The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Crystal River, Florida (FL)

October 14, 2021 Darleen Reid

Crystal River is a city in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,108 in the 2010 census. (3,485 in 2000). According to the U.S Census estimates of 2012, the city had a population of 3,055. The city was incorporated in 1903 and is the self professed "Home of the Manatee". Crystal River Preserve State Park is located nearby, and Crystal River Archaeological State Park is located in the city's northwest side.
Restaurants in Crystal River

1. Bird's Underwater

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5.0 based on 2,260 reviews

Bird's Underwater

Bird's Underwater Dive Center offer manatee snorkel tours, waterfront location, Swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, small group 6 person only tours with meals included, Manatee surface tours, Manatee educational tours, Manatee Awareness Program, Manatee Dives, Manatee Photography underwater, Manatee Photography above the water, Kayak rental, Kayaking with the endangered manatees in Crystal River, Florida, Enclosed Pontoon boats, snacks, Paddle boarding with the manatees, Group manatee tours, School Field Trip Manatee Tours, Handicap access to view or swim with the manatees, Waterfront Vacation Rental Houses in Homosassa, Fl. Manatee swims from Vacation Rental Houses in Homosassa, Kayaks included with nightly vacation rental houses, Kayaking in Homosassa, Fl. Dolphin sightings, early morning manatee tours, Late afternoon Manatee Tours. Scallop Tours, Scallop gear Sales, Scallop education. Scuba diving sales, Scuba Diving Instruction, Snorkel Equipment sales, Cavern Diving, Cavern Diving Instruction, Cave diving instruction, Nitrox instruction, Tri-Mix instruction, re-breather diving instruction. Members of Manatee Eco Tourism Association, Better Business Bureau, and Citrus County Tourism Division. Owned by Bill (Bird) and Diana Oestreich since 1993. Bill "Bird" and Diane Oestreich moved to Crystal River in 1989 and began teaching scuba diving and offering manatee snorkel tours. At that time there were only 3 hotels, one independent shop, and about 100 manatees that came to Citrus County in the winter months. Since then, Manatees have increased to over 1000 manatees in Citrus County alone in the winter, and there is an average population of about 35 manatees that remain in Kings Bay in the summer months. The Manatee Awareness Program was set up by Bird and Diana Oestreich in 1990 with the dive agency NAUI, then PADI, and now SDI offers the same program. They offer quality and personalized manatee tours with experienced and insured boat captains, all of which are at Divemaster level or higher. Manatee Tours average about 3 hours, but they do not have a set time in which they "pull" the customers out of the water in order to run another tour. All tours include drinks and snacks. Private tours include a full meal. Bird's Underwater Dive Center is located on the Kings Bay of Crystal River. You do not have to drive to a separate location to be on the water. Bird's Underwater is located on the dock behind the Dockside Trading Company. We are next to Charlies Fish House restaurant, and walking distance from Crackers restaurant. The Dockside Deli is located in the same parking lot. Main Street or Citrus Avenue is 2 blocks to the south, the Crystal River Mall is 1/4 mile north.

2. Razor Belly Fishing Charter

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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Razor Belly Fishing Charter

Razor Belly Fishing Charter offers a wide range of outdoor adventures for everyone to enjoy. Captain Randy Hodges shows all of his clients what the majestic Gulf of Mexico can offer in a 24 foot custom made Pathfinder. Being a fifth generation Floridian, Captain Randy Hodges is able to navigate through the Florida Mangroves ensuring his clients experience a thrilling and exciting day on the water

3. Faith Haven CRC’s Florida Tree Top Adventure

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5.0 based on 40 reviews

Faith Haven CRC’s Florida Tree Top Adventure

Tree Top Adventure at Faith Haven Christian Retreat Center (FHCRC) is a high R.O.P.E.S. course containing 24 aerial elements and 7 zip lines. Nestled in the canopy these elements are 20-25 feet off the ground. Prepare to spend approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete the course. Open to members and/or guests of FHCRC. Contact FHCRC for free membership information.

4. Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours

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5.0 based on 2,643 reviews

Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours

Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours is a professional Manatee Eco-tour guide service that has been guiding snorkelers into the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge since 1995. We offer daily trips to swim and snorkel with the manatees in the beautiful Crystal River. Kayak and Paddle board rentals and guided tours are also available. All gear is included in tour pricing, and all tours are limited to small groups with only 6-12 guests maximum per boat. This is a great adventure that is suitable for the whole family. Children 3 years old and up are welcome as long as they are comfortable in the water and are able to float quietly. Our tours are all-inclusive, no hidden fees, or additional charges for snorkeling gear, parking, etc. It's all included!. Picture packages are available on every tour. Thanks for looking!

