Things to do in Crystal River, Florida (FL): The Best Tours

July 4, 2021 Matilde Konrad

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. SCUBA Diving Lesson in Crystal River (Rainbow River Dive)

3940 N Tallahassee Rd, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA Crystal River Watersports
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You will find out what it is like to breathe underwater.  Your Divemaster/Instructor will teach you the basics of SCUBA equipment and use. You will then get to experience SCUBA diving in crystal clear Rainbow River for your first dive. All of your SCUBA equipment is included.

Inclusions: All SCUBA Gear (mask, fins, snorkel, wet suit, regulator, buoyancy device, weights, and gauges., PADI Discover SCUBA Diving Participant Guide, Facility and Parking Fees, Transportation from Dive Shop to dive location

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By nicolebc22

This has been on my adventure wishlist for a while now and Jim/Dakota did not disappoint! It was an intimate crowd (we had 4 people while other boats had 10) with knowledgeable, friendly, laid back guides. Seriously couldn’t have been any better! We absolutely loved it!

2. Fresh n Salty Boat Tour of Florida's Nature Coast

Crystal River, Crystal River, Florida Crystal River Watersports
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Your Fresh & Salty tour lets you explore everything Florida's Nature Coast has to offer. CRWS is a proud member of the Save the Manatee Club Guardian Guide Program - promoting passive observation and responsible eco tourism. A boat ride past archaeological sites, through a state nature preserve, into a National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf of Mexico.  You will get to snorkel with manatees, explore local springs and snorkel in the gulf looking for bat fish, turtles and more.    Lots of birds, manatees, dolphins, pigs, otters, fresh and salt water fish and turtles. A little of everything natural Florida has to offer.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional photographer guide, Tour escort/host, Use of Snorkelling equipment

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By nicolebc22

This has been on my adventure wishlist for a while now and Jim/Dakota did not disappoint! It was an intimate crowd (we had 4 people while other boats had 10) with knowledgeable, friendly, laid back guides. Seriously couldn’t have been any better! We absolutely loved it!

3. Guided Paddleboard Eco-Tour of Crystal River

469 NE 1st St, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA Paddles Outdoor Rentals
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Join us on a journey through the beautiful waters of our 640 acre King's Bay. Throughout the expedition, you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful nature and wildlife that we are known for including over 70 freshwater springs including the best spring, which is Three Sister Springs. You will have the opportunity to possibly view dolphins, manatees, pelicans, tarpon, turtles, otters, and many more of the local wildlife.  There will be plenty of chances to take pictures on our guided tours and a picture package will be available for purchase at the end of your tour.

Inclusions: A Yolo Paddleboard, life vest, leash, and one of our fabulous tour guides are included in your tour.

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional Photo Package For $35

Reviewed By daletburke

Loved the office staff and the young man at the launch. The girls were very professional, but fun to talk with about the trip. Definitely would use them again.

4. Full Day Tandem Kayak Rental For Two People

469 NE 1st St, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA Paddles Outdoor Rentals
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

We have the newest rental equipment in Crystal River with top-notch customer service. Our kayaks are Crescent Kayaks, which are top-rated for stability and very easy to paddle as well.

Inclusions: Use of Crescent tandem kayak, map of area, paddle, life vest, and anchor. , Bottled water

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Reviewed By daletburke

Loved the office staff and the young man at the launch. The girls were very professional, but fun to talk with about the trip. Definitely would use them again.

5. Water Bike Rental in Crystal River

469 NE 1st St, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA Paddles Outdoor Rentals
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

This is a great way to see the sights and everything going on below you in the water from the BEST perspective. Our water bikes are human-powered and is the best eco-friendly way to get around the area to see everything Crystal River has to offer. You can see manatees swim directly underneath your bike, which is an incredible view to experience. The water bikes easily hold up to 300 pounds and have adjustable seats for all different heights of riders.

Inclusions: Water Bike, Life Vest, Map of the area, Bottled water

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Reviewed By daletburke

Loved the office staff and the young man at the launch. The girls were very professional, but fun to talk with about the trip. Definitely would use them again.

6. Swim with the Manatees Includes In-Water Guide and Photographer

545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA Explorida
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5.0 based on 699 reviews

Swimming with the manatees is a once in a lifetime experience so do it right! Dont cram into a small dive shop. Spread out and enjoy plenty of space at Explorida! The Explorida Adventure Center offers a large, top notch facility that is climate controlled with indoor changing rooms for your privacy. Our boats are U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified, which means they are allowed to carry more than 6 passengers, have all necessary safety equipment, and are in tip top shape. Dont get stuck on a clunker! Book with Explorida! We are dedicated to the customer experience and will not disappoint! Let us prove it!

