Activites, Camps and After School Classes in Crystal River, FL

If you are looking for an experience that is both serene and thrilling, look no further than the motorized paddleboard rental at Crystal River Preserve. With Old Florida waters that are lively and exciting, it’s the perfect place to indulge in some much-needed relaxation or dive into the world of adventure. This is a seriously fun, unforgettable experience! With the rentals you can explore around the preserve, stopping along the way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. You might see alligators, manatees, different species of fish and birds. Our electric paddleboards are wide and stable, even beginners will have a great time. All skill levels are welcome to join, we offer a lesson before each rental. We typically cruise 4-6 mph but can paddle even faster if we want. Going on the days where the wind pushes you in the opposite direction ? Our PowerBoard keeps you on course going into the breeze. Finally, a watersport that everyone can enjoy!

Experience the magic of Kings Bay with our unique Sunset Cruise! Departing from our private docks at the Paddletail Waterfront Lodge, you'll first join our local expert Captain for an hour dedicated to spotting manatees and other incredible wildlife, learning about this special ecosystem. As the golden hour approaches, we'll then relax and soak in the stunning Kings Bay sunset before returning to the dock – the perfect blend of wildlife adventure and serene beauty.

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the Kings Bay wildlife refuge while staying dry! With our expert USCG captains, they’ll guide you throughout the 588 acre refuge that our wild manatees call home. During your tour you can see many of our wildlife that calls Kings Bay home, from our manatees, birds, turtles, and the occasional dolphin. Crystal River is nicknamed the Manatee Capital of the World, and is the perfect place to visit to see them in their natural habitat.

Come book a trip with Crystal River Manatee Adventures, where fun meets nature! Our goal is to provide the best experience possible and have fun while doing so. Booking a tour with Crystal River Manatee Adventures is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. Not only will you get to swim with manatees you will also experience the beautiful springs located in Crystal River. We offer top-notch service and on the cooler days, we turn on the heat on our fully enclosed boats. Our tours are always a great time, that’s why our slogan is “Where Fun Meets Nature”.

Explore the flavors and charm of Crystal River—the Manatee Capital of the World—on this top-rated walking food tour. You’ll visit four local tasting stops (including dessert) with generous, chef-curated portions that add up to more than a full dinner. Enjoy wine pairings at two locally loved restaurants (non-alcoholic options available), all while strolling through historic downtown and along the scenic King’s Bay waterfront. Between bites, your guide shares stories from Crystal River’s past as you stop into local boutiques, art galleries, and hidden gems that highlight the area’s unique character. All food, drinks, and gratuities are included—just bring your appetite and a sense of adventure.

This tour is the perfect way to stay dry and view the wild manatees of the Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge. Hop aboard our US Coast Guard certified vessel where you will join your Master Captain to embark on a journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. On this tour, you and the group will join us for one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime! During this trip we will search for our world famous wild manatees that give Crystal River the title of "The Manatee Capital of the World." There is also a chance to see many other species of birds, turtles, and even a dolphin every now and then so be on the lookout for the impressive variety of wildlife that calls the refuge "home". What to Bring Polarized Sunglasses IMPORTANT For this Manatee Viewing Cruise, you will be meeting our Captain at Pete's Pier. There is an additional $10 parking fee per vehicle at Pete's Pier, that you are required to pay upon arrival. Pete's Pier 1 SW 1st Place Crystal River, FL 34429

This exclusive sunrise tandem kayak experience lets couples and close friends explore Crystal River’s National Wildlife Refuge and the world-famous Three Sisters Springs before the crowds arrive. Launching at 8:00 AM means calmer waters, cooler temperatures, and more active wildlife. After a private orientation from our staff, you’ll paddle a premium, stable tandem kayak through 72°F (23°C) crystal-clear spring water, discovering hidden coves, lush shoreline, and seasonal manatee sightings in cooler months. Safe, calm waters with no sharks or alligators make this perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. This self-guided tour blends the freedom of independent exploration with the exclusivity of a limited-availability launch, creating a peaceful, romantic, and unforgettable start to your day in one of Florida’s most iconic natural settings.

