5 Kayak Tours in Crystal River, Ranked by What You Get

1.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Our pick

Launch from Kings Bay Park for a two-hour, small-group clear kayak tour led by guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, or Cami. From April 1 to November 14, paddle to Three Sisters Springs and swim when conditions allow. From November 15 to March 31, focus on manatees gathered in the warm spring water.

“Great experience! Weather was great, and the guide was great! Clear kayaks made the trip extra special!”

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2.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

You’ll paddle Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands for about 2.5 hours in a single or tandem Wilderness System kayak. Guides such as James, Ian, Susie, and Michael explain the lagoon’s wildlife and plants while you search for manatees, dolphins, birds, tarpon, stingrays, and crabs. Tours cap at 10 people, and photos are emailed afterward.

“My fiancé and I had such a great time kayaking the mangrove tunnels and experiencing all the wildlife in the process!! Our guide Susie was extremely knowledgeable about all the wildlife from the different kinds of birds to the animals, fish and plants! Susie explained the environment and the different species that lived in and around the lagoon. She also talked about the impacts of things that had affected the lagoon and species as well as things that were being done to help improve the environment and species quality of living for the future. On our tour we got to see dolphins, birds, big Tarpin Fish, Crabs on the mangrove…”

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3.Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 691 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Paddle a stable tandem clear kayak through Crystal River with guides such as Jess, Kyle, RJ, and Cypress. The two-hour tour may bring manatees beneath your boat, plus turtles, dolphins, fish, otters, and birds. Small groups, clear views, and an easy pace make it a strong family choice, but water clarity and sightings can change.

“RJ did a fantastic job guiding our path to spot manatees at a close but safe distance. Knowledgeable about the area.”

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4.Clear Kayak Tours in Weeki Wachee

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 486 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Paddle a tandem clear kayak from Mary’s Fish Camp through the Mud and Weeki Wachee River estuary. Your guide may point out manatees, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and plants while helping with photos. Guides including Davis, Jody, Bree, Vinny, and Gary have earned special praise for their wildlife knowledge and friendly manner.

“Beautiful tour. Breanna was a great guide. We even saw a manatee and its not their season. Would do it again.”

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5.New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 457 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65Best value

Meet your guide at Divito Park for a two-hour kayak or SUP trip through New Smyrna’s waterways. Guides such as Michael, Spencer, Fletcher, and Mike explain local wildlife and history while steering you toward likely dolphin and manatee areas. Gear is included, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Great time on the water relaxing. Weren’t able to see much for Manatees but that happens still great time. Michael was very informative of the surroundings.”

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