King's Bay Sunset Cruise
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Crystal River, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy the National Wildlife Reserve and Crystal River Marsh at their most beautiful when drifting through at sunset. Enjoy ample time to spot manatees, osprey, dolphins and many other spectacular species with commentary from your captain before watching the sun dip beneath the horizon in the salt marshes. This tour is suited to all ages and travelers but particularly for those interested in wildlife and photography.
- This compact tour is ideal for travelers short on time
- Gain insights and local knowledge about the area other travelers miss out on
- Get better sightings of the wildlife than you would by staying onshore
- Come away with envy–inducing photos of the wildlife and sunset
What's Included
- Coast Guard Saftey Equipment
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 525 NW 7th Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
You will find us on the water at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge in a 2 story white building
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Valentina_U
The Kings Bay Sunset Cruise was such a lovely experience! Glenn was wonderful—so knowledgeable and such a great storyteller. He explained everything in a way that was both entertaining and easy to follow, and we found ourselves wishing we had more questions to ask because his answers were that good.
We also had an extra friend join us last minute, and Glenn was kind enough to let them on (we paid of course). That thoughtful gesture really showed how kind and accommodating he is.
Throughout the cruise, he shared fascinating stories about the manatees, the boats, and even his time as a crocodile wrestler. Between the stories, the views, and the atmosphere, it made the whole evening unforgettable.
Highly recommend this cruise—100% worth it!
Reviews
4.9
based on 82 reviews
Laura_A, May 2026
Excellent experience! Our guide, Captain Glenn, clearly enjoys what he does. He made an effort to give everyone on the boat a chance to see manatees and ospreys, and shared great info. The group on the boat all interacted with him and each other and it was just a fun evening.
Crystal_J, May 2026
The sunset will be whatever it will be, the captain can't predict the weather. The best part of this sunset cruise is the information you get from the experienced captains. Our captain, Glenn is passionate about teaching people the area. It's not just a job for him, it is and has been a big part of his life. You will get the most experience and maybe a nice sunset to boot. I'll go again anytime I'm back in Crystal River.
Linda_D, Apr 2026
We had a wonderful time. The tour guide was very good with everyone. He had great history and stories about the area. He found us animals to see and was very careful with the area and the animals.
Mysti_S, Apr 2026
Loved it. The captain was the ABSOLUTE best!! We had so much fun. Sunset & manatees. He gave us so much area history & interesting facts too!
Colleen_R, Apr 2026
It's a laid back experience. The bay is beautiful and you may see dolphins, manatee, and or a bald eagle.
Kathleen_G, Apr 2026
It was a great tour. Our captain was fantastic. He tried to make sure we tried to se as many manatees as possible that late in the afternoon.
Kay_H, Mar 2026
Captain Mike was very knowledgeable about the King’s bay and the efforts to reclaim the bay after the storms in 23 and 24.
Susan_M, Mar 2026
Very relaxed, Informative and fun! Really an adventure! Very funny captain! Lots of jokes, but learned a lot.
Carla_B, Mar 2026
This sunset cruise departed at 6:30. It was cloudy and not the traditional sunset. However, we had a very informative Captain Glenn who had lots of stories to tell. I could have listened to him all night. He gave us some history of the Kings Bay area and told us about his gator hobbies. He found us manatees to view and we followed a dolphin who was creating havoc with the fish to get his dinner. The boat was full but we all had a nice time and still got some pretty sunet photos. I think this might have been the hubby's best part of our trip.
Mia_G, Mar 2026
Captain Glenn was kind, patient, and so knowledgeable about the area. He spotted a manatee for us and we saw a really nice sunset. It was one of the best guides we’ve ever had on a tour. He is a true gem!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! Captain Glenn's knowledge and care for our guests truly make him special, and we’re glad he helped create such a memorable tour for you.
Timothy_L, Mar 2026
Captain Phillip did a great job and was very knowledgeable about the area. Weather was great and we even saw some manatees.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your time with Captain Phillip and had great weather for spotting manatees. We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again in the future.
Teresa_K, Mar 2026
Captain Glenn was amazing! He told many stories and spotted manatees during our sunset cruise :. He answered all questions and made us laugh.
William_P, Feb 2026
Captain Philip was very entertaining and full of a wealth of knowledge. We got to see some manatees and a beautiful sunset. A very entertaining boat tour. It was a cooler day. So, I would recommend wearing pants and a sweatshirt on a cooler day. Especially with that wind that can be coming into the bay. For optimal manatee viewing, I’d recommend a morning or early afternoon boat tour. Simply due to the reflection of the sun on the bay and it getting darker makes the manatees a little harder to spot. However, my brother and I had a lot of fun. I also recommend arriving earlier because for a sunset cruise you’ll be hitting rush hour traffic in Inverness if you have to drive through there. So, definitely plan for that to add ten to fifteen minutes to you travel time.
david_w, Feb 2026
CPT Phillips did a fantastic job. We saw lots if Manatees, heard lots of info and saw a great sunset.
Well worth 40 bucks!
Rebecca_H, Feb 2026
If you want to see manatees, go in the morning at low tide. We saw only one manatee, but it came very close to the boat.
Melissa_G, Nov 2025
Wonderful sunset cruise with Captain Phil! He did a great job narrating and pointing out places of interest!
Jeffrey_C, Oct 2025
Relaxing and informative tour. Our Captain was knowledgeable about the history of the springs and the bay. Highly recommend this excursion.
Valentina_U, Sep 2025
The Kings Bay Sunset Cruise was such a lovely experience! Glenn was wonderful—so knowledgeable and such a great storyteller. He explained everything in a way that was both entertaining and easy to follow, and we found ourselves wishing we had more questions to ask because his answers were that good.
We also had an extra friend join us last minute, and Glenn was kind enough to let them on (we paid of course). That thoughtful gesture really showed how kind and accommodating he is.
Throughout the cruise, he shared fascinating stories about the manatees, the boats, and even his time as a crocodile wrestler. Between the stories, the views, and the atmosphere, it made the whole evening unforgettable.
Highly recommend this cruise—100% worth it!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Wow—thank you for such a thoughtful and glowing review! We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Glenn. Looking forward to welcoming you back for another adventure soon!
Rhonda_L, Aug 2025
Great night on the water with our storyteller captain Glenn! He told us lots of history, shared appreciation for the area and great spots to take pictures! You won’t be disappointed on this tour!
Nancy_S, Jul 2025
Bring a soft coushin to sit on
Sitting on a hard surface not being able to lean back for 2 hours is hard on us old people
Jenise_E, Jun 2025
The Captain shared facts and the area as he drove us are the bay. Our riders were low key which I loved because it let us enjoy the natural environment without distractions. We finally found a manatee and she had a newborn which was extra special. He also steered us by some newborn osprey at sunset. If you like a quiet evening on the water this is a good way.
Sondra_l, Jun 2025
Captain Glenn was a wonderful host....he was concern for our safety and went for beyond to make sure we seen Manatees in the wild.....HIGHLY...HIGHLY recommend Waterfront Adventures!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
This just made our day! ❤️ So glad to hear Captain Glenn provided such a wonderful and safe manatee adventure for you. Thanks for the HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend! We can't wait to see you again at Waterfront Adventures!
Megan_B, May 2025
Glenn was an amazing tour guide. Honestly the best tour guide I’ve ever had. His stories were fantastic! We saw so many manatees. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, May 2025
So happy to hear you had such a fantastic experience with Glenn! His passion and stories, combined with seeing so many manatees, truly make for an unforgettable tour. We appreciate your high recommendation!
Christopher_C, Apr 2025
Beautiful nature and scenery. Got to experience wildlife and a beautiful sunset. Captain was very nice and knowledgeable which was a bonus to learn some history and current events of the area. Thank you for a great experience!
Response from Host, May 2025
We're thrilled that you created such lovely memories enjoying the nature, wildlife, and that beautiful Crystal River sunset! It's also fantastic to hear that our Captain's knowledge enhanced your experience. Thank you for letting us know you had a great time!
Debbie_M, Apr 2025
Captain was knowledgeable about the area and pointed out several highlights as we drove around the bay. Made it fun and safe for all ages!
Joanne_C, Apr 2025
Captain Philips was awesome! He was informative, pleasant and took us around the best places for a sunset cruise!
Hailey_H, Nov 2024
Mark was so so sweet and a great story teller. I lived all his stories. He's very passionate about his job!
Kathy_S, Nov 2024
We had a great time on our sunset cruise!
Captain Andrew was very knowledgeable and the sunset was beautiful!
Alicia_H, Nov 2024
Capt Glenn was awesome, and we had a wonderful time and saw a beautiful sunset! Highlight of our trip to Crystal River!!!!
Kathleen_E, Oct 2024
Boat captain was very informative and helpful. Great views! Nice description of the history of the area. Pointed out the sites.
From $39.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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King's Bay Sunset Cruise
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1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
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