The 10 Best Eco Tours in Crystal River, Florida (FL)

May 4, 2022 Fernanda Pittenger

Crystal River is a city in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,108 in the 2010 census. (3,485 in 2000). According to the U.S Census estimates of 2012, the city had a population of 3,055. The city was incorporated in 1903 and is the self professed "Home of the Manatee". Crystal River Preserve State Park is located nearby, and Crystal River Archaeological State Park is located in the city's northwest side.
Restaurants in Crystal River

1. Bird's Underwater

Excellent
94%
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5.0 based on 2,260 reviews

Bird's Underwater

Bird's Underwater Dive Center offer manatee snorkel tours, waterfront location, Swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, small group 6 person only tours with meals included, Manatee surface tours, Manatee educational tours, Manatee Awareness Program, Manatee Dives, Manatee Photography underwater, Manatee Photography above the water, Kayak rental, Kayaking with the endangered manatees in Crystal River, Florida, Enclosed Pontoon boats, snacks, Paddle boarding with the manatees, Group manatee tours, School Field Trip Manatee Tours, Handicap access to view or swim with the manatees, Waterfront Vacation Rental Houses in Homosassa, Fl. Manatee swims from Vacation Rental Houses in Homosassa, Kayaks included with nightly vacation rental houses, Kayaking in Homosassa, Fl. Dolphin sightings, early morning manatee tours, Late afternoon Manatee Tours. Scallop Tours, Scallop gear Sales, Scallop education. Scuba diving sales, Scuba Diving Instruction, Snorkel Equipment sales, Cavern Diving, Cavern Diving Instruction, Cave diving instruction, Nitrox instruction, Tri-Mix instruction, re-breather diving instruction. Members of Manatee Eco Tourism Association, Better Business Bureau, and Citrus County Tourism Division. Owned by Bill (Bird) and Diana Oestreich since 1993. Bill "Bird" and Diane Oestreich moved to Crystal River in 1989 and began teaching scuba diving and offering manatee snorkel tours. At that time there were only 3 hotels, one independent shop, and about 100 manatees that came to Citrus County in the winter months. Since then, Manatees have increased to over 1000 manatees in Citrus County alone in the winter, and there is an average population of about 35 manatees that remain in Kings Bay in the summer months. The Manatee Awareness Program was set up by Bird and Diana Oestreich in 1990 with the dive agency NAUI, then PADI, and now SDI offers the same program. They offer quality and personalized manatee tours with experienced and insured boat captains, all of which are at Divemaster level or higher. Manatee Tours average about 3 hours, but they do not have a set time in which they "pull" the customers out of the water in order to run another tour. All tours include drinks and snacks. Private tours include a full meal. Bird's Underwater Dive Center is located on the Kings Bay of Crystal River. You do not have to drive to a separate location to be on the water. Bird's Underwater is located on the dock behind the Dockside Trading Company. We are next to Charlies Fish House restaurant, and walking distance from Crackers restaurant. The Dockside Deli is located in the same parking lot. Main Street or Citrus Avenue is 2 blocks to the south, the Crystal River Mall is 1/4 mile north.

2. Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours

Excellent
98%
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5.0 based on 2,643 reviews

Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours

Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours is a professional Manatee Eco-tour guide service that has been guiding snorkelers into the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge since 1995. We offer daily trips to swim and snorkel with the manatees in the beautiful Crystal River. Kayak and Paddle board rentals and guided tours are also available. All gear is included in tour pricing, and all tours are limited to small groups with only 6-12 guests maximum per boat. This is a great adventure that is suitable for the whole family. Children 3 years old and up are welcome as long as they are comfortable in the water and are able to float quietly. Our tours are all-inclusive, no hidden fees, or additional charges for snorkeling gear, parking, etc. It's all included!. Picture packages are available on every tour. Thanks for looking!

