This viewing tour is held on the Kings Bay Animal Refuge. Up to one hour slow-paced (idle speed) pontoon boat tour. Includes manatee viewing when possible.
- Ages 3+
- 1.5 hours
Explore the Crystal River Waterways
No visit to Crystal River is complete until you spend some time with the manatees that come to spend the winter in these warm waters. This is considered the Manatee Capital of the World, and a boat tour of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the best way to learn about these endangered mammals and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
Explore the waterways on a slow-paced pontoon boat tour with a naturalist guide and become enchanted by the gentle manatee!
See Manatees and Other Wildlife on a Boat Tour
The spring-fed waters of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Spring are warm and clear, making them the ideal location to see manatees in their natural habitat. While there are manatees here year-round, they’re most abundant in the winter, when the waters of the Gulf of Mexico become too cold for them and they seek our warmer temperatures. Come meet these famous sea cows on a boat tour and learn why it’s so important to preserve their habitats!
Boat tours in this area are done at idle speeds to ensure that manatees are protected from propeller injuries. With manatee viewing guidelines in place, you can enjoy meeting these peaceful and playful animals without putting them at risk. Learn about these loveable creatures from an expert guide, take in the beautiful views of Crystal River, and leave with a new appreciation for manatees and inspiration to help protect them.
Check out our Crystal River boat tours and get ready for an unforgettable experience!