Port Richey, Florida

Island Grand at TradeWinds is a full-service beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach, Florida, spanning 18 lush acres with 744 rooms, five pools, dining options, spa, kids camps, and extensive beach activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and water sports. It prioritizes guest vacation pleasure with on-site recreation, meeting facilities for up to 1200 people, and wedding services.

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.

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.

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.

The Tropics Boat Tours offers daily Dolphin Exploration Tours with guaranteed dolphin sightings from Clearwater Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, Sunset Celebration Cruises with complimentary champagne toast, and was voted Clearwater Beach's Best Outdoor Activity. Guests enjoy narrated cruises highlighting Gulf Coast facts, celebrity mansions, and natural wonders, lasting approximately 2 hours.

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.

Island Ferry is a family-owned, locally operated company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializing in small-group boat tours, kayak adventures, and private charters. With experienced local captains and a focus on safety and personalized service, the company offers unique access to the calm, shallow waters of Tampa Bay and its barrier islands. Their tours emphasize relaxed pacing and intimate group sizes, allowing guests to enjoy Florida’s coastal environment without the crowds. Departing from Tierra Verde Marina Resort and downtown St. Petersburg, Island Ferry provides a convenient gateway to explore pristine locations such as Shell Key, Egmont Key, and Passage Key. The company’s offerings include dolphin cruises, snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises, guided kayak tours, and private sandbar party charters. Guests can choose from clear or traditional kayaks to navigate mangrove shorelines or join boat tours that include snorkel gear and supervision at Shell Key Preserve. Private charters cater to families, couples, and groups seeking a personalized day on the water with the option to bring their own food and drinks. These experiences highlight Florida’s natural beauty, wildlife, and historic sites, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and interests looking for an immersive coastal adventure.

Located in Crystal River, Florida, this locally owned and operated dive center specializes in manatee tours with a strong emphasis on small group sizes and the protection of these gentle marine mammals. Certified and permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of Crystal River, the center offers a unique opportunity to experience manatees in their natural habitat at Three Sisters Springs, a renowned wildlife sanctuary. The consistently warm, spring-fed waters provide an ideal environment for manatees, especially during colder months when they migrate to seek refuge. The dive center’s commitment to safety and comfort is evident through amenities such as sanitized wetsuits and indoor heated showers. The center offers a variety of tour options including shared and private boat tours that allow guests to swim with manatees, as well as dry boat tours for wildlife viewing. Additionally, visitors can explore an on-site aquarium featuring both invasive and native species, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience. The tours cater to nature enthusiasts and families seeking an intimate and respectful encounter with manatees, guided by passionate local captains who bring extensive knowledge and care to each excursion. Free parking and shuttle services further contribute to a convenient and enjoyable visit.

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.

Located in Citrus County, Florida, this snorkeling tour company specializes in guided swims with manatees in the Crystal River and Homosassa River areas. With over two years of experience, the operation runs small-group tours from the Monkey Island Riverside Resort, ensuring personalized attention and a maximum of six guests per boat. The tours are unique for their high success rate of manatee sightings year-round, offering encounters with both resident and migratory manatees. The company’s knowledge of local waterways and wildlife, combined with expert guidance, provides an authentic and memorable experience in a natural setting. The tours cater to individuals aged two years and older, running primarily from May through September during warmer months, as well as cooler months from October to April when manatee migration occurs. Each three-hour excursion includes snorkeling with manatees in small groups, allowing guests to observe these gentle creatures up close in their natural habitat. The company provides necessary equipment and support, including water noodles for added comfort. The experience is designed for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an intimate wildlife encounter, with knowledgeable captains who enhance the adventure by guiding swimmers to optimal viewing spots.

Allen's Aquatic Adventures is a family-owned water activities business based in Gulfport, Florida, specializing in private charter boat tours and a variety of water sports on Tampa Bay. Founded and operated by Captain Allen, a lifelong Tampa Bay resident with extensive local knowledge and boating experience, the company offers a personalized and safe experience on a 2019 Monterey M-65 open bowrider boat. The business stands out for its hands-on approach, with Captain Allen personally guiding each trip, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless and memorable outing on the water. The operation is licensed and certified in CPR and first aid, emphasizing safety alongside fun. The company provides a broad range of water-based activities suitable for all ages and skill levels, including tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, and snorkeling. Guests can explore notable local destinations such as Egmont Key and Shell Key through island hopping tours, enjoy dolphin watching, or relax on sunset cruises. Each private charter accommodates up to six passengers, making it ideal for families and small groups. All necessary equipment and safety gear are provided, and Captain Allen offers instruction for beginners. The tours are customizable, allowing guests to combine activities like watersports and snorkeling for a tailored experience that highlights the natural beauty and wildlife of Tampa Bay.

ParrotDise Express Boat Tours operates in the Clearwater and Dunedin area of Florida, offering a unique marine experience aboard their 47-foot mono-hull vessel, the ParrotDise Express. This boat’s design, with a 15.8-foot beam, enhances dolphin sightings by creating a larger wake preferred by dolphins, setting it apart from typical pontoon or catamaran tours. With extensive local knowledge and years of experience, the company provides scenic cruises that showcase the natural beauty of Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Caladesi Island, and other nearby tropical islands. Their commitment to delivering memorable wildlife encounters and stunning views makes them a standout choice for visitors seeking an authentic Florida coastal adventure. The company offers a variety of tours tailored to different interests, including 2.5-hour Dolphin Excursions and Sunset Dolphin Tours, as well as Snorkeling and Shelling Adventures departing from Dunedin Marina. These excursions allow guests to observe wild dolphins up close, explore semi-private islands, and enjoy picturesque sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Additional services include private charters for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and burials at sea, as well as dining destination tours to local restaurants. With complimentary beverages, knowledgeable captains, and a relaxed atmosphere, the experience caters to families, couples, and groups looking for both adventure and relaxation on the water.