Crystal River: Three Sisters Clear Kayak and Snorkeling Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Highlights
• Booking includes a single clear-bottom kayak (200 lbs limit)
• Sleek, lightweight design — easy to paddle (not bulky tandems)
• Guided by Captain Scotty, the owner and lifelong waterman
• Flexible pace with no strict time limits
• Spot manatees, turtles, fish, and birds in their natural habitat
• Launch from Waterfront Social, best year-round manatee viewing
• Want a tandem, sit-on-top, or paddleboard instead?
Vessel Choices -by request
• Tandem sit-on-top kayak – not see-through
• Single sit-on-top kayak -not see-through
• Hard carbon fiber paddleboard
• Duration: 2–3 hours (flexible, no strict cutoff)
• Manatee sightings not guaranteed outside peak manatee season (Jan–Feb)
• Snorkeling available, not required. we provide masks and snorkels.
•Please note, this tour does not offer tandem clear bottom kayaks. If you are looking for clear kayaks that fit two people, please choose our tour titled: Crystal River: Three Sisters Springs Clear Kayak Tour
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is the crown jewel of Crystal River and one of Florida’s most iconic natural wonders. This protected spring system features crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush vegetation and is famous as a winter refuge for the gentle West Indian manatee. Guests will paddle or float through winding spring channels where the water stays a refreshing 72°F year-round. In the cooler months (November–March), the springs become a gathering place for dozens of manatees seeking warmth, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters. In warmer months, visitors enjoy the stunning clarity of the springs, perfect for spotting fish, turtles, and vibrant aquatic plants. Whether you come for manatee viewing, snorkeling, or simply to admire its beauty, Three Sisters Springs is an unmissable highlight of Crystal River.
Options
Crystal River: Three Sisters Clear Kayak and Snorkeling Tour
What‘s Included
Paddle
Life Jacket
Professional Tour Guide
Gratuities for your guide are greatly appreciated but not required. If you enjoyed your adventure, tipping is a wonderful way to thank your guide for providing a safe and memorable experience.
King's Bay Park is City Government owned. There is a parking meter upon park entrance. Please pay $5 a vehicle. Your launch fee is included in your tour or rental price.
Towel, Dry Bag
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great morning on the water.
kielm857,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Lorie was amazing. We had a great experience. She took us straight to see manatees. We saw 4-5 of them. It was amazing. Then we went snorkeling at the springs. High recommend them.
Great experience!
Expedition526518,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Our guide Becca was so kind, helpful and knowledgeable!
Relaxing, Friendly, and Above & Beyond Service
stephaniemI3069UQ,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour with friendly local guides who went out of their way to help us see a manatee—even out of season. Super relaxing pace, never rushed, and plenty of time to swim and snorkel. They were very patient with new kayakers, made everything feel safe, and clearly cared about giving us a great experience. Being a small family business really showed in the personal touch. Highly recommend over other companies!
Great Day on the River!
melissahX5710QK,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had an excellent experience on our tour. Scotty was knowledgeable and patient. He made certain we had a manatee sighting and let us spend as much time as we wanted snorkeling in the Springs. Lena had great communication with us and we easily made a switch from kayaks to paddleboards. We look forward to another tour with Water's Edge!
Manatees up close and friendly!
Janelle D,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guides, very personable and knowledgeable made the kayaking enjoyable! Even though end of manatee season, we saw several up close to our kayaks and also dolphins, turtles, various birds, etc. The springs are beautiful and crystal clear.
Super thumbs up kayak experience!
780mollyw,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had an excellent time with Alex and Becca on this Kayak/snorkel trip. The choice of kayaks we were given was unexpected and nice. Every single one of the staff members was friendly and asked many questions before starting out to make sure it was THEE PERFECT experience for our group. We kayaked from the dock to Three Sisters Springs. It was beautiful. We snorkeled the springs and were lucky enough to witness an extremely large manatee moving slowly through the springs…amazing! We also saw 4 or 5 other manatees, loads of turtles, and some native birds while kayaking. This was definitely one of the highlights to our vacation! It was just so beautiful and everyone was so nice. Do not hesitate to book with this group! It was an A+ for us!!!!!!!
The Highlight of our Vacation!
emilybH2152YJ,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the highlight of our Florida trip! We had the BEST time kayaking and swimming with the manatees! The wind was bad the day of our scheduled tour and they were mindful of that, called us to let us know, and helped us reschedule the next day, which was gorgeous! We did the self guided tour, they gave us great directions, and it was so fun to do it at our pace. They threw some snorkels in so we could see the manatees under water and it was phenomenal. Great people to work with and they made sure we had an awesome experience! I’d recommend this a million times over and hope to do it again sometime! Book it and go! You will never regret it!
Amazing tour end to end!
Kevin S,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Becca was fun, informed and safe. She helped us have an amazing trip into Kings Bay and Three Sisters Spring. In mid-March we saw an unexpected number of Manatees., We couldn’t count how many and they were everywhere. Swim or don’t, choose your water craft, very personal experience. The restaurant and bar by the boat ramp had amazing food and atmosphere too, do a tour then soak in the Kings Bay atmosphere with great food and drink after your tour! One of our best family adventures.
Kayaking was good we went at our own pace.
Dori D,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kayaking was good we had to change times because of forecasted storms and they were very accommodating.
Kayak & Swim with Gentle Giants
Joe J,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow! Amazing!! Becca guided our afternoon group to the best spots to view manatees both out of and in the water. We lucked out and were able to swim into the Three Sisters Spring, where we encountered 4 mother/calf pairs and several other manatees. Free parking/no boat ramp fees. Stay afterwards and enjoy happy hour at Waterfront Social!
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Operated by Water's Edge Kayak Tours