Hernando Beach, Florida

Fort De Soto Park features an 800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks (currently limited due to hurricane damage), ferry service to Egmont Key and Shell Key, concession-operated kayak rentals, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and bicycle rentals by partner vendor Fort De Soto Hospitality. Fishing license required on piers and throughout the park. Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to sunset.

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.

River Ventures is the #1 tour operator in Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida, specializing in eco-tours including manatee swims and snorkeling, airboat rides, scallop hunts, wildlife encounters, river cruises, paddling, kayak rentals, and lodging. They emphasize integrity, reputation, community outreach, education, high-quality facilities and vessels, flexibility, environmental dedication, and customer appreciation with a passionate crew.

Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours is the #1 rated manatee tour company in Crystal River, Florida, operating since 1995. They specialize in small-group, semi-private, and private snorkel tours to swim with manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, with all necessary gear provided, USFWS permitted operations, and a maximum of 6-12 participants per boat.

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.

See Crystal River offers relaxing riverboat safaris and narrated sightseeing cruises in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, focusing on up-close wildlife encounters with manatees, alligators, turtles, and birds in their natural habitat. Expert USCG licensed captains provide narration about the area's ecology and history, using USCG inspected tour boats with a maximum of 16 passengers for an intimate experience.

Pirate Water Taxi is a fleet of pirate-themed water taxis offering hop-on hop-off tours in downtown Tampa with 14 stops along the Riverwalk, Channel District, Harbour Island, Davis Island, and Hillsborough River. They provide daily sightseeing cruises with historical narration, concessions, sunset and dolphin cruises, and private charters for events accommodating up to 100 passengers.

Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is a family-oriented pirate-themed day cruise operating from Clearwater Beach Marina in Clearwater Beach, Florida, since 1977. It offers 2-hour public voyages on the U.S. Coast Guard-certified ship Pirate’s Ransom, featuring treasure hunts, face painting, water gun battles, pirate stories, cannon firing, dance parties, complimentary drinks (swinchers, beer, wine), and frequent dolphin sightings, catering to both children and adults in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pier Dolphin Cruises offers over 28 years of experience providing unique dolphin-watching excursions on the Tampa Bay waters. What sets this company apart is its long-standing relationship with local dolphins, who are accustomed to the sound of the Dolphin Queen catamaran and regularly swim alongside the boat, creating an exceptional and interactive wildlife experience. The tours are led by native captains certified by the United States Coast Guard, ensuring both safety and expert knowledge of the area's wildlife and history. The spacious, stable MV Dolphin Queen features a splash-free flat deck, ample seating with social distancing, and accessible facilities, all maintained with thorough sanitation protocols. Pier Dolphin Cruises specializes in dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and eco tours designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Guests can expect close encounters with dolphins, manatees, stingrays, and various bird species while cruising through the bay and inlets. Knowledgeable guides share insights about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts, enhancing the experience for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The company also offers private charters for special events such as weddings, office parties, and celebrations, providing a memorable setting on the water. With a dedicated team including marine educators and experienced captains, the cruises combine safety, comfort, and engaging storytelling for an unforgettable outing in St. Pete.

Fins Up Clearwater is a locally owned and operated dolphin tour company based in Clearwater, Florida. With a strong reputation for excellence, it has been voted the best dolphin sightseeing tour in Clearwater Beach. The company offers a unique two-hour dolphin cruise departing from Clearwater Beach Marina, featuring comfortable seating, dedicated dolphin viewing areas, and a fully covered canopy for shade. What sets this experience apart is the combination of wildlife spotting, including dolphins and sea turtles, with an island stop at a private sandbar, allowing guests to relax or explore a scenic local oasis. The tours are conducted on a US Coast Guard–inspected passenger vessel with an experienced captain and friendly, knowledgeable crew providing local narration. Fins Up Clearwater caters to families and nature enthusiasts seeking an engaging and memorable outing on the water. Their offerings include the Clearwater Dolphin Tour & Island Adventure, a morning Dolphin & Donuts Cruise with complimentary donuts, and a Dolphin Sunset Cruise that showcases stunning Gulf sunsets alongside dolphin sightings. Guests can bring their own snacks and beverages, with coolers and ice provided onboard, or purchase refreshments during the trip. The tours are family-friendly, with amenities such as onboard restrooms and a dolphin sighting guarantee that allows free rebooking if no dolphins are seen. Whether guests prefer to stay dry on the boat or explore the island shore, the experience combines wildlife observation, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages.

Totally Tiki Tours offers a distinctive boating experience on the scenic waters of Tampa Bay, Florida, with convenient departure points at Rocky Point Island in Tampa, the Downtown Tampa Riverwalk, and the St. Petersburg Pier. Specializing in private and public tiki boat tours, the company provides a unique way to explore the bay’s natural beauty, including opportunities to spot dolphins and manatees. Their spacious tiki boat accommodates up to 13 passengers and features amenities such as Bluetooth speakers, a restroom, and coolers filled with ice, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of each trip. With a focus on personalized service, the tours are led by USCG-qualified captains, ensuring a safe and memorable outing for all guests. The company caters to a variety of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, and bachelor or bachelorette parties, as well as casual outings for locals and visitors alike. Guests can choose from two-hour private or public tours during the day or at sunset, with options to stop at shallow sandbars for swimming and water activities. While Totally Tiki Tours provides complimentary water and plastic cups, customers are encouraged to bring their own beverages, as alcohol is not sold onboard. The experience combines stunning Florida sunsets, playful wildlife sightings, and customizable itineraries, making it an ideal choice for groups seeking a fun and relaxing way to enjoy Tampa Bay’s coastal charm.

Encounters with Dolphins is a Clearwater Beach, Florida-based tour company specializing in narrated sightseeing excursions through Clearwater Harbor. With a focus on wildlife observation, the company offers guests the chance to view dolphins in their natural habitat aboard a 40-foot Coast Guard-inspected vessel. The experienced crew provides informative commentary throughout the trip, enhancing the experience with local insights. A unique feature of the tour is a stop at Compass Island, where passengers can swim, collect shells, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed, making it a reliable choice for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. The excursions last approximately one and a half hours and depart multiple times daily from the Clearwater Beach Marina. In addition to public tours, the company offers private charters for special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, and social gatherings, providing a customizable and intimate setting on the water. The combination of educational narration, guaranteed wildlife encounters, and the opportunity to explore a scenic island makes this experience appealing to visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure in a coastal environment. The company also offers a complimentary dolphin toy with every child ticket, adding a family-friendly touch to the outing.