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.
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
Options
All Clear Kayak Manatee Viewin
What‘s Included
Clear Kayak
Paddle
Life Vest
Optional Picture Package $37.99
Gratuity For Tour Guides
Parking Fee
Marina Launch Fee
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
820 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful day and...
Suzanne T,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful day and adventure on the river and paddling to the springs. Great for all ages and our guide was amazing. Thank you Jax...
Family with young kids, great experience
Kardzingle,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful river, great tour guide. Didn’t see any manatees (late in the season) but was still a great experience! Enjoyed the clear kayaks
Fun
Kathryn C,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Don’t forget your cameras! Keep your eyes peeked. Lots of work paddling the kayaks. Don’t forget to bring water to drink
Manatee experience
Lori M,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kyle did a great job talking about all the wildlife in the area. It was a beautiful day and we had a great experience!
Pure relaxation
L8160XObirgitr,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hi, well- organized,very friendly and helpful.Our Guide, I forgotten her Name( Zack?????)She had a little had with one flowers on her had. :-))) very lovely, professional, a good explanation of the Manatees and region. simply great. we had a lot of fun with her. I want to come back and book the tour exclusively trought her. ten stars. Birgit from Germany
Manatee tour
ButchHutch,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just brilliant, we saw a few Mantees, and some jumping fish. t The tour was at a leisurely pace, we really felt the guide was great fun and informative
2hr Manatee Eco-tour
E3594JLstephaniej,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful experience on the 2 hr Eco-tour. Our tour guide Steven was amazing, very knowledgeable, passionate and friendly. We saw several manatees, turtles, jumping fish and various birds❤️
Clear Kayak Tour
F2073DMjuliep,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zach was our guide and was wonderful and full of information about the animals and the area. He gave us ideas of places to go after our tour was over and it made for a very enjoyable day.
Guide great but manatees sightings not as advertised
GoPlaces33479313068,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The guide jox was excellent. The manatees not so much. The guide did find some manatees for us to see. And one did come up by the side of our kayak. The workers were super nice. But the water was not clear on the day and I didn't think the manatees sighting were as advertised.
A pleasant walk in...
Dominique L,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A pleasant walk in the Crystal River Arms to discover turtle manatees with a friendly guide.
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Operated by Paddles Outdoor Rentals