Crystal River Clear Kayak Tour: Three Sisters Springs & Manatees
Description
Discover Florida's springs with the original clear kayak tour company in Crystal River, running since 2018. Small groups, expert local guides, and 100% clear kayaks. We run two tours by season — you'll choose yours when you book. Three Sisters Springs Tour (Apr 1 – Nov 14): Paddle Kings Bay to Three Sisters Springs, turquoise and 72° year-round, with time to swim. Manatees are occasional in warmer months. Manatee Season Tour (Nov 15 – Mar 31): Hundreds of manatees move into the warm springs of Kings Bay. You'll watch them through a clear hull — no wetsuit, no getting in the water. This is a no-swim tour; we practice passive observation only, in line with FWC guidelines. Two hours, ten guests max, photos from your guide included. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Cold days are the best manatee days.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Kings Bay is the spring-fed heart of Crystal River — a network of more than 30 natural springs holding a constant 72°. You'll paddle it in a 100% clear kayak, watching turtles, fish, and birds move beneath you. From November 15 through March 31, this is where hundreds of manatees gather to escape the cold Gulf.
Three Sisters Springs is one of the most striking spring systems in Florida — turquoise, spring-fed, and 72° year-round. We paddle in by clear kayak, so you float directly above the limestone with a clear view straight down. April 1 through November 14, you'll have time to get out and swim. During manatee season, November 15 through March 31, Three Sisters is a protected manatee sanctuary closed to paddlers. On those tours we paddle the surrounding warm springs of Kings Bay instead, where the manatees gather.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers over 250 pounds — kayak weight limit is 250 lbs per seat and 425 lbs per kayak
- Travelers must have upper-body mobility and be able to paddle a kayak
Reviews(2,127)
Incredible experience for the family, I took 3 teens and they had a blast. Bobby was awesome, he got us on the water quick, spotted out a manatee, a dolphin, and turtles, and then he found us a great spot for swimming at the springs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, great customer service.
We had a great time! Very peaceful! Loved the clear water. It is not manatee season but we still saw one! We also saw a dolphin.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We’re so glad you came out with us and saw both a dolphin and a manatee! How cool!
Had an amazing kayaking trip to the Three Sisters Springs. Our guide Crosby, was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend this trip as well as the guide.
We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your experience with us! Thank you for coming out and for sharing your kind words about Crosby's tour!
There were 6 people (3 boats) plus our tour guide, Justin. It was fun and interesting as he shared lots of facts about the area & wildlife in and around Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida. We went at a pace that worked for everyone in our group! Justin rode on a paddle board and talked to us while paddling backwards many times to share things with the group! He made it look so easy! He was interested in knowing our names and learning more about all of his participants on the tour! He took us to the springs where you could get out of your kayak and swim around if you wanted to. I would definitely recommend this tour and ask for Justin as your guide! He makes it really fun and we even got to see 3 manatee!
Thank you so much for such an amazing review! We’re absolutely stoked to hear that you had such a fun time with Justin and that he made the experience so enjoyable for your group. It sounds like you had an awesome day on the water, and getting to see 3 manatees makes it even better! We really appreciate you coming out with us, sharing such kind words, and recommending Justin. We’ll be sure to pass this along to him!
Never been kayaking in a hurricane before but Crosby saved our lives 😂 jk! Loved every bit! Very peaceful! Would definitely recommend Crosby. He's is the best! 😊
Thank you for joining us! We’re so glad you had a wonderful time and really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Crosby is the most experienced guide we have, and we're so thankful for him!
Had a blast overall. The day started with a heavy downpour while we were on our way to the meeting point, but luckily, the sky started to clear up by the time we arrived. Our tour guide, Cameron, was very welcoming, and we happened to be the only couple booked for that time slot. Although it wasn’t the ideal season for manatee sightings, we got lucky—and Cameron helped a lot in locating one. We spotted a baby manatee just eating and chilling nearby. It was very calm and gentle, barely bothered by our presence, and even swam right underneath our clear kayak, which was pretty cool. The paddling was a bit challenging for us—we were definitely slow—but Cameron was very patient the entire time. We eventually made our way to Three Sisters Springs, where we could see fresh water flowing out through the cracks of the crystal-clear blue spring. It was absolutely amazing. Overall, the experience was awesome, and Cameron definitely knows his stuff. Highly recommended. 10 out of 10.
Thank you SO much for this amazing review! We’re happy to hear you had such a great experience with Cameron. It sounds like you lucked out with that baby manatee swimming right underneath your clear kayak, too! How awesome! We’re so glad Cameron was able to help you find one and make the tour such a memorable experience. Thank you for coming out with us, and for the recommendation! We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Cameron!
Justin was incredible. Told us a bunch of history and facts about the spring and local wildlife.
Hi! We’re so glad you came out to explore with us! Thank you for the kind review and for choosing to spend the day with our crew.
Justin was an amazing guide. We had a fantastic time. Highly recommend.
We’re so happy you had a great time on Justin's tour for your girls' trip! Thank you for coming along with us and for taking the time to share your experience!
Great experience and the guide was amazing. So knowledgeable, kind and considerate!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re happy you had a great time on the water and are so glad you chose to adventure with us despite the rain!
A fantastic excursion, the bath in the rejuvenating spring. Crosby was an exceptional guide, attentive and helpful. I recommend bringing at least swimming or snorkeling goggles in addition to protection for your cell phone. The rest is provided by the organization.
Grazie! Thank you so much for the stellar review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the tour and that taking a swim in the spring was such a refreshing part of your experience. We truly appreciate the recommendation!
