Mount Dora, FL Outdoor Activities

Captain Bear Smith leads intrepid crews of up to four guests on fishing charters down the scenic Crystal River. Forgoing the need for GPS or inquisitive text messages to Aquaman, amateur anglers can rely on Captain Smith's 15 years of experience as he guides his specially modified vessel on a four-hour excursion. Guests use the provided bait and tackle to attract a wide range of species including redfish, cobia, gag grouper, and mangrove snapper—click here to see stellar examples of past voyages' catches. Guests should bring a light jacket, sunscreen, a packed lunch, and a container to take home any caught fish. Start times will vary depending on the customers’ desired catch and fishes’ erratic lunch schedules.

Manatee Tour and Dive curates expeditions to see west indian manatees within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which is dotted with natural springs and underground saunas that keep the water at a temperature of around 72 degrees. Guided manatee tours offer the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive with the gentle giants, whereas kayak rentals encourage self-exploration of the crystal-clear waters and inner spirit manatees. Licensed captains lead groups on scalloping expeditions, during which groups travel to scallop-abundant areas to splash in the water and gather live bay scallops to take home.