you.
Thank you again for choosing us and for sharing the love. We'd love to have you back for another adventure soon — maybe during peak manatee season for even more wildlife magic!
See you on the river! 🦦💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
sfalex23, Sep 2025
This was such an amazing experience. The weather wasn’t ideal, but our guide was very away of how the system was traveling through the area and ensured we got to enjoy the experience while remaining safe. I was a solo traveler and felt completely included. This was one of the only kayaking tours that accommodated a solo traveler. What I loved best about this excursion was given by a family-owned business that has deep ties to the community. I learned so much about the area and history. It made me feel great that I was supporting the community.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this absolutely beautiful review — you’ve got us all smiling (and maybe a little teary-eyed) over here! ❤️
We’re so glad that even with the weather doing its typical Florida “hold my beer” routine, you still had an amazing time. Our guides keep a close eye on the radar so everyone stays safe while squeezing every bit of magic out of the trip — sounds like you got the full “dance between the raindrops” experience!
As a family-owned-and-raised-here business, nothing makes us happier than when someone feels the love we have for this river and our little town. Hearing that you felt completely included as a solo traveler and that you left knowing more about the history and the springs… honestly, that’s why we get out of bed in the morning. Supporting the community means everything to us, and knowing you felt that warmth right back is the very best kind of thank-you we could ask for.
We’d love nothing more than to welcome you back the next time your travels bring you this way — the river will be here, the manatees will be waiting, and there will always be a kayak (and a big smile) ready for you.
Safe travels until we see you again, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing us and for supporting our little family business! 🦦💙🌿
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
jorgie, Sep 2025
The guide was wonderful and knowlegable. The kayaking was great, but it was a bit of a disappointment that we saw no manatees. Turns out it was the wrong time of the year.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your review and for paddling with us — we’re really happy to hear that you loved your guide and that the kayaking itself was great! 🌿
We’re sorry the manatees decided to play hide-and-seek on your trip. You’re absolutely right — outside of roughly mid-November through March they’re usually out in the Gulf or scattered along the coast where it’s warmer, so sightings become more “bonus surprise” than “guaranteed” this time of year. We always try to set that expectation upfront, but it’s still a bummer when those gentle giants don’t make an appearance!
We’d genuinely love to have you back during peak manatee season (December–March is when hundreds of them pile into the warm springs and sightings are basically a sure thing). Just say the word and we’ll make sure you get the full manatee experience you came for — we’d even be happy to offer you a nice returning-guest discount as our apology for the no-show this time.
Thank you again for choosing us and for the honest feedback — it helps everyone know exactly what to expect. Hope to see you and the manatees very soon! 🦦💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Siddharath_P, Sep 2025
Our guide, Kyle with the Smile, was fantastic. The springs themselves are stunning—clear, refreshing water that makes the trip completely worth it.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this wonderful review — you’ve officially made Kyle’s week! 😄 (He really does earn that “Kyle with the Smile” nickname every single day!)
We’re beyond thrilled that you got to experience the magic of Three Sisters Springs in all their crystal-clear, refreshing glory. There’s just nothing like floating over that turquoise water and feeling like you’re in a postcard — we’re so happy it was everything you hoped for and more.
Thank you again for paddling with us, for the huge shout-out to Kyle, and for taking the time to share the love. We’d love nothing more than to see you back out here soon — the springs (and Kyle’s smile) will be waiting!
Lots of love from the river,
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 🦦💙🌿
Daniel_W, Sep 2025
You could tell the owners of this place takes care of their equipment their property and their surroundings! Gift shop looked awesome. Everyone was very friendly!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this fantastic review — you’ve got us all grinning over here! 😊
We pour a lot of heart into keeping our equipment spotless, the property tidy, and the whole vibe welcoming (those springs and surroundings deserve the best care we can give!). And we’re thrilled you loved the gift shop — it’s packed with fun local treasures and souvenirs to remember your Crystal River adventures.
Most of all, thank you for the shout-out to our friendly team; they’re the real magic-makers who love sharing this special place with awesome guests like you.
We’d love to welcome you back anytime — the river’s always ready for another great day!
Thanks again, and hope to see you soon! 🦦💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Rebecca_D, Sep 2025
This tour waa just amazing! Our guide was Kyle with a Smile and he was so fun ! You can tell he genuinely loves his job with his energy and enthusiasm. We didn't get to see any manatees but we saw a tarpon and so many mullet jumping out of the water. The springs themselves were just breathtaking!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this glowing review — you’ve officially made Kyle’s entire month! 😄❤️ (He’s grinning even bigger than usual right now!)