3. Crystal River Kayak Company

Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 535 reviews

Crystal River Kayak Company

We have the largest selection of boats and the closest dock to Three Sisters Springs. We are the ONLY outfitter located on a canal 8-10 minutes from the Three Sisters Springs. Our customers do not have to go through any wind and chop on Kings Bay to get to the Three Sisters Springs. We offer a selection of gifts and apparel, alongside kayak accessories such as waterproof bags, phone cases and goggles. You can rent mask/snorkel sets and wetsuits (required if swimming during Manatee Season) from us if needed. Our facilities include changing rooms, portable restrooms, and a water cooler to refill any bottles you may bring for your trip. We welcome paddlers with all levels of experience, from first timers to hard-worn adventurers.

4. Manatee Paddle

Excellent
94%
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5.0 based on 126 reviews

Manatee Paddle

Stand Up (SUP) Paddleboard and Kayak rentals, sales, and tours on King's Bay and at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida, where you can see and swim with the manatees.

5. Gulf Coast Expeditions

Excellent
97%
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3%
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5.0 based on 705 reviews

Gulf Coast Expeditions

Gulf Coast Expeditions provides customers with personalized manatee snorkel tours, scallop charters, and sightseeing tours. We keep our group sizes small and take no more than six people out at a time. Our tours meet daily at our marina location which is conveniently located for a quick boat ride to swim with the manatees and the scallop grounds.

6. Manatees In Paradise

Excellent
99%
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5.0 based on 931 reviews

Manatees In Paradise

Offering quality tours starting Oct thru May, Seasonal tours - Reservations and confirmations by email only. No Walk-ins Accepted. No more than 6 people to a boat. We are a tiny, educational and manatee friendly tour company owned and operated ONLY by the owners/captains. We give each tour the "personal and educational" attention you want and allow the manatees to feel comfortable while we explore their world. We are proud to be a "Hands Off the wild manatees" tour company. Anyone encouraging touching/rubbing/petting manatees even after the manatee initiates an interaction, is not promoting good stewardship towards wild manatees. Befriending wild manatees reduces their chance for survival as you habituate them towards boats and people. Keep wildlife wild.

7. Crystal River Watersports

Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
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1%
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2%
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5.0 based on 523 reviews

Crystal River Watersports

Your PADI 5-Star home for Eco Tours on Florida's Nature Coast. Designated a certified Guardian Guide shop by the Save the Manatee Club, Crystal River Watersports offers a wide range of activities that can be combined for a full day or even a weekend of fun. Your adventure begins at our marina shop right off Highway 19 at the North end of Crystal River. Our Motto: Observing and preserving nature above, in, and under water

8. Florida Fishing Adventures

Excellent
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5.0 based on 62 reviews

Florida Fishing Adventures

Florida Fishing Adventures is the premier guide service catering to visitors of the Nature Coast. Inshore Light Tackle Fishing Charters and Instruction are what we specialize in but with a variety of inshore fishing, offshore fishing, scalloping, and sight seeing options available Florida Fishing Adventures can customize a special trip to fit any specialty request. Florida Fishing Adventures can cater to advanced anglers, families and large groups.

9. Kingsbay Manacam Tours

Excellent
83%
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Kingsbay Manacam Tours

We offer many tour options to share all that the Nature Coast has to show you and we emphasize education about these Eco-systems!We have a passion for what we do, and it shows! Our Endangered manatee tours are our specialty.

10. Ozello Boats

Excellent
97%
Good
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5.0 based on 231 reviews

Ozello Boats

Ozello Boat Airboat Tours is located within the beautiful Crystal River Islands off Ozello Trail. We're a family owned and operated boat tour agency and our captains are all native to the Nature Coast. Our touring vessels are equipped with high horsepower automotive engines and allow for a great time. We only operate 6 passenger private boats and refuse to utilize the large 21 person airboats to allow for more of an intimate airboat experience. The primary area our tours take place in is in the St. Martins Aquatic Management area also known as the St. Martins Reef. With crystal clear waters and colorful coral bottoms, this is a true old Florida scene with endless wildlife. Typically, we see Dolphin, Sea Turtles, Manatee, Shark, Stingray, Fish, Bald Eagles, many species of birds and so much more any given tour! Come join us for an incredible time soaring through Old Florida!

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