Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River

Getting on and off the kayaks was very easy thanks to how well everything was set up. Our tour guide was fantastic. She shared so much interesting information about the area and the wildlife, answered every question, and kept the group engaged the entire time until we spotted the first of many manatees. She was just as excited as we were, and it was obvious she truly loves what she does. Her enthusiasm made the experience even better, and we had an amazing time from start to finish. Highly recommend this tour.

First off let me say that I loved our tour guide Kyle (@Kylewithasmile on IG), he had a great personality, went at a comfortable pace and did his best to locate Manatees. However, there were a few things that would not allow me to rate the tour as 5 stars. First there is not adequate parking for all the tours going on, leaving us scrambling in the back streets looking for parking. I wish we would have known because we would have just Ubered there. Second, the text I received the day before had a link that would not open. The link contained a video and waiver which I had to fill out prior to the tour, making the 30-minute prior window not enough time. I was told I only had two minutes to use the bathroom, which was two buildings away and had a line. Third, the tour itself. I was under the impression that we would be Kayaking in the springs not in the surrounding canals. While there were Manatees there, the experience was very different from what I had witnessed those at Three Sisters Springs have the day before. I expected to see dozens of Manatees, groups of Manatees in crystal clear water. That was not my experience. Instead, the group saw maybe 5 Manatees throughout the tour and the water conditions made them barely visible. All and all I really enjoyed the tour and still think it is a 4 star experience. I just want to give an objective review from a non-emotional place to provide viewers with a realistic expectation. I understand that amount of tourist, time of day, water conditions etc., all play a factor in where the tours can go, while still respecting the natural order of things, so I was not disappointed, but the experience did not align with the expectations, so it is important to keep expectations grounded.

Very expensive for what you get. We did see manatees because of the time of year. However, there were multiple boats giving tours, snorkeling, kayaks, and jet skis. You did not travel far to see the manatees.

Great day with Kyle! He did a fantastic job teaching us about the local wildlife and finding opportunities to be close with the manatees. We had an amazing time and would book again in a heartbeat.

The sunset glow tour was amazing. The team was super knowledgeable and friendly. I brought my 6 year old and he had his face pressed to the bottom the entire time. Once in a lifetime experience. It was so so amazing