Crystal River Preserve Adventures: Exclusive Boat Tour in State Park
4.4
9 Ratings
Crystal River

Our Boat tour is the exclusive one operating within the boundaries of the State Park. We offer an engaging journey of an hour and 15 minutes that allows travelers to witness the coastal marsh and gain insights into how the adjoining marine estuary served the ancient river inhabitants that once called this place home.

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Crystal River Preserve State Park - Enjoy a leisurely and professionally narrated boat tour on the 24-passenger vessel Monroe. Tour times are 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Your onboard naturalist will make learning fun while discussing the park’s myriad historic cultural resources as well as the rare, spring-fed estuary that defines the Crystal River Preserve State Park and supports the abundant wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s common to hear the keening screech of a bald eagle, observe ospreys diving into the water for fish, and during low tide events, be entertained by an abundance of shorebirds foraging along the waterfront. Bottle-nosed dolphins are frequently sighted searching for their favorite meal of mullet.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
What's Not Included
  • Food and Drinks
Location
3266 N Sailboat Ave
North Sailboat Avenue
Meet at the boat deck located in front of the Visitors Center
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(9 Ratings)
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Ladykim
Apr 10, 2024
First solo trip - Amazing experience so much history shared. I learned about the local past. The spots where we saw eagle nests and shell islands was so much fun. Great extra having the binoculars for us to use. Definitely looking forward to visiting more of Crystal river. My first solo day was very memorable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prpeters1950
Mar 15, 2024
Convening with Nature - Had a lovely morning on the Crystal River. Our tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and pointed out birds, their nests, etc and background on the area. Saw many Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Pelicans and more. We even had two (2) dolphins running alongside a shortwhile. My husband topped it all when he spotted a small (3-5ft) alligator! As our captain came close it submerged and didn't spot again. Definitely would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeff_e
Mar 7, 2024
Beautiful trip up the river - Knowledgeable host/captain; gorgeous ride up the river. Lots of wildlife and history fun facts. Highly recommended for family and friends visits to the area!
Review provided by Viator
Wei_h
Feb 22, 2024
Wish the River Be Crystal Again - Learned from this trip that the Crystal River lost her crystal water due to the 2023 hurricane flood. Wish the Mother Nature will recover this river back to the origin. Also learned from this trip that the Crystal River area was the southern end of the ancient tribes trading market beginning from the Mississippi River. However they were long gone before the European came.
Review provided by Viator
Bonnie_e
Jan 13, 2024
Great experience - A great experience from start to finish. A warm and friendly greeting and staff that were happy to share their love and knowledge of the area history and nature. The trip just the right length for us and went right out to the gulf on a comfortable boat. A treat to see eagles and a white pelican.
Review provided by Viator
Rond161
Jan 4, 2024
Try it, you'll like it. - Informative ride on the river. Saw a few manatees as well. Recommend the cruise for anyone. On time and great captain and narrator.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair43586
Apr 13, 2024
Educational nature boat ride - The manatees had left but it was a nice educational trip on the boat. Holly had a lot of knowledge about the area. Saw some eagles in the nest.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robbie_s
Mar 29, 2024
Great Presentation of Area’s History and Beautiful Sites - Captain and First Mate are awesome Guides, presenting the rich history of the area and the wildlife native to the area! Even though Viator presented this as a Manatee Tour, I would recommend this tour for the history lesson, the boat ride, the trip to the Gulf and all the wildlife in between!
Review provided by Viator
Paul_s
Jan 30, 2024
We were disappointed... - We were disappointed because we thought we would see manatees, It wa more bird watching then anything.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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