Afternoon Crystal River Ecological Boat Tour

Crystal River , United States

Afternoon Crystal River Ecological Boat Tour

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(9 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This eco boat tour is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and even locals who want to show their family the "Real Florida." Crystal River is a unique town which straddles the line between sleepy fishing town and wildlife haven. Our residential refuge features a variety of bird species and a unique spring-fed freshwater bay. The main event are certainly the manatees that call Crystal River home!

Though numbers of manatees vary day-to-day, this excursion is led by a USCG-certified Master Captain who is experienced in providing fun and educational tours year-round.

Note on weather: weather in Florida can be unpredictable and storms can move quickly. We never like to cancel tours but if inclement weather is likely to affect the quality of your experience, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour and refund your payment.

Available options

Afternoon Crystal River Ecological Boat Tour

What's included

Bottled water

Narrated Boat Tour

Covered Boat

Detailed itinerary

Here, guests will meet their captain for the day and leave precisely at the scheduled tour time. We recommend arriving early and watching fishermen clean their catch of the day and purchasing desired beverages from the bait shop. This is where we will return at the conclusion of our tour.

Explore Crystal River's sawgrass islands and backcountry. Enjoy scanning the shorelines and sky for birds of prey and watch schools of mullet leap out of the water.

What's not included

Gratuity for Captain

$5 Parking Fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Guests will have to pay a $5 parking fee to the marina, which is payable at the bait shop or at the kiosk by the boat ramp. Guests will walk a short distance down the dock to reach the shade of the bait shop and meet their Captain and prepare for their excursion.

Important notes

We would like to recommend that you arrive at least 10 minutes early to find your captain near the Pete's Pier Marina Bait Shop.

About Crystal River

Crystal River is a unique destination known for its clear springs and manatee population. It offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical sites, making it a great place for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Top Attractions

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is home to the largest concentration of manatees in the world. Visitors can see these gentle giants year-round, with the best viewing from November to March.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry, but guided tours and activities may have fees

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

This park preserves the site of an ancient Native American settlement. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the region's rich history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free entry, but donations are appreciated

Three Sisters Springs

This stunning spring system is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Nature Half day Free entry, but guided tours and activities may have fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Grilled Grouper

Fresh grouper caught locally and grilled to perfection, often served with a lemon butter sauce.

Main Course Gluten-free, can be made without dairy

Key Lime Pie

A classic Florida dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Popular Activities

Kayaking Snorkeling Hiking Swimming Sunbathing Waterfront dining Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the best time to visit for manatee viewing and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the springs and wildlife.

15-27°C 60-80°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (UTC-5) or EDT (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Crystal River is a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when swimming in natural springs, as currents can be strong.
• Lock your car and secure valuables when parking in public areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Crystal River Regional Airport • 5 km from city center
Tampa International Airport • 110 km from city center

By bus

Crystal River Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around, but schedules may be limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Homesite Park

Day trips

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

30 km from Crystal River • Half day to full day

This state park is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and black bears. Visitors can enjoy wildlife shows, nature trails, and a scenic boat ride.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

40 km from Crystal River • Full day

This state park is famous for its mermaid shows and crystal-clear springs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and riverboat cruises.

Festivals

Crystal River Manatee Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge early in the morning for the best manatee viewing experience and fewer crowds.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season (November-April).
Bring waterproof gear for kayaking and snorkeling, as you may get wet.
Respect the environment and wildlife by following guidelines and regulations.
Try local seafood specialties, especially grouper and shrimp.