Crystal River Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Our tours stand out as a unique experience in Crystal River. Aboard the 24-passenger vessel, Monroe, our knowledgeable naturalists provide engaging narrations about the park’s rich history, cultural resources, and the spring-fed estuary that nurtures the Gulf of Mexico’s wildlife.
You can see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, shorebirds, bottle-nosed dolphins, and the elusive manatee.
Join us for a magical Sunset Tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays to witness the sky paint itself with the colors of the sunset over Crystal River.
The best way to experience the beauty and biodiversity of the park is by boat. Welcome aboard!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Enjoy a leisurely and professionally narrated boat tour on the 24-passenger vessel Monroe. Tour times are 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Your onboard naturalist will make learning fun while discussing the park's myriad historic cultural resources as well as the rare, spring-fed estuary that defines the Crystal River Preserve State Park and supports the abundant wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s common to hear the keening screech of a bald eagle, observe ospreys diving into the water for fish, and during low tide events, be entertained by an abundance of shorebirds foraging along the waterfront. Bottle-nosed dolphins are frequently sighted searching for their favorite meal of mullet.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Food and Drinks
Options
Crystal River Boat Tour
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time!
edorlynettes,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome! Great captain and we saw tons of manatees! Easy to find and a safe trip. Bring POLARIZED sunglasses for best viewing of manatees.
Crystal Lake boat trip
FrequentFlier521247,,Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We went to the designated boat dock and they told us the trip had been canceled because of weather. I’m disappointed that you didn’t notify us and we certainly demand our money back.
Great tour
E2977HSgregs,,Mar 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour. Saw several pairs of eagles, and of course manatees. Jeff was a great guide and was very knowledgeable.
Fabulous Tour of Crystal River
Claudia C,,Oct 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat is very comfortable, and the seating makes it easy to view beautiful Kings Bay. Captain Wayne pointed out wildlife and explained the rich history of the area. We took our own coolers for light refreshment s, and the boat had built-in holders for cans/cups. Captain Wayne sent clear directions to the pier and prior to our trip. I highly recommend this pleasant excursion.
Educational nature boat ride
OnAir43586,,Apr 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The manatees had left but it was a nice educational trip on the boat. Holly had a lot of knowledge about the area. Saw some eagles in the nest.
First solo trip
LadyKim P,,Apr 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience so much history shared. I learned about the local past. The spots where we saw eagle nests and shell islands was so much fun. Great extra having the binoculars for us to use. Definitely looking forward to visiting more of Crystal river. My first solo day was very memorable.
Great Presentation of Area’s History and Beautiful Sites
Robbie S,,Mar 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00Captain and First Mate are awesome Guides, presenting the rich history of the area and the wildlife native to the area! Even though Viator presented this as a Manatee Tour, I would recommend this tour for the history lesson, the boat ride, the trip to the Gulf and all the wildlife in between!
Convening with Nature
prpeters1950,,Mar 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a lovely morning on the Crystal River. Our tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and pointed out birds, their nests, etc and background on the area. Saw many Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Pelicans and more. We even had two (2) dolphins running alongside a shortwhile. My husband topped it all when he spotted a small (3-5ft) alligator! As our captain came close it submerged and didn't spot again. Definitely would recommend.
Beautiful trip up the river
Jeff E,,Mar 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable host/captain; gorgeous ride up the river. Lots of wildlife and history fun facts. Highly recommended for family and friends visits to the area!
Wish the River Be Crystal Again
Wei H,,Feb 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Learned from this trip that the Crystal River lost her crystal water due to the 2023 hurricane flood. Wish the Mother Nature will recover this river back to the origin. Also learned from this trip that the Crystal River area was the southern end of the ancient tribes trading market beginning from the Mississippi River. However they were long gone before the European came.
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