Crystal River, Florida

The Plantation Adventure Center at Plantation Resort on Crystal River offers fishing charters, boat rentals, manatee swimming tours, snorkeling, scalloping, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic cruises, with direct marina access to Kings Bay, Crystal River, and the Gulf of Mexico. Experienced captains guide fishing trips and other adventures on Florida's Nature Coast.

Manatee Tour and Dive is a charter business in Crystal River, Florida, specializing in manatee tours, swimming with manatees in their natural habitat, scuba services, scalloping, and adventure expeditions. They provide expert guidance, personalized small group experiences (2 to 12 people, max 6 per vessel), and handle all details for stress-free travel with 24/7 support.

Get Up And Go Kayaking is a premier outdoor adventure company specializing in guided clear kayak tours across multiple states including Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Founded in 2016 in Florida, the company pioneered the use of transparent kayaks, offering a unique perspective on waterways by allowing paddlers to observe marine life and underwater ecosystems directly beneath them. With over 30 locations and a reputation as the world’s highest-rated clear kayak tour provider, it combines expert local guides with small group sizes to deliver an intimate and educational experience. The company is also committed to environmental stewardship, partnering with conservation organizations and donating a portion of proceeds to protect natural habitats. The tours cater to paddlers of all experience levels, providing a safe and engaging way to explore scenic waterways such as Crystal River, Weeki Wachee, and Rainbow Springs. Each guided excursion typically lasts around two hours and features tandem clear kayaks designed for optimal viewing and comfort. Guests can expect to paddle through mangrove tunnels, discover hidden sandbars, and encounter wildlife including manatees and dolphins, all while learning about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides. The company emphasizes sustainable practices and passive wildlife observation, ensuring that the natural environment is preserved for future generations. This combination of adventure, education, and conservation makes the experience memorable for families, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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.

Located at the Plantation Resort on Crystal River in Crystal River, Florida, the Adventure Center offers an immersive experience on Florida’s Nature Coast. With direct access to the Kings Bay Estuary and nearby freshwater springs, the center provides a unique gateway to explore the region’s natural waterways. The staff’s expertise and well-maintained equipment ensure a safe and authentic adventure, whether guests are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts or first-time visitors. The center’s reputation is bolstered by its feature appearances on several fishing and outdoor television programs, highlighting the quality of its fishing and boating experiences. The Adventure Center specializes in a variety of water-based activities including guided snorkeling tours, swimming with manatees, fishing charters, boat rentals, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can enjoy personalized fishing trips with experienced captains or independently explore the scenic waterways by renting boats and paddleboards. The center also hosts an annual Redfish Classic fishing tournament, attracting anglers of all skill levels. With a focus on family-friendly and educational experiences, the Adventure Center caters to those seeking both relaxation and adventure in a protected natural setting.

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.

Located in Homosassa, Florida, this marina specializes in boat rentals, storage, and outboard engine repair services tailored to both recreational boaters and fishing enthusiasts. With a fleet of pontoon boats powered by reliable 75 horsepower Suzuki engines replaced every three years, the business ensures safe and powerful vessels capable of navigating the Homosassa River and reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Its unique offerings include access to waters inhabited by manatees in the winter and abundant scallops in the summer, providing guests with distinctive wildlife encounters and seasonal activities. The marina also features high and dry boat storage, eliminating the hassle of trailering and launching, and offers on-site engine maintenance through a certified service company. The marina’s rental options include pontoon boats in various sizes accommodating groups from six to twelve people, with amenities such as new furniture and life jackets for children and dogs. Customers can enjoy activities like scalloping, fishing for species such as redfish and snook, or swimming with manatees in the nearby springs. The facility supports accessibility with wheelchair-capable boats and accommodates special requirements. In addition to rentals, the marina provides comprehensive outboard engine services including preventative maintenance, warranty repairs, and installation of accessories like GPS and trolling motors. Boat storage clients benefit from convenient services such as fueling with non-ethanol gas and boat preparation, allowing for quick and easy outings on the water.

Sun Retreats Homosassa River is an RV resort and campground in Homosassa Springs, FL, offering over 220 full-hookup RV sites, vacation rentals, and long-term stays alongside the Homosassa River near Crystal River and Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Amenities include a heated pool, billiards, shuffleboard, horseshoes, laundry, store, clubhouse for events like bingo and karaoke, DirecTV, and WiFi. Guests can enjoy fishing, boating, and planned activities.

