Kings Bay Wildlife Eco Tours (Manatee Season!)
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join our USCG Master Captain at Fort Island Trail Park to embark on a 90 minute tour around Kings Bay and/or The Crystal River.
Explore the stunning natural beauty of The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Kings Bay, on an intimate sightseeing eco-tour that showcases the diverse ecosystem and wildlife we have native to the area.
While boating around the bay you'll have the opportunity to learn about and see The Crystal River, The Florida Manatee and many other species of wildlife that call this area their home from a true Crystal River native. This is a perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and connect with nature.
We keep our groups as a semi-private experience with a maximum of 6 guests each trip, as we find it creates a much more enjoyable and relaxed experience for everyone aboard.
Our vessel is 26 feet long, fully covered, and has plenty of room for everyone aboard to get great views all around.
Tours can be booked public or private and trips leave 4 times a day!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adultās lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Guests will get to tour around King's Bay and get the opportunity to learn about and observe some of the wildlife that call it home.
Options
Kings Bay Wildlife Eco Tours (Manatee Season!)
Whatās Included
Bottled water
Gratuities for your captain are not included but always appreciated.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best manatee tour in Crystal River!
Merla08,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what an unforgettable experience with Kings Bay Wildlife Eco Tours! š¤© Gaby and Judge were excellent and very knowledgeable tour guides. We saw so many amazing creatures, it was like a real-life nature documentary! Swimming with gentle manatees was absolutely magical, and watching dolphins play in the waves was pure joy. š¬ We got to experience the dolphin hunt for fish. Plus, we even spotted a huge alligator basking in the sun and a majestic bald eagleās nest high up in the trees. š¦ This tour is a must-do for any wildlife lover ā definitely 5 stars! āāāāā
So many manatees!
MarcyW2,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best day! Our captain, Joe with Nature Coast Manatee adventures, was laid back, yet extremely knowledgeable about the area and all the reclamation going on in the Bay. We saw over 30 manatee and truly enjoyed the peacefulness, even though there were many others enjoying it too.
Great time.
Mike R,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Judge was very informative and entertaining. He even tried coaxing a manatee closer for better pictures.
Good experience
C2513WZanniec,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful day. We enjoyed being on the water and seeing the manatees. Captain Judge was great. We would definitely recommend.
Amazing Tour and Personal
Neil N,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful day in the water. This was the perfect way to explore the river and see manatees. This charter only holds about 6 people, which is ideal for a more personal experience. Our family of four enjoyed the tour with Judge. This is a wife and husband business and they take great pride is making the experience perfect for you. Skip the big companies and book with them for a true intimate touch. You will not regret it!
Awesome day with the manatees
G5164BUrobertl,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00EXCELLENT TOUR!!! CAPTAIN Judge was extremely knowledgeable and could find manatees everywhere! The area is amazing and calm waters. The boat was solid and quick. We had an amazing day on the water!!
Great experience
nancyoR9679QP,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Suncoast Scalloping. Capān Judge and Gaby were exceptionally knowledgeable, providing wonderful insight into the wildlife and history of Kings Bay. The pontoon was very comfortable, and the bimini top added to the overall enjoyment. We would gladly take this tour again. Thank you for your outstanding hospitality.
Wonderful Sightseeing Eco-Boat Tour
X474FWelizabethm,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We used Suncoast Scalloping for a sightseeing eco-boat tour around Kings Bay/Crystal River. The views were absolutely AMAZING! The crew Captain Judge and Gaby were very easy to talk to and made the tour very enjoyable! Their knowledge of the area provided us great views of the manatees and wildlife. We highly recommend taking an eco-boat tour with Suncoast Scalloping! We can't wait to go back! Thank you for the enjoyable experience!!
Perfect for families!
victorialG452XS,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I came to Crystal River with my mom and grandparents and we had such a great time on our eco tour! I have swam with the manatees before and absolutely love them, however my grandparents weren't too into the idea of actually swimming. So instead we chose to do an eco-tour and it was absolutely perfect! Even though it was still warm out and not quite manatee season Captain Judge still managed to find us a momma and baby manatee to see and they loved it! They all got to learn so much about the bay and we saw tons of birds and even a few small alligators. I'd definitely recommend choosing an eco tour if you don't want to actually swim and snorkel. You still get to boat around the bay and see plenty of wildlife!
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Operated by Suncoast Scalloping