Crystal River Sunrise Manatee Clear Kayak Tour

Crystal River , United States

Crystal River Sunrise Manatee Clear Kayak Tour

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(1 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Begin your day surrounded by calm waters, golden sunrise light, and the chance to quietly drift alongside manatees in Kings Bay. This gentle tour is designed for comfort and ease — a short paddle with high rewards, perfect for couples, grandparents, and first-time paddlers.

-Gentle, calm sunrise paddle in Kings Bay
-Short distance, beginner-friendly, safe sit-on-top kayaks
-Excellent chance to see manatees year-round (best Dec–Feb)
-Peaceful, uncrowded springs before the crowds arrive
-Guided by Captain Scotty, Florida native with 20+ years’ experience
-Small group sizes for a personal, relaxed feel

-Manatees? 40–50 residents year-round; hundreds in winter. Not guaranteed, but we will take you to where they’re most likely to be.
-Alligators? They live in all Florida waters, but in Crystal River they avoid busy areas.
-Sharks? None in Crystal River’s freshwater.
-Falling in? Rare — kayaks are wide & stable.
-Rain? Light rain is fine; reschedules/credits for unsafe weather.

Available options

Crystal River Sunrise Manatee Clear Kayak Tour

What's included

Admission fee

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

For the morning lover, the quiet traveler, the reward chaser...
Launch from a calm shoreline across from Banana Island as the sunrise lights the water. Glide through quiet, beginner-friendly waters to King Spring, the bay’s largest and deepest spring at 72°F year-round. Watch for manatees, turtles, fish, and native birds in this designated idle zone with no motorboats allowed. A peaceful, uncrowded environment, perfect for first-time paddlers or travelers seeking beauty without strenuous effort. Guided by Captain Scotty, who shares local stories and conservation insight.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet at the boat ramp at the Port Hotel & Marina, 1610 SE Paradise Circle. Look for the big stack of kayaks. Parking and restrooms are included. Please note we are a separate vendor, not the Manatee Swim Center.

Important notes

Please bring your confirmation email or mobile ticket to check in. Upon arrival at the Port Hotel boat ramp (1610 SE Paradise Circle, Crystal River), show your booking confirmation to your guide. Look for the large stack of kayaks near the ramp. Parking is included.

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.