Cedar Key, Florida

Three Sisters Springs Visitor Center manages land access to Three Sisters Springs, a protected natural area in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge famous for manatee encounters and clear freshwater springs, accessible primarily by water for in-water recreation like snorkeling and kayaking during manatee season.

Paddles Outdoor Rentals is a family-owned and operated business in Crystal River, FL, offering kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, water bike rentals, bike rentals, guided kayak tours, swim with manatee tours, party paddle board rentals, and eco-tours including sunset tours and visits to Three Sisters Springs. They are the closest rental facility to Three Sisters Springs with a state-of-the-art kayak launch system and prioritize customer service.

A Crystal River Kayak Company offers kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), canoe rentals, and guided kayak tours including clear kayak adventures, manatee swim tours (November 15 - March 31), sunset tours, and dry tours to explore Crystal River's waterways, Three Sisters Springs, and Kings Bay for wildlife viewing like manatees. They provide the largest selection of boats (single/double sit-on-top, sit-inside, paddle boards, canoes, clear kayaks), closest dock to Three Sisters Springs (10-minute paddle), life jackets, paddles, rentals for masks/snorkels, wetsuits, accessories, gifts, apparel, changing rooms, restrooms, and water cooler. Reservations required for rentals and self-launches; welcomes all experience levels.

Located in Crystal River, Florida, Waterfront Adventures specializes in immersive wildlife and aquatic experiences, with a particular focus on swimming with manatees in the pristine waters of Kings Bay. The company stands out for its professionalism, offering licensed and insured diving instructors on every tour to ensure safety and education. Their fleet includes custom houseboats equipped with heated cabins, restrooms, and changing rooms, providing a comfortable and luxurious setting for guests. With a team of experienced captains and guides, Waterfront Adventures combines expert knowledge with a commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a premier choice for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Waterfront Adventures offers a variety of tours and rentals tailored to different interests and group sizes, including semi-private and VIP manatee swims, scallop harvesting excursions, guided kayak tours, and eco sunset cruises. Their scallop tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the Gulf Coast’s underwater ecosystem, complete with all necessary equipment and expert guidance. Kayak rentals feature high-quality, stable vessels suitable for solo paddlers or pairs, while pontoon rentals and eco tours offer relaxing ways to enjoy the scenic waterways. Each experience emphasizes education, safety, and enjoyment, ensuring guests leave with lasting memories of Florida’s natural beauty.

PT Airboat Adventures is located in Homosassa, Florida, offering an exhilarating way to explore the region’s waterways. Specializing in airboat rides, the company provides a unique experience that combines the thrill of a rollercoaster with the natural beauty of Florida’s aquatic environment. With years of experience navigating these waters, PT Airboat Adventures stands out for its exciting, fast-paced rides that skim just inches above the water’s surface. The company emphasizes fun and accessibility, ensuring guests can enjoy a memorable adventure without long waits or complicated arrangements. The business offers several tour options tailored to different interests and schedules, including 60-minute rides, a 90-minute full eco-adventure, and a 90-minute sunset tour that highlights the area’s scenic beauty at dusk. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private tours accommodate up to six people, providing an exclusive and intimate outing. The tours are designed for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, combining speed, twists, and turns with opportunities to appreciate Florida’s unique ecosystems. Equipped with well-maintained airboats and guided by knowledgeable operators, guests can expect a safe, exciting, and unforgettable journey on the water.

Family Adventure Charters is a Crystal River, Florida-based company specializing in manatee tours, boating, and fishing charters. With USCG licensed captains and a fleet that includes offshore cruisers, comfortable pontoon boats, and large multi-passenger tour boats, the company offers year-round excursions tailored to individuals, families, and groups of various sizes. What sets this business apart is its commitment to personalized experiences, limiting boat capacity to six passengers to avoid overcrowding and providing additional boats for larger parties at no extra cost. The boats are clean, wheelchair accessible, child safe, and pet friendly, with some larger vessels equipped with onboard restrooms and changing rooms. The company offers a range of tours including three-hour swim tours where guests can gently touch manatees, dry tours for observing wildlife from the boat, and scenic sunset and dolphin cruises along the river. Seasonal activities such as scalloping trips are available from July through September, while manatee tours are best during winter months. Each charter is designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of Crystal River and its abundant wildlife, with amenities like bottled water, hot chocolate, and blankets provided for comfort. Experienced Captain Tim leads these memorable adventures, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for all ages.

Go Local Manatee Tours is a locally owned and operated small business based in Crystal River, Florida, specializing in intimate and eco-friendly manatee encounters. With a focus on sustainability and education, the company offers daily semi-private tours limited to six guests, ensuring minimal environmental impact and a personalized experience. Founded by a Crystal River native, the tour guides bring deep local knowledge and a genuine connection to the wildlife and community. Guests meet at Pete’s Pier Marina, the heart of the manatee refuge, where all necessary snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided at no extra cost. A distinctive feature of these tours is the inclusion of a free professional photo package, capturing the memorable moments of swimming alongside wild manatees. The tour offerings include semi-private and private manatee swim experiences, accommodating families, small groups, and nature enthusiasts seeking close encounters with these gentle giants. The tours vary seasonally, with manatees typically found in the warm springs during colder months and throughout the 600-acre refuge in warmer seasons. In addition to manatee swims, Go Local Manatee Tours provides a Spring Fling seasonal tour focused on the hydrology and history of Crystal River’s natural springs. Throughout the excursions, knowledgeable captains and in-water guides share insights about local wildlife and the ecosystem, ensuring an educational and respectful interaction with the environment. The company’s commitment to responsible tourism and authentic local stewardship makes it a standout choice for visitors to the region.

