Kings Bay · Three Sisters Springs · Citrus County
A West Indian manatee surfaces between two tours. Kings Bay, Crystal River.
Two seasonal tours: Three Sisters Springs (April 1 – November 14) and Manatee Season (November 15 – March 31).
The water stays 72°F all year, but what lives in it changes. Book the tour that matches your dates.
April 1 – November 14
Two hours through the calm, spring-fed water of Kings Bay and into the heart of Three Sisters Springs. Paddle a 100% clear kayak for an unbroken view of the springs below, spot wildlife, and get a chance to swim in crystal-clear water.
Manatee sightings are possible this time of year, but not guaranteed.
November 15 – March 31
Two hours through 72°F springs where dozens of manatees gather for the winter. Explore hidden channels with turtles, stingrays and birds, guided by wildlife experts who know where the manatees are on any given morning.
Includes share-ready photos.
What turns up under the hull here. Your guide knows where to find it on any given morning.
Kings Bay is one of the largest winter refuges for them. Peak: Nov 15 – Mar 31.
Float right over them. The hull disappears and the bottom comes up to meet you.
The headline spring: blue water so clear it reads as air.
Hidden channels hold the rest of the cast. Your guide will point them out.
Welcome to the iconic waters of Crystal River, often celebrated as Kings Bay and home to the famed Three Sisters Springs. Paddling these historic waters, you'll cross areas lovingly known as the “Manatee Refuge” for how popular they are with these gentle giants. The constant 72-degree water makes a year-round sanctuary for a wide range of marine life.
The Manatee Refuge isn't just a name. It's one of the largest winter havens for the West Indian manatee. Here, a clear kayak gives you a window into the underwater world that's both serene and vibrant.
You'll also glide over “Ancient Waters”, a stretch rich with history as well as beauty. Nearby, Crystal River Archaeological State Park tells millennia of human history.
The water is clear enough that paddling feels like floating on air, with every stroke pulling you closer to the heart of this legendary waterway.
The original clear kayak tour in Crystal River, running since 2018. Read the reviews
Reservations hold your spot. Add Trip Protection at checkout to cancel or reschedule for any reason close to your tour time.