Inclusions: Wetsuit, Snorkel Gear, Bottled water, In-Water Gude/Photographer, Safe USCG Certified Boats

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Reviewed By zaylexkyn3

This was an awesome experience to be able to swim right next to manatees. So glad we chose explorida. Was hard to decide which would one would be the best. Next time in Florida, would definitely do this again with this company!

7. Private Swim with Manatee Adventure in Crystal River

9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA Plantation Adventure Center
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5.0 based on 133 reviews

There is nothing better than having the boat to yourself for a manatee snorkel tour! Swim alongside the gentle giants on our professionally guide snorkel tours. The price includes all equipment, full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, towel service, hot chocolate, coffee, hot showers, boat coats and heated changing facility. This tour is for up to 6 people, call us for pricing on larger groups.

Inclusions: Use of Full 5mm wet-suits (for extra warmth), Mask & Snorkels, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, bottle water, Towel Service, US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide!, Boat Coats for cold mornings!

Exclusions: Gratuities, DVD or Flash Drive (available to purchase), Swimsuits

Reviewed By Bigjon792

Took 2:30 cruise Thursday May 13, 2021 with Captains John and Vincent. Had out of town company and we had a great time. Due to the date and time I doubted we would see any manatee but they found about 10, even two babies. John and Vincent told stories and facts about the bay and springs. Easy on and off for our old knees. Will take company again and will do sunset cruise soon.

8. Small Group Swim with Manatee Adventure

9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA Plantation Adventure Center
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5.0 based on 498 reviews

Just like our regular tours, you can swim alongside manatees for even longer. Only 6 people per vessel allows for a more personal experience The price includes all equipment, full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, towel service, hot chocolate, coffee, hot showers, boat coats and heated changing facility.

Inclusions: Use of Full 5mm wet-suits (for extra warmth), Mask & Snorkels, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, bottle water, Towel Service, US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide!, Boat Coats for cold mornings!

Exclusions: Gratuities, DVD or Flash Drive (available to purchase), Swimsuits

Reviewed By Bigjon792

Took 2:30 cruise Thursday May 13, 2021 with Captains John and Vincent. Had out of town company and we had a great time. Due to the date and time I doubted we would see any manatee but they found about 10, even two babies. John and Vincent told stories and facts about the bay and springs. Easy on and off for our old knees. Will take company again and will do sunset cruise soon.

9. Private Manatee Tour

498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA River Ventures
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5.0 based on 200 reviews

This private manatee snorkle tour may only be 3 hours, but the memories for your group will last a lifetime! Your very own USCG certified captain will embark with your private group to explore the refuge and get you up close with our ‘gentle giants’!

Inclusions: Private tour, Professional guide, All gear included, Bottled Water provided, Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), DVD (available to purchase)

Reviewed By robaV4793CL

Wow, what a trip to remember . Captain Matt and Captain Pete were amazing. The staff at the office were wonderful, welcoming and just plain amazing. The whole team there went out of their way to make sure every visitor was well taken care of. The 2 Captains were great, very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was safe , comfortable and able to enjoy the time. If you get a chance make sure you go to Jurassic Cove.

10. Small group Manatee snorkeling tour with in water guide

Twin Rivers Marina, 2880 N Seabreeze Point, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA Gulf Coast Expeditions
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5.0 based on 475 reviews

Enjoy a close, personal encounter with the West Indian Manatee as you snorkel with them under the guidance of a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Our small group (no more than six guests) tours are conducted daily in the beautiful Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Get up close and personal with these amazing mammals and learn about the ecosystem and their habitat.  Unlike many tours, these Captains will actually swim with you and your group to ensure that you have a memorable experience. While in the water, your captain/tour guide will take high-definition photos and videos of you and your group which you will be able to view and purchase at the end of your trip.  Your price includes all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) and complimentary coffee or hot cocoa.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Wetsuits , Coffee and hot cocoa

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By MarciS979

Toured with Ron and Lauren. We were a group of 6; 2 of the 6 are on the autism spectrum. They were super patient and encouraging with the kids. They were persistent in their efforts for us to see manatees up close even though it’s after the “season”. Great experience.

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