Riverhaven Marina is a full-service marina located on the scenic Homosassa River in Homosassa, Florida, at the heart of the state's Nature Coast. It stands out as the largest dry storage facility in the region, offering comprehensive boating solutions for both new and experienced boaters. The marina is equipped with a highly skilled service department staffed by certified technicians authorized to perform warranty repairs on major outboard and stern drive brands such as Mercury, Johnson, Yamaha, and Honda. With state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and a well-stocked parts department, Riverhaven Marina ensures reliable maintenance and repair services for virtually every make and model of boat motor. The marina provides a wide range of offerings including new and used boat sales, indoor and outdoor rack storage, boat rentals, and specialized services such as fiberglass and gelcoat repair, boat detailing, electrical repair, and engine installation. Customers benefit from convenient amenities like unlimited launching, wash racks with electricity and water, dockside power for overnight stays, and private bath and shower facilities. Whether storing a boat or preparing for a day on the water, patrons can enjoy easy access to the Homosassa River and the Gulf of Mexico, supported by attentive staff who assist with fueling, launching, and outfitting boats with supplies. This combination of extensive services and customer-focused care makes Riverhaven Marina a trusted destination for boating enthusiasts in the area.

Located in Homosassa, Florida, this snorkeling center offers a unique opportunity to swim with Florida manatees in their natural spring-fed habitat. With over two decades of experience, the operation is led by Captain Traci Wood, whose deep passion and knowledge of marine mammals ensure an educational and respectful encounter with these gentle giants. The center stands out as the only place where guests can legally interact with manatees, providing an intimate and memorable wildlife experience amid the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife of the Homosassa River. The center offers a variety of tours tailored to all ages, including manatee snorkeling excursions, dolphin cruises, boat pub crawls, scalloping trips, and sunset cruises. Small groups of up to six passengers enjoy personalized attention aboard stable pontoon boats equipped for comfort and safety. Guests can choose from shorter three-hour swims to full-day private tours, allowing ample time to observe and interact with the manatees as they play and explore. The tours emphasize education, preservation, and a genuine connection with the local ecosystem, making each outing both informative and enchanting for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

Manatees in Paradise is a specialized tour company located in Crystal River, Florida, offering intimate and eco-conscious wildlife experiences along the Nature Coast. With a focus on small group sizes limited to six guests, the company ensures personalized and respectful interactions with manatees and other local marine life. Recognized as one of only two in-water tour operators endorsed by the Save The Manatee Club as a Guardian Guide, it holds a special use permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, granting exclusive access to national wildlife refuges. This combination of expertise, regulatory approval, and commitment to conservation distinguishes the company in the region. The business provides a variety of water-based activities including manatee and scalloping snorkel tours, eco-tours, and sunset cruises aboard comfortable pontoon boats. These tours cater to families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the unique ecosystem of Kings Bay while learning about its history and wildlife. Additionally, private charters are available for special events such as birthdays and anniversaries, offering a customizable and relaxing way to enjoy the water. All tours come with necessary equipment and a complimentary photo package, enhancing the overall guest experience and capturing memorable moments.

Located in Crystal River, Florida, this Tiki Boat Tour service offers a unique and relaxing way to explore the area's renowned waterways. With a USCG-approved captain at the helm, guests can enjoy a private cruise aboard a charming tiki-style boat featuring a thatch roof and ample seating for up to six passengers. The boat is designed for comfort and convenience, allowing guests to bring their own food, drinks, and even pets. The tours provide an island-like atmosphere while cruising through clear waters known for their stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, including the famous manatees. The company specializes in private, customizable tours that cater to families, friends, and small groups seeking a peaceful and intimate experience on the water. Options include daytime cruises and sunset tours, each lasting approximately two hours. The tours emphasize a laid-back vibe where guests can relax, take in the natural beauty, and learn about the local environment from a knowledgeable captain. This service is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying a memorable outing in one of Florida’s most picturesque locations.

Fish Hunter Tours is a premier fishing charter and tour company based in Crystal River, Florida, located in the heart of Citrus County along Florida’s Nature Coast. With Captain Bryan Frechette at the helm, the company offers expertly guided small-group excursions tailored to anglers of all experience levels. Specializing in inshore fishing for species such as Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, and seasonal targets like Cobia and Gag Grouper, Fish Hunter Tours combines local expertise with fully licensed operations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The company’s reputation as a top-rated charter service is supported by numerous positive customer reviews, highlighting its commitment to quality and personalized service. The offerings at Fish Hunter Tours extend beyond fishing to include scalloping adventures, manatee river tours, scenic cruises, sunset tours, and snorkeling trips in nearby Rainbow River. Each trip is designed to showcase the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of the Crystal River area, appealing to families, anglers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Guests can expect well-maintained equipment, knowledgeable guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere that emphasizes both fun and education. Whether seeking the thrill of a fishing expedition or a leisurely exploration of Florida’s waterways, visitors will find a memorable and accessible experience tailored to their interests.