Clear Kayak Tour and Optional Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
Overview
• Professional, experienced guides. Tours are led by trained adult guides with local and wildlife knowledge.
• Educational and wildlife-focused
• Beginner and family-friendly
• Duration: Approximately 2.5–3 hours
• Manatee season: November 15–March 31. For the best chance of seeing manatees, choose a morning tour when overnight temperatures are below 70°F. Sightings can be more challenging on warmer days.
• Wetsuits are not provided. We do not offer in-water swim guides or traditional manatee swim tours.
This is a kayak-focused experience. When conditions allow, we may stop at a safe, shallow area where you can exit your kayak and enter the water independently to observe manatees.
We are environmentalists first. We do not condone crowding manatees or placing large groups around one animal. If a respectful swim opportunity naturally presents itself, you are welcome to enjoy it. Otherwise, we observe wildlife from the kayak.
The manatees and their well-being always come first.
What's Included
- Paddle
- Life Jacket
- Professional Tour Guide
- Gratuities for your guide are greatly appreciated but not required. If you enjoyed your adventure, tipping is a wonderful way to thank your guide for providing a safe and memorable experience.
- King's Bay Park is City Government owned. There is a parking meter upon park entrance. Please pay $5 a vehicle. Your launch fee is included in your tour or rental price.
- Towel, Dry Bag
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
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Three Sisters Springs
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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?
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Activity code: C-5560153P14
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 47 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).
- Paddle.
- Life Jacket.
- Professional Tour Guide.
- Gratuities for your guide are greatly appreciated but not required. If you enjoyed your adventure, tipping is a wonderful way to thank your guide for providing a safe and memorable experience.
- King's Bay Park is City Government owned. There is a parking meter upon park entrance. Please pay $5 a vehicle. Your launch fee is included in your tour or rental price.
- Towel, Dry Bag.
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 18..
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 Clear Kayak Tour and Optional Swim with Manatees in Crystal River is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Clear Kayak Tour and Optional Swim with Manatees in Crystal River 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
- Paddle
- Life Jacket
- Professional Tour Guide
- Gratuities for your guide are greatly appreciated but not required. If you enjoyed your adventure, tipping is a wonderful way to thank your guide for providing a safe and memorable experience.
- King's Bay Park is City Government owned. There is a parking meter upon park entrance. Please pay $5 a vehicle. Your launch fee is included in your tour or rental price.
- Towel, Dry Bag
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
