Hernando Beach, Florida

Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre aquatic upland ecosystem on the west side of Tampa Bay, supporting diverse bird rookeries, animals, and serving as spawning grounds for fish in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular destination for nature and wildlife tours, mangrove exploration, and spotting dolphins and manatees via boat rentals and charters from nearby St. Petersburg operators.

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.

Salt Cracker Charters is Florida's #1 offshore bottom fishing and trolling charter service based in Clearwater Beach, Florida. They offer trips in the Gulf of Mexico targeting species like grouper, snapper, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and more using a 38' Stapleton sportfisherman boat with experienced crew. Fish are cleaned and filleted at the dock, and catch can be cooked at the adjacent Salt Cracker Fish Camp restaurant.

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.

StarLite Cruises is a family-owned business operating in the Clearwater and St. Petersburg areas of Florida since 1986. With over three million passengers served, it has grown to become the largest daily excursion fleet in the state, offering a wide range of cruise experiences on Florida’s scenic inland waters. The company is distinguished by its diverse fleet, including modern dining yachts and vibrant tropical-themed vessels, each providing panoramic coastal views and expertly prepared meals. Its reputation for quality service and variety makes it a preferred choice for both locals and visitors seeking memorable outings on the water. The company offers an array of cruises tailored to different interests and occasions, including fine dining yacht cruises aboard the StarLite Majesty and StarLite Sapphire, casual tropical buffet cruises on the Calypso Queen and Calypso Breeze, and high-speed dolphin-watching adventures on the Dolphin Racer. Passengers can enjoy live entertainment, narrated sightseeing tours, and special event cruises such as weddings and group charters. The experience ranges from relaxed daytime excursions to lively evening parties, all designed to showcase Florida’s natural beauty while providing exceptional hospitality and comfort.

Located in Clearwater, Florida, Queen Fleet Deep Sea Fishing offers a premier fishing experience for both novice and experienced anglers. Situated at 25 Causeway Boulevard, Slip #52, this fleet is known for its well-maintained vessels and knowledgeable crew, providing access to some of the best deep sea fishing spots in the Gulf of Mexico. The company’s long-standing presence in the area and commitment to safety and customer satisfaction make it a trusted choice for fishing enthusiasts seeking a reliable and enjoyable outing. Queen Fleet specializes in deep sea fishing charters, catering to individuals, families, and groups looking to catch a variety of fish species in the Gulf waters. Their services include fully equipped boats staffed by experienced captains who guide guests through the best fishing locations. The fleet’s focus on quality equipment and personalized service ensures that each trip is both productive and memorable. Whether targeting trophy fish or enjoying a day on the water, customers can expect a professional and engaging fishing adventure.

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 in Dunedin, Florida, the Dunedin Marina serves as a key waterfront facility offering a variety of boating and marine services. Although currently closed due to extensive hurricane damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the marina is known for its comprehensive amenities including 192 slips catering to commercial, municipal, and recreational vessels. The marina features a range of slip sizes and provides access to boating activities in the scenic coastal waters of Southwest Florida. Its strategic location and well-maintained infrastructure have made it a popular destination for local boaters and visitors alike. The marina offers a variety of services including monthly slip rentals, transient dockage, and boating education courses. These courses, instructed by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, cover safe boating practices and coastal navigation, providing participants with essential skills and certification. While the marina basin, boat ramp, and docks are currently closed for repairs, commercial charter businesses and the onsite Olde Bay Cafe remain operational. The facility targets boating enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners seeking instruction to experienced boaters requiring slip rentals and access to coastal waters. The marina emphasizes safety and education, ensuring a rewarding experience for all visitors.

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Freedom Boat Club is the world’s largest and oldest members-only boat club, operating over 400 locations worldwide including North America, Europe, and Australia. The club offers a unique alternative to traditional boat ownership by providing members with access to a diverse fleet of premium boats without the hassles of maintenance, storage, insurance, or repairs. With more than 35 years of experience, Freedom Boat Club emphasizes safety and convenience, offering unlimited training from certified captains to ensure members of all skill levels feel confident on the water. Its concierge-level dockside service and a robust reservation system allow members to enjoy seamless boating experiences at their home location or while traveling. Members can choose from a wide variety of boats such as pontoons, deck boats, center consoles, wake boats, and cruisers tailored to different recreational activities including fishing, water sports, and leisurely cruising. The club’s John’s Pass location on Florida’s Gulf Coast exemplifies the experience, situated in a charming fishing village known for its scenic shorelines, sandbars, and waterfront dining. Membership plans include unlimited boat usage with no hourly fees, and reciprocal access to all club locations worldwide. Complimentary training, premium fleet selection, and hassle-free boating make this club ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking flexibility, safety, and community without the burdens of boat ownership.

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.