We love that his passion and energy shone through — Kyle really does live for these mornings on the water, and when guests feel that joy, it’s the best reward we could ask for. No manatees this time (they’re just starting to arrive in bigger numbers now that it’s late November), but a tarpon sighting and a full-on mullet acrobatics show is such a fun Florida consolation prize! Those jumps are like nature’s fireworks.
And yes — the springs never fail to take your breath away, do they? That crystal-clear water is pure magic every single time.
Thank you again for paddling with us and for taking the time to share the love. We’d absolutely love to have you back this winter when the manatees are practically doing cannonballs into the springs — Kyle already promised he’ll save you a front-row kayak!
See you soon on the water! 🦦💙🌿
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Colon_W, Aug 2025
We booked this tour day of and were lucky enough to get Jax all to ourselves. She really made the tour, so much knowledge and passionate about ensuring we had the best experience. We did! Clear kayaks are so much fun, three sisters springs are beautiful. We will be back and book with Jax for Manatee season.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this incredible review — you’ve made Jax do a full-on happy dance down at the dock!! 😄🦦
A last-minute booking turning into a private tour with Jax is pretty much the jackpot — she’s been geeking out over these springs her whole life, and when she gets to share all her favorite secrets (and have the whole place to yourselves), it’s her absolute favorite kind of day. We’re beyond thrilled that you felt her passion and had the best experience possible!
The clear kayaks + Three Sisters combo never gets old… that turquoise water underneath you is pure magic. We’re already counting down the days until manatee season is in full swing (usually mid-November through March) and we get to welcome you back for the big cuddly reunion. Jax has officially reserved her “best seats in the house” for you!
Thank you again for choosing us, for trusting us last-minute, and for being such awesome guests. We can’t wait to see you again soon!
Lots of love from the river,
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 💙🏼♀️🌿
Margie_B, Aug 2025
Beautiful scenery and wildlife! We had a great time paddling around the springs. Our guide Cypress was very knowledgeable about the area as well. We saw 2 manatee but didn't expect to see many during the off season. I would definitely visit again in the winter months when all the manatees are there.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this wonderful review — we’re absolutely thrilled you had such a great time! 🌿🦦
Two manatees in the off-season is such a treat (they’re just the early birds sneaking in for the warm water!), and we love that Cypris got to share her favorite spots and stories with you. She’s going to be grinning ear-to-ear when she sees your kind words — she truly lives for these days on the river.
The scenery at Three Sisters never gets old, no matter the season, but you’re 100% right… come back this winter (December–March) and it turns into full-on manatee central — sometimes hundreds of them lounging, snoozing, and saying hello right under your kayak. We’d LOVE to welcome you back for the big show!
Thank you again for paddling with us and for the awesome recommendation. Just let us know when you’re heading this way — Cypris already has your kayaks reserved for the manatee party! 💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 🏼♀️🌞
RaeJean_T, Aug 2025
Great experience. We saw a couple of manatees in the off season. Kyle was amazing. We enjoyed everything about this tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you SO much for this awesome review — you’ve made our day!! 😄🦦
Seeing manatees in the off-season is always a special treat (they’re just the early arrivals testing the waters!), so getting a couple of those gentle giants on your tour is pure bonus magic. We’re thrilled you enjoyed every bit of it!
Kyle (with the ever-present smile) is going to be absolutely beaming when he sees this — he loves what he does, and it means the world to us when that shines through and makes someone’s day.
Thank you again for paddling with us and for taking the time to share the love. We’d love nothing more than to welcome you back this winter when the springs are packed wall-to-wall with hundreds of manatees — Kyle already has your kayaks reserved for the full show!
Hope to see you on the water again very soon! 💙
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew
Rhonda_L, Aug 2025
We had a beautiful excursion with our small group in the clear kayaks. Kyle with a smile was our guide. Wonderful group, lots of wildlife, no manatees 😩 Kyle took some great pictures of the group.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this lovely review — we’re thrilled you had a beautiful morning out there with us! 🌿💙
Kyle (with the legendary smile 😄) is absolutely beaming right now — he loves putting together the perfect small-group vibe, pointing out all the birds, turtles, fish, and hidden gems along the way… and of course sneaking in those great group photos so everyone can just relax and enjoy the moment.
We’re bummed the manatees didn’t make an appearance this time (they owe you one!), but they’re really starting to pile in now that the water temps are dropping — December through March is when the springs turn into manatee central. We’d LOVE to have you and the crew back for the full gentle-giant experience… Kyle already promised he’ll deliver the manatee magic next time!
Thank you again for paddling with us, for the wonderful energy you brought to the group, and for taking the time to share the love. Can’t wait to see you all again soon!
— The whole Paddles Outdoor Rentals crew 🦦📸🏼♀️
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