Gulf Coast Expeditions, Crystal River

Gulf Coast Expeditions peels back the corners of its coastal surroundings to reveal its beauty—some of which is stationary, but most of which moves. Indeed, these exciting tours double as sneak peeks into the lives of the area's creatures, especially the manatee. Each tour follows the lead of a US Coast Guard-licensed captain—here's what to expect:

• Manatee Encounter Tour: Get up close and personal with the West Indian Manatee during this tour, which unfolds in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The tour's captain will swim with your group to ensure you have the most memorable experience possible.

• Eco-Tours: This tour also begins in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, but its stops vary by the season. Manatees often steal the show during this one, but you'll see plenty of other critters such as otters, bald eagles, swallowtail kites, and more than 200 species of birds.

• U-Pick Scallop Trips: Down in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you can pick through the fertile underwater grasslands for bay scallops. They're usually found in shallower waters, but their camouflage—and ability to scurry away—makes them a bit tougher to snatch than apples from a tree.