We provide a top-quality rental experience at a competitive price, which Includes all fees! Free parking, safety equipment, and city launch fee. All at no extra cost! Crystal River is home to one of the largest manatee populations in the world. During the winter months hundreds of manatees congregate in the springs and you can't beat viewing these amazing animals up close from a stand up paddle board or kayak. Although Manatee season is during the winter time, resident manatees can still be spotted in the waterways year round. King’s Bay has more to offer than just manatees however, so whatever the time of year we'd love to get you out on the water to explore it! We have an excellent map so you can navigate the bay easily and save money by not paying for a guide. We will go over the map with you in detail before launch so you know how to get to the springs and where to look for manatees.

We provide a top-quality rental experience at a competitive price, which Includes all fees! Free parking, safety equipment, and city launch fee. All at no extra cost! Crystal River is home to one of the largest manatee populations in the world. During the winter months hundreds of manatees congregate in the springs and you can't beat viewing these amazing animals up close from a stand up paddle board or kayak. Although Manatee season is during the winter time, resident manatees can still be spotted in the waterways year round. King’s Bay has more to offer than just manatees however, so whatever the time of year we'd love to get you out on the water to explore it! We have an excellent map so you can navigate the bay easily and save money by not paying for a guide. We will go over the map with you in detail before launch so you know how to get to the springs and where to look for manatees.

The one-hour scenic cruise departs daily. This beautiful boat ride explores Kings Bay, Florida. A great way to get out on the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge without getting wet!

Unlike most paddleboard rentals, our location puts you right inside the heart of Crystal River’s Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Refuge — one of Florida’s most iconic and wildlife-rich waterways. Paddle through crystal-clear 72°F (23°C) spring water year-round, with a chance to spot gentle manatees in every season and peak sightings in the winter months. Our rentals are beginner- and family-friendly, welcoming ages 2 and up, and include stable paddleboards, safety gear, and a quick orientation so you feel confident before you launch. Explore at your own pace, discover hidden coves, and enjoy a safe, calm environment with no sharks or alligators — just peaceful wildlife and pristine scenery. Stay close to shore for a leisurely paddle or venture farther into the bay to experience the best of Crystal River’s waterways. For even more adventure, upgrade to a clear-bottom kayak, tandem kayak, or add snorkeling gear and create memories you’ll treasure forever.

Mother approved with no age limit. American Pro Diving Center helps visitors and locals explore the clear, teeming waters of Florida with year-round manatee tour adventures. This tour is for both swimmers and riders. All the equipment is included on this manatee snorkel tour in Crystal River, Florida. Snorkelers don on wet suits, mask, snorkel and fins to see a large population of resident sea cows. Our in-water guides known as the Dive-master keep the experience safe and fun for both manatees and people. Snorkelers swim with these gentle giants for a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t forget to smile as our guide videos the excursion which is available after the tour on flash drive. Rain or shine our boats are covered and on cold days, hot chocolate. Hope to see you soon.

Our Manatee Swim tour at Explorida was Voted Trip Advisors 2022 "Top Ten Bucket List Experience in THE WORLD!" Swimming with the manatees is a once in a lifetime experience so do it right! Dont cram into a small dive shop. Spread out and enjoy plenty of space at Explorida! The Explorida Adventure Center offers a large, top notch facility that is climate controlled with indoor changing rooms for your privacy. Our boats are U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified, which means they are allowed to carry more than 6 passengers, have all necessary safety equipment, and are in tip top shape. Dont get stuck on a clunker! Book with Explorida! We are dedicated to the customer experience and will not disappoint! Let us prove it!

Unique Glow Kayak Experience, Paddle in an all-clear kayak equipped with glow lights, offering a stunning view of the illuminated underwater world and creating a magical experience like no other. Free Photo Package, Capture the magic of your tour with complimentary photos, so you can relive the memories and share them with friends and family. Expertly Guided Adventure, Our professional local guides know the best routes to maximize your chances of seeing manatees and other wildlife, ensuring a safe, engaging, and educational experience. Stunning Sunset Views, Watch the vibrant Crystal River sunset as it reflects off the water, providing an unforgettable backdrop for your adventure. Exclusive Wildlife Encounters, Explore the serene waters of Kings Bay, a renowned habitat for manatees and other wildlife. Even during manatee season, when Three Sisters Springs is closed to paddlers, we take you to prime viewing areas on the outskirts and other hidden springs.

Ever wonder why manatees travel hundreds of miles just to end up here? Manatee season is here and this is your chance to find out up close. Glide through Crystal River’s world-famous Kings Bay on a small-group clear kayak tour launching from our private dock closest to Three Sisters & Hunter Springs. Hear the soft whoosh of a manatee’s breath, spot turtles, fish, and birds, and let our expert local guides capture it all with free digital photos. ~2 hours, beginner-friendly, all gear included! - Paddle Florida’s clearest waters on a small-group 100% clear kayak adventure, no experience needed. - See gentle manatees up close in their natural habitat during peak season - Learn insider stories from local guides who know the hidden corners of Kings Bay. - Free digital photos & all gear provided, family-friendly and stress-free from start to finish.

Begin your day surrounded by calm waters, golden sunrise light, and the chance to quietly drift alongside manatees in Kings Bay. This gentle tour is designed for comfort and ease — a short paddle with high rewards, perfect for couples, grandparents, and first-time paddlers. -Gentle, calm sunrise paddle in Kings Bay -Short distance, beginner-friendly, safe sit-on-top kayaks -Excellent chance to see manatees year-round (best Dec–Feb) -Peaceful, uncrowded springs before the crowds arrive -Guided by Captain Scotty, Florida native with 20+ years’ experience -Small group sizes for a personal, relaxed feel -Manatees? 40–50 residents year-round; hundreds in winter. Not guaranteed, but we will take you to where they’re most likely to be. -Alligators? They live in all Florida waters, but in Crystal River they avoid busy areas. -Sharks? None in Crystal River’s freshwater. -Falling in? Rare — kayaks are wide & stable. -Rain? Light rain is fine; reschedules/credits for unsafe weather.

Embark on a captivating guided wildlife boat tour that promises adventure, education, and unforgettable viewing of King's Bay. As you step aboard, you'll be greeted by our expert captain and knowledgeable naturalist guide, who will serve as your hosts for the duration of the 1.5-hour excursion. One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to encounter the beloved Florida manatees in their natural habitat. These fascinating creatures can be encountered year round in Crystal River. You'll have the chance to observe these magnificent mammals up close, learning about their behaviors, habitat, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. Our expert guide will point out an array of bird species that call this area home, from majestic bald eagles to elegant herons. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, photographer or simply seeking a memorable outdoor adventure, our guided wildlife boat tours promise an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Go Local Manatee Tours offers unforgettable, up-close, and personal manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida. Our daily small 6-passenger semi-private tours prioritize responsible tourism and minimize the impact on the manatees and their environments. As the only tour company in Crystal River owned and operated by staff raised here locally, we bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge and passion for the area, ensuring our guests receive an authentic and enriching experience. Moreover, being owner-operated means we are personally invested in every tour, guaranteeing a high level of personalized service and education, ensuring to maintain an equal balance of tourism and protection to our hometown. Additionally, we are proud to be the only tour company that offers our guests complimentary photo packages, allowing them to cherish their memories without any extra cost. This unique combination of local expertise, personal dedication, and added value truly makes our tours one-of-a-kind.

Come book a trip with Crystal River Manatee Adventures, where fun meets nature! Our goal is to provide the best experience possible and have fun while doing so. Booking a tour with Crystal River Manatee Adventures is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. Not only will you get to swim with manatees you will also experience the beautiful springs located in Crystal River. We offer top-notch service and on the cooler days, we turn on the heat on our fully enclosed boats. Our tours are always a great time, that’s why our slogan is “Where Fun Meets Nature”.