Crystal River Clear Kayak Tour: Three Sisters Springs & Manatees
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Paddles and Coast Guard approved life jackets
- Small-group experience — maximum 10 travelers
- Use of 100% clear tandem kayak
- Dry bag for phones and valuables
- Exclusive Crystal River sticker
- Expert local guide
- Photos taken by your guide
- $5 parking fee, required by the city, payable at the kiosk on arrival
- Food and drinks
- Gratuity for your guide
Meeting Location
268 Northwest 3rd Street
Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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King's Bay Park
1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Three Sisters Springs
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-123201P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 2,145 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Paddles and Coast Guard approved life jackets.
- Small-group experience — maximum 10 travelers.
- Use of 100% clear tandem kayak.
- Dry bag for phones and valuables.
- Exclusive Crystal River sticker.
- Expert local guide.
- Photos taken by your guide.
- $5 parking fee, required by the city, payable at the kiosk on arrival.
- Food and drinks.
- Gratuity for your guide.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Crystal River Clear Kayak Tour: Three Sisters Springs & Manatees is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Crystal River Clear Kayak Tour: Three Sisters Springs & Manatees will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Paddles and Coast Guard approved life jackets
- Small-group experience — maximum 10 travelers
- Use of 100% clear tandem kayak
- Dry bag for phones and valuables
- Exclusive Crystal River sticker
- Expert local guide
- Photos taken by your guide
- $5 parking fee, required by the city, payable at the kiosk on arrival
- Food and drinks
- Gratuity for your guide
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
