What to do and see in Crystal River, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Wildlife Tours

August 13, 2021 Mollie Coke

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. 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!

3. Gulf Coast Expeditions

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5.0 based on 705 reviews

Gulf Coast Expeditions

Gulf Coast Expeditions provides customers with personalized manatee snorkel tours, scallop charters, and sightseeing tours. We keep our group sizes small and take no more than six people out at a time. Our tours meet daily at our marina location which is conveniently located for a quick boat ride to swim with the manatees and the scallop grounds.

4. River Ventures

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5.0 based on 4,821 reviews

River Ventures

River Ventures is a full service Tour center located in beautiful Crystal River, Florida. We offer many tour options to share all that the Nature Coast has to show you and we emphasize education about these Eco-systems!We have a passion for what we do, and it shows! Our Endangered Encounter manatee tours are our specialty, but we have so much more to offer! Air boat tours,VIP customized packages,Stand Up Paddle Boards, Scallop charters, sunset cruises, private charters, guided paddle tours on multiple rivers....we have much more to offer than you would expect!Spend the day or spend the week and River Ventures will introduce you to 'More than Manatee'!! Tours to snorkel with the manatees in their natural habitat are conducted daily, year round (reservations in advance are highly suggested). Our highly experienced in-water guides will escort you into the refuge to find the endangered manatee for viewing and up close encounters. River Ventures offers daily group trips of up to 12, and also offers private trips for both large and small groups including VIP and houseboat tours.

5. Manatees In Paradise

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5.0 based on 931 reviews

Manatees In Paradise

Offering quality tours starting Oct thru May, Seasonal tours - Reservations and confirmations by email only. No Walk-ins Accepted. No more than 6 people to a boat. We are a tiny, educational and manatee friendly tour company owned and operated ONLY by the owners/captains. We give each tour the "personal and educational" attention you want and allow the manatees to feel comfortable while we explore their world. We are proud to be a "Hands Off the wild manatees" tour company. Anyone encouraging touching/rubbing/petting manatees even after the manatee initiates an interaction, is not promoting good stewardship towards wild manatees. Befriending wild manatees reduces their chance for survival as you habituate them towards boats and people. Keep wildlife wild.

6. 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

7. Manatee Fun Tours

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5.0 based on 819 reviews

Manatee Fun Tours

Manatee Fun Tours offers Private and Semi-Private Manatee Tours Only! Snorkel with manatee in Crystal River Fl. This is a privately owned company who will put your fun experiences first. We offer A Big Fun Manatee Tour on an enclosed house style boat. Snorkel and Swim with manatee, then relax in an enclosed cabin which is warmer and more comfortable than an open pontoon or a curtain sided boat. You will still get a bit chilly, but you won't freeze. We also use 3-5mm wet-suits for added comfort This is a true private manatee tour for just you and your family. We also have a premium tour option and see manatees in luxury! We make this an experience of a lifetime no matter which tour you choose. Call or email for a prompt response, We have the coolest boat on the bay!

8. Crystal River Fishing Adventures

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5.0 based on 53 reviews

Crystal River Fishing Adventures

Come experience what the Nature Coast has to offer with Crystal River Fishing Adventures. Our specialty is inshore fishing and exploring the back country of the Gulf of Mexico. We also provide seasonal scalloping trips and nature tours. Fishing trips include tackle, bait and gear. Please contact Captain Jeremiah Carlucci to schedule a trip or with any questions.

9. Kingsbay Manacam Tours

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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Kingsbay Manacam Tours

We offer many tour options to share all that the Nature Coast has to show you and we emphasize education about these Eco-systems!We have a passion for what we do, and it shows! Our Endangered manatee tours are our specialty.

10. 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.

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