Salty Siren Tours and Charters is a premier ecotourism company located in Crystal River, Florida, specializing in immersive nature experiences along Florida's Nature Coast. With over 57 years of combined experience, their USCG certified captains and crew expertly navigate the local waterways, offering guests a unique opportunity to explore pristine environments while prioritizing safety and environmental stewardship. The company distinguishes itself by limiting tours to no more than six passengers per boat, ensuring a respectful and intimate interaction with the area's wildlife, particularly the resident manatees. Their commitment to education, conservation, and community support enhances the authenticity and impact of each adventure. The company offers a variety of activities including snorkeling with manatees in their natural freshwater habitat, harvesting bay scallops in the Gulf of Mexico, and sight fishing for species such as redfish, trout, snook, pompano, and snapper. Each swim tour features an in-water guide and a professional photographer certified in first aid and lifesaving techniques, providing both safety and memorable keepsakes. All vessels and equipment are thoroughly sanitized before and after tours, reflecting a strong focus on guest comfort and health. These offerings cater to families and groups seeking an engaging, educational, and environmentally responsible outdoor experience on Florida’s Nature Coast.

Located in Cedar Key, Florida, this charter service offers a comprehensive range of guided water adventures with over a decade of experience. Specializing in inshore fishing excursions, the company provides expertly led trips targeting species such as Redfish, Snook, Black Drum, and Speckled Trout using light tackle and popping cork techniques. What sets this business apart is its diverse offerings beyond fishing, including dolphin tours, scalloping charters in nearby Crystal River, and historical island explorations that highlight the natural beauty and heritage of the Gulf Coast. The fleet is well-equipped, and the team’s local knowledge ensures an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all skill levels. The charter caters to families, anglers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs seeking memorable outdoor activities in a family-friendly atmosphere. Trips range from 2-hour dolphin sightseeing tours to full-day fishing and scalloping adventures, with options for early morning, afternoon, and evening outings. Additional experiences include wildlife eco-tours showcasing local bird species and all-inclusive VIP tours featuring refreshments while cruising scenic islands. The company emphasizes personalized service, requiring appointments to tailor each trip to guests’ preferences, and offers veteran and Floridian discounts to enhance accessibility. Overall, the experience combines expert guidance, quality equipment, and immersive exploration of Cedar Key’s unique coastal environment.

Family Adventure Charters is based in Crystal River, Florida, a unique location known for its year-round resident population of West Indian Manatees. The company specializes in interactive nature tours that allow guests to swim with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. With US Coast Guard licensed captains at the helm, the tours emphasize safety and expertise, ensuring a professional and enjoyable experience. The small group size, limited to six people per boat, provides a personalized and intimate encounter with the manatees, setting this business apart from larger, less focused operations. The company offers three-hour manatee tours that include all necessary gear, making it accessible for individuals, families, and groups of various sizes. Tours depart at 7:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 1:30 PM, providing flexibility for visitors. In addition to manatee swims, Family Adventure Charters also provides fishing charters and sightseeing excursions around Crystal River’s springs and Kings Bay. The combination of experienced captains, well-maintained equipment, and a focus on small groups ensures a memorable and immersive wildlife experience tailored to nature enthusiasts and families alike.

In The Slot Fishing is a well-established charter service located in Cedar Key, Florida, specializing in inshore and nearshore fishing excursions. With over 20 years of experience navigating the local waters, Captain Jason Clark leads trips targeting a variety of species including Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Snook, and Mackerel. The business is recognized for its knowledgeable guidance and commitment to providing a rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Awarded the Angler's Choice Award for multiple years, In The Slot Fishing stands out for its expert captain and prime access to some of Florida’s most productive fishing grounds. The charters cater to a diverse clientele, from beginners to seasoned fishermen, offering personalized trips around the flats, inshore fisheries, and nearshore reefs. Each outing is designed to maximize fishing opportunities while sharing Captain Jason’s extensive local knowledge and passion for the sport. The vessel is equipped to handle various fishing conditions, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the trip. Military and first responder discounts are available, reflecting the company’s appreciation for service members. Overall, the experience combines expert instruction with the thrill of catching iconic Florida fish in a scenic coastal setting.