Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us on a guided eco-tour of Crystal River on ALL clear kayaks! Throughout the expedition, you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful nature and wildlife that we are known for including over 70 freshwater springs. You will have the opportunity to possibly view dolphins, pelicans, tarpon, turtles, otters, various species of birds, and our beloved manatees. There will be plenty of chances to take pictures on our guided tours and a picture package will be available for purchase at the end of your tour.
THIS TOUR DOES NOT GO INSIDE THREE SISTERS SPRINGS! Three Sisters Springs is closed during manatee season and it will remained closed during the Summer months in 2023 for maintenance. Three Sisters Springs will not reopen until April 1st of 2024 for kayaking.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Maximum weight of 250 pounds for a single rider and maximum weight of 420 pounds for 2 riders
You may be paired with another rider in your party to accommodate maximum participants
You must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start time or the tour will leave without you with no refund given.
This is a guided eco tour and as such wildlife and water conditions will vary on each tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Get set for an unforgettable adventure with Paddles Outdoor Rentals! Slide into our awesome all-clear kayaks with one of our fun, super-knowledgeable local guides who know every inch of Crystal River. Paddle through crystal-clear waters, learn cool facts about our unique ecosystem, and keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife: manatees gliding right underneath, turtles, dolphins, colorful birds, and schools of fish! This is Florida’s #1-rated clear kayak tour during manatee season—with amazing chances to spot those gentle giants almost every day. Whether you’re exploring springs or chasing manatee magic, you’ll make memories that last forever. Spots fill up fast—book now and get ready to make waves! Important Details: All kayaks are tandem for max stability & fun Weight limits: 250 lbs per person; 420 lbs total for two riders. Odd-numbered groups? We’ll pair you with another friendly adult. Families with kids (3-12): Must include at least one person 13+ to pair with minors—no pairing minors with strangers. Every booking requires at least one adult (18+). If the full tour is odd-numbered, one guest may ride solo in a double kayak. Sorry, no pets on tours except service dogs
What‘s Included
Clear Kayak
Paddle
Life Vest
Optional Picture Package $37.99
Gratuity For Tour Guides
Parking Fee
Marina Launch Fee
Options
All Clear Kayak Manatee Viewin
Reviews
816 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Family Fun Day
B1845CMaliciar,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful outdoor family experience with an amazing kayak tour guide-great mix of fitness, fun and very informative.
Very crowded area
PamelaC3464,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We were looking forward to this trip since my niece has not seen see all the manatee huddled together at three sisters springs. We did not get to see them this trip . We stayed in the lagoon where everyone was at , crowded . Seen a few manatee scattered about . Wasted 2 hours just looking at birds and her talking about the springs . This was more like a nature tour , not a manatee excursion. Definitely not worth what we paid .
Kyle showed us a great time on the water. We saw lots of Manatees and turtles.
JoeA416,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time with Kyle out on the water
Great Experience!
Kate T,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time today with Cypris, our guide, and several other folks. We paddled around King's Bay and were lucky to see several manatees swimming and resting among all the people, kayaks, etc. The manatees are so calm and sweet. Cypris explained thoroughly how to respect their safety and privacy. I feel privileged to have been close to these lovely, peaceful animals.
Excellent Family Outing to understand wildlife and conservation
BeachBlue128,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour for our family with two kids, ages 7 and 10. In March, the weather was cool, but the sun was warm and pleasant, and the number of manatees we saw was excellent. I would say having some minimal experience piloting a canoe is good because you will be expected to navigate swimmers and boats, and sometimes avoid animals quickly.
Highly recommend tour with Jax
Abby K,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had Jax as our guide and she was great! We got to see lots of manatees in the clear water. She was super knowledgeable about the animals and showed us lots of good spots. I’d highly recommend this tour company. :)
Amazing Manatee encounter
Terina P,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the wildlife in the area. She did her best for us to see manatees. Because of the warm day (85 degrees) we were only able to see a momma and her baby. Will definitely go back.
Great tour with Steven.
D766SQsamw,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although we missed the manatees we still had a great tour with Steven! His knowledge about the area and the great weather made for a fun trip. Thank you!
Not the nature kayaking tour advertised – mostly residential canals and marina
Kathy K,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We drove 2 hours from Orlando expecting a peaceful 3-hour nature kayaking tour through scenic waterways to observe manatees. Unfortunately, the experience was very different from what was advertised. Most of the tour took place in residential canals and marinas between private boats and houses rather than in natural areas. It felt more like paddling through people’s backyards than exploring nature. The guide talked almost nonstop about unrelated personal topics instead of focusing on wildlife or the environment. At times it felt like he was trying hard to make ordinary things like jumping fish seem exciting. We did eventually see a few manatees, but they were surrounded by multiple snorkelers chasing them, which was honestly sad to watch rather than enjoyable. The tour was also about 2 hours on the water instead of the advertised 3 hours, and at the end we were asked to wait for photos taken by the guide, which seemed to count as part of the tour time. We were also charged an additional $5 launch fee and $10 parking on top of the $80 tour price. Overall, the experience felt very commercial and far from the relaxing nature tour that was advertised. Had we known the route would be mostly through residential marinas, we would not have booked.
Clear Kayaks the way to go!
Gregory C,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Guide Jax was great. We saw several manatees. Loved the clear kayaks. Next time led sunset trip is planned.
From US$64.99
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Operated by Paddles Outdoor Rentals