Kayaking with Manatees in Crystal River

Updated: February 5, 2026

Lisa and I are always looking for experiences that get us outside and close to wildlife. Dolphins, manatees, zoos, and nature preserves. If animals are involved, Lisa is all in. So when we were planning our Florida trip, kayaking with manatees in Crystal River felt like one of those you can’t skip this kind of adventure.

We booked a guided kayak tour with Paddletail Waterfront Adventures through Viator for January 30, 2026. The tour was listed as three hours long, and for once, that wasn’t marketing fluff; it really was a full three hours on the water.

We used a Viator coupon and paid $50 each, so $100 total for both of us. It was a great deal for what we experienced.

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Check In and What to Expect

Our tour started at noon. Parking was easy. We parked right next to a two-story white building, walked up one flight of stairs, and checked in on the first floor. There’s a small shop right there selling sunscreen, plush manatees, and water-themed souvenirs. The sunscreen was pretty expensive, so I’d definitely recommend bringing your own.
Before heading out, everyone going on the tour sat in a room for about 10 minutes to watch a short video about Florida wildlife and the rules around manatees. Things like:
  • Don’t chase manatees
  • Don’t touch them
  • Let them approach you if they choose
It wasn’t long or boring, and honestly, I appreciated it. It set the tone that this is about respecting the animals, not just getting photos.

Tandem Kayak Win

The tour listing was for single kayaks, one per person, but Lisa and I asked if we could use a tandem kayak instead. At first, they mentioned there might be an extra charge, but the person at the desk checked with the owner and said we could use the tandem for the same price.

That turned out to be one of the best parts of the trip.

With the tandem kayak, one of us could paddle while the other took photos or video. No juggling paddles, no stressing about “missing that perfect shot”. If you’re a couple or traveling with someone you feel comfortable with, I would highly recommend asking for one of the 2-person kayaks. It just makes things easier.

Book your 3 hour Manatee tour at  Viator

Our Guide and the Paddle Out

Our guide, Michelle, was fantastic. You could tell right away she knew the area inside and out. She wasn’t just pointing things out; she was explaining what we were seeing and why it mattered.
As we paddled out into Kings Bay, the water opened up, and the wildlife really started showing itself. We eventually made our way to Three Sisters Springs, one of the most well-known spots in the area. There were also smaller channels branching off the main waterway.

As we paddled past one of the small islands, Michelle shared a story about a local “pirate” who supposedly had a dozen children and played a role in running the area many years ago. From what she explained, it sounded less like a movie pirate and more like one of the early coastal settlers who lived and worked along Kings Bay back when Crystal River was just getting started. Like much of Florida history, the line between legend and reality is a little blurry, but hearing stories like that while paddling through the bay definitely made the place feel more alive.

Manatees Everywhere

We saw a lot of manatees. If I had to guess, I’d say 40 to 50 over the course of the tour. Some were slowly cruising through the water. Others were hanging out near the springs. A few surfaced right near our kayak, which is one of those moments you don’t forget. They’re massive, but so calm and gentle at the same time.

In one area, we also saw a roped-off section where people were swimming with the manatees. It looked amazing, but that wasn’t included in our excursion. Even so, just seeing these massive creatures up close from the kayak felt special.

Michelle also explained some of the challenges manatees are facing right now. Their main food source, seagrass, isn’t as abundant as it used to be due to water quality issues and environmental changes. That is one of the reasons tours like this are so strict about rules. And, I have to say, it was nice to learn more about the habitat.

Birds, Fish, and Everything Else

The manatees were the highlight, but they weren’t the only wildlife we saw. There were pelicans everywhere, and watching them dive and skim across the water was impressive. At one point, we passed an area with 50 or more ducks gathered together.

We also saw birds that would dive underwater, then pop back up with only their heads showing. When they surfaced, they almost looked like little snakes in the water. And below us, there were long, thin fish gliding through the shallows. Michelle told me what they were called at the time, but I’ll be honest, I was too focused on everything else to remember the name.

What to Bring (and What We’re Glad We Had)

Here’s what worked well for us:
  • Bottles of water
  • Sunscreen (bring your own)
  • A waterproof phone case
  • A hat — it gets hot on the water
Even though you’re sitting low in a kayak, the sun reflects off the water more than you expect.

Would We Recommend It?

Absolutely. This is great for couples, families, or even solo travelers. You don’t need to be an expert kayaker. There is a good amount of paddling, but it’s manageable, and the payoff is worth it. For us, paying $50 per person through Viator for guided, three-hour manatee kayak tour felt like money well spent.
If you’re looking for something different to add to a Florida trip, especially if you’re staying around Orlando and want a day away from theme parks, this is one of those experiences you’ll talk about long after the trip is over.

Book your 3 hour Manatee tour through Viator and let us know what you think!

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