Crystal River
Crystal River
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Crystal River and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
32 within 5 kms
Attractions
29 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
637 reviews
Excellent
497
Very good
87
Average
33
Poor
12
Terrible
8
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
James W
9 contributions
Jul 2023
We visited Hunter Spring park in Crystal River. It was very busy around noon when we visited, mostly locals launching their kayaks and paddle boards. We didn't see the small sign about paid parking as you enter the park, as we were busy looking for an open space among maybe 40 parking spaces.There is no signage on each space, just the two kiosks on opposite sides of the parking area. Be careful in Crystal River because it seems they have a mixture of "public parking" that is free and paid parking that is patrolled by ticket writers. We were there less than 30 minutes and we got a $50 ticket for not paying the $5 fee.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather
6 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Been going to Crystal River for 30 years. It used to be clean and pristine, but today went for Mother’s Day and wow what a dirty not kept up place. The state needs to shut it down for 5 years or so to replenish this place back to its beauty. Too many kayaks and they are ruining this beautiful place.swimming in the back is safer for the erosion. People climbing all over the sides and kayaking on the shores and ramming it. It’s definitely a disappointment as I’ve been coming for years here. Save crystal river I say, people have no respect for nature. So they shouldn’t be able to enjoy it and ruin it. I hope the state does something soon or it will be ruined forever.
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah H
1 contribution
Sept 2022
We experienced a small group manatee swim at Crystal River with guide Dave and Captain Troy from River Ventures USA (booked through Get your Guide). A fantastic experience, with knowledgeable and caring people. Although out of the main season we gor to see a mummy manatee nursing her calf and had interactions with various other manatees.
Whole eperience was tailored to the care and protection of the manatees.
Lovely little touches like complimentary drinks (inc wine) and snacks, as well as a little side trip to the three sisters spring.
Lot's of manatee retail therapy back at base and friendly canine greetings from the puppies. All in all a great day and worth the drive out from Orlando. Thank you
Whole eperience was tailored to the care and protection of the manatees.
Lovely little touches like complimentary drinks (inc wine) and snacks, as well as a little side trip to the three sisters spring.
Lot's of manatee retail therapy back at base and friendly canine greetings from the puppies. All in all a great day and worth the drive out from Orlando. Thank you
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George H
The Cincinnati Region86 contributions
Feb 2020
Being an animal lover and zoo volunteer, I eagerly looked forward to our visit. We weren't disappointed in our quest to see some manatees. I had a great conversation with volunteer Kimberly... she even thanked me for being a zoo volunteers. I'd recommended spending one's time exploring the sights from the boardwalk... the "hiking" path is very nice, but there's more action in the river.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle N
Nanaimo, Canada13 contributions
Aug 2020
Apparently, some folks and/or visitors to Crystal River feel COVID is not a threat.
Despite posted policies for mask-wearing, people are milling around without masks at the Home Depot and at Publix.
AND no one with those stores s following up to tell the folks to mask up or leave.
Despite posted policies for mask-wearing, people are milling around without masks at the Home Depot and at Publix.
AND no one with those stores s following up to tell the folks to mask up or leave.
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Val K
1 contribution
Feb 2020
The Explorida Manatee Tour was wonderful. We were able to get up close to the manatees and when the area we were swimming in became crowded, they took us to another beautiful spot where we saw a mother manatee with her calf. The tour guide and boat captain were great - they told us all about the manatee habits. They were so helpful and catered to our every need. We swam in wet suits and the water is 72 degrees all year and very clear. It was a very relaxing, enjoyable day. I highly recommend it.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda C
Springfield, MO1 contribution
Jan 2022
My husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary swimming with the manatees. He is a great swimmer, I am not. Actually you are floating with a mask and snorkel. I also used a noodle. Our captain, Dustin, and our guide in the water, Courtney, were both wonderful. They both are very knowledgeable and helpful. Courtney made sure each of us were ok and that we got a chance to see the manatees up close without disturbing them. Dustin had warm towels and hot chocolate for us when we got back in the boat. We asked lots of questions and they were very helpful and courtesy. Also wanted to mention the staff in the office, Dennis & Aubrey. They were very friendly and helpful. Aubrey was especially helpful as we needed to change our scheduled time which she did easily and pleasantly. Great experience!!!
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary
Crystal River, FL3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
It had rained for 3 days so we were not sure if fireworks in Kings bay would be a go ! But boy was it . We drove our boat out at 8 or so and sat and waited. And we were not disappointed!!! This was by FAR the best fireworks show CR has had in years ! It was amazing!!! Thank you City of CR !! It was so EPIC . It made the rainy weekend worth it .
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calimpich
Aiken, SC13 contributions
Apr 2023
Our extended family vacationed here. The springs were our favorite thing, with kayaking and swimming offered in several locations. There is no beach here. We hiked and fished, kayaked, visited the state park wildlife place, took an airboat ride, and floated in tubes down a river where we were not allowed to use our own tubes. Those were our highlights. The bugs were unbearable, until a local told us to get Captain Ron’s bug spray, or something like that. I won’t be visiting this area again.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie S
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We did a tour with River Ventures for the second time and it was a great trip. Our companion Nathalie explained everything excellently and answered all questions. The boat trip was nice Captain Brian gave us some info about the wildlife. Finally we met on Manatee and were able to swim close with it. Unfortunately, the building with changing rooms, restroom, shop is temporarily not usable due to renovation and it is improvised but that will change again after completion and then this is rated TOP
Automatically translated
Written 29 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry M
Indianapolis, Indiana
i want to come in july is it too late to take a tour to go see the manatees?
Written 19 March 2023
Hola tengo una duda bien grande 😅me encantaria llevar a mis nenes a nadar con manaties pero no saben nadar. es necesario que sepan nadar para llevarlos o las aguas no son muy ondas.
Written 28 March 2021
I didnt see any campground signs but we did drive through the National forest to get there I am sure in that beautiful area that there is camping.
Written 12 January 2021
Looking for a boat tour (possible swim with manatees)
Thur Jan 2 or Friday jan 3 for 2 seniors and a 12 yr old
Personable helpful tour guide/ captain preferred
We did this trip a few years ago and had the perfect captain but not sure who that was
Any suggestions?
Written 28 December 2019
Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours. The crew where great, great captain and very respectful of the Manatee we had a fantastic time
Would defiantly recommend. Found them on tripadvistor
Written 29 December 2019
Is it possible to swim with lamanttnamt in early March? Cost? How is this organized?
Written 25 October 2019
What are the chances to see manatees in July/August?
Written 25 July 2019
sorry about the late answer, hasn’t checked Tripadvisor in awhile. As I understand it the manatee are easiest to see in winter, when they concentrate around warm springs and power plant outflows. Crystal River would not be my first choice of a place to see them, though - details in my review.
Written 7 August 2019
Where is a good place to park, and put kayaks in the water?
Written 18 June 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 33
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing