Kings Bay River Cruise: Manatee Viewing Eco-Tour
4.5
21 Ratings
Crystal River
Embark on an unforgettable eco-journey through Kings Bay, Florida's second largest spring system. Discover the diverse wildlife, including manatees, wading birds, and bald eagles, that depend on this unique ecosystem for survival.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - Our Master Captain will cruise around the wildlife refuge and point out various birds, mammals, springs and shar information about the area.
What's Included
- Water
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Embrace the abundance of nature’s offerings on the Nature Coast! Through our Eco-tour, wildlife enthusiasts, novice photographers, birdwatchers and all types of explorers will be enlightened! Pack your binoculars and accompany us on a thrilling eco-adventure to discover the mesmerizing springs and tranquil river.
Featuring the second largest spring system in Florida, Kings Bay provides abundant fresh water springs that pump over 280 million gallons of fresh water every day. This bay is the source of the Crystal River and its distinctiveness and significance is crucial to the survival of various animal species that rely on it. All types of birds such as wading birds, waterfowl, black crowned night herons, wood storks, bald eagles, and pelicans along with osprey, red-tailed hawks, and the endangered manatee are just a few of the numerous creatures that call this ecosystem home. Prepare to have a memorable and awe-inspiring experience as your captain joins forces with Mother Nature!
Location
River Ventures
Southeast Kings Bay Drive
Check in at the front desk of River Ventures Manatee Tour Center 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(21 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
J6897rsstevew
Mar 25, 2024
Amazing Manatee Tour - Mike and Captain Jason were absolutely amazing. Mike took my family right to the Manatees. Our videos and pictures perfect
Review provided by Tripadvisor
101lynday
Mar 4, 2024
Best time ever!!! - Dano and Capt Brain we AMAZING!!!! We all had such a great fun time. I never thought I would be able to get in the water, but Capt Brian walked me through breathing and when I was nervous at the start, Dano literally took me by the hand until I able to move about on my own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S8016cqchrisb
Feb 28, 2024
Manatee boat tour - The tour was excellent and the captain and guide Crosby were like a comedy show. Super knowledgeable and hilarious. Well done
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna_s
Feb 24, 2024
Very interesting - Watching the dolphins round up there fish and eat very interesting.seeing the manatees and there babies. The pelicans and ostrich
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_w
Feb 23, 2024
Our great adventure - This was our first time and it was great!! We saw several manatee, a few turtles swimming and many birds. We toured Kings Bay and learned a lot!! Captain Mike and Marissa were great!! So much fun! Marissa went above and beyond!
Review provided by Viator
Caror624
Feb 14, 2024
Nice boat tour - took a lot of photos! - We booked a "dry tour" (without swimming experience) - and paid directly at the cash desk (not booked via TripAdvisor). The price is about the same as online. We were driven to the departure point in a van (about a 2-minute bus ride) and joined Mike on the boat there. It was very pleasant that the boat was not too crowded (11 people including Mike). The boat had a „roof“ for sun-/ rain-protection. The tour lasted about 1.5 hours and we saw lots of manatees, pelicans, turtles and even a bald eagle. Captain Mike explained a lot about the animals, plants and history of the springs. Afterwards, the van picked us up again from the pier without any waiting time. We had a very good time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancycf2736tg
Feb 7, 2024
Fun & Knowledgeable - Captain (senior) Morgan & Zach took us out for a great sunset tour. Funny stories and knowledgable. Saw quite a few manatees, along with other wildlife. Anchored so we could watch a gorgeous sunset at the end. So fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carly_k
Jan 25, 2024
Great tour - We had a great time on this tour! The check in staff was very friendly and helpful. There is a cute gift shop full of Manatee souvenirs. The boat ride was wonderful. Captain Mike was very knowledgeable and funny. We got to see some manatees and local wildlife. It was a great time and definitely worth the price!
Review provided by Viator
327amk
Feb 20, 2024
Great viewing experience - Loved this so much. Didn't see alot of manatees but we had seen them at the 3 sisters springs so we loved seeing everything else. Captain Jayson was awesome & so was Guide Crosby. They really knew their stuff. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chelsea_s
Feb 25, 2024
Dry cruise is DRY. Very DRY! - Our cruise was suppose to start at 1:30. We waited around for 45 minutes as the boat captain was “running late” from the last cruise, which once you go on the cruise, you’re not sure how that’s possible.
We saw MAYBE 10 manatees. We did, however, see about 256 swimmers/kayakers, 175 boats ranging from “Gilligan’s island safe” to “Trump couldn’t even afford that” and a few mullet who graciously decided to jump out of the water when no one was looking.
All around, it sucked. You can swim with manatees on other tours, but the “dry tour” as the crew called it was in fact… DRY. $154 for 4 people to waste a day.
Review provided by Viator