5. Crystal River Watersports

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5.0 based on 523 reviews

Crystal River Watersports

Your PADI 5-Star home for Eco Tours on Florida's Nature Coast. Designated a certified Guardian Guide shop by the Save the Manatee Club, Crystal River Watersports offers a wide range of activities that can be combined for a full day or even a weekend of fun. Your adventure begins at our marina shop right off Highway 19 at the North end of Crystal River. Our Motto: Observing and preserving nature above, in, and under water

6. Aquavision Manatee Tours

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5.0 based on 111 reviews

Aquavision Manatee Tours

Experience up close encounters with the manatees of Crystal River, and take home memories of your adventure that will last a lifetime, with a professional underwater photographer filming all of your manatee encounters onto an HD DVD. Don't trust your once in a lifetime experience to just anyone, come see what's under Captain White's boat in the Crystal River. Options available for beginner swimmers, expert swimmers, and even if you can't swim. Cruise the Crystal River or swim in the spring. Sunset cruises, family tours, or snorkeling. Tour Three Sisters Springs with Aquavision. Where the manatees swim with you.

7. Hunter Springs Kayaks

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5.0 based on 343 reviews

Hunter Springs Kayaks

ONLY 1 Mile paddle from Three Sisters Springs BEST LOCATION - Hunter Springs Kayaks is so much more than the name suggests. We are your ONE STOP for all of your adventures. Here you'll find everything you need to enjoy your time on the water or at the beach. It doesn't matter if you're wanting to spend the day at the beach, out on the water, up in a tree or snorkeling with a manatee, Hunter Springs Kayaks can help you plan the perfect adventure for your entire family. Conveniently located right by Hunter Springs Park and next to the city parking lot.

8. Crystal River Room Escape

8740 W Mayo Dr Suite 5, Crystal River, FL 34429-9089 +1 352-228-4033 [email protected] http://www.crystalriverroomescape.com
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Crystal River Room Escape

Bring your friends, family, and coworkers for an hour of fun, excitement, creativity, and teamwork! You have 1 hour to try and “ESCAPE”. Your team must find the codes, solve the clues, cipher the riddles and put together the puzzles to earn freedom. Do you have what it takes? Will you escape? Remember ……. the clock is ticking! Our hours are as follows: By appointment only Mon 6:00 pm - 8:15 pm Tue 12:00 pm - 8:15 pm Wed 6:00 pm - 8:15 pm Thu 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm Fri 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sun 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Reviewed By Escas344

Family was bored cuz there's nothing to do on a rainy Sunday around here so we found this place and decided to give it a try so glad we did!!! Only took an hour out of our day but an experience that was well enjoyed! We worked together and each of us was able to pitch in to get clues and combinations and escaped our first ever escape room! Our 13yo felt very accomplished and confident after her experience she is a natural detective..It was something to be proud of! We can't wait to go back and try another!

9. Three Sisters Springs

123 NW US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428-3930 +1 352-586-1170 http://www.threesistersspringsvisitor.org/
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4.5 based on 1,516 reviews

Three Sisters Springs

Reviewed By 909pamelak - Lake Worth, United States

Beautiful spring, we kayaked here, then took a dip and did some snorkeling. It is worth the trip. The water is crystal blue and the volunteer who was also in a kayak, was very informative.

10. Crystal River Archaeological State Park

3400 N Museum Pt, Crystal River, FL 34428-6207 +1 352-795-3817 http://www.floridastateparks.org/crystalriverarchaeological/
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4.0 based on 349 reviews

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

A top archaeological destination for Native American artifacts.

Reviewed By kathryna180 - Homosassa, United States

The 18 acre site contains six mounds - two platform mounds, two midden mounds, and two burial mounds. The largest mound - A - has a staircase and platform from which you can view the river and much of the site. There is a museum which is open from Thursday through Monday, 9 - 5. The parking fee is only $3.00 which can be paid in the box just outside the Museum. (Lift the lid, take out the blue envelope, deposit in the slot - place the blue tag on your rear-view mirror in your car.) Lovely walk, with several benches along the way. A must-see for the Crystal River area.

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