Spend five hours paddling through Crystal River’s clear waters with Hunter Springs Kayak’s fully equipped, self-guided adventure. Perfect for families and couples seeking a hands-on nature experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and families with moderate fitness; basic paddling ability recommended.
Wildlife
History
Crystal River has been an important cultural site for indigenous peoples and is one of Florida’s oldest inhabited areas, with ongoing efforts to protect its natural springs.
Conservation
Hunter Springs Kayak supports local conservation by promoting responsible wildlife interaction and using eco-friendly equipment to reduce environmental impact.
Hunter Springs Kayak
Spend five hours paddling through Crystal River’s clear waters with Hunter Springs Kayak’s fully equipped, self-guided adventure. Perfect for families and couples seeking a hands-on nature experience.
Hunter Springs Kayak is a Crystal River, Florida outfitter specializing in guided kayak tours, manatee swim experiences, and watercraft rentals.
The company operates a range of guided and self-guided options, including private and shared kayak manatee swim tours, eco-tours, spring-viewing excursions, and rental packages for clear kayaks, tandem kayaks, single kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. Guided experiences include the Guided Kayak Manatee Swim Tour and private three-hour King’s Bay tours with a maximum of 10 participants and a full photo package from professional underwater photographers.
The Guided Kayak Manatee Viewing & Spring Tour visits over 40 major springs, including Three Sisters Springs and Hidden Spring. The All-Clear Paddle Tour offers a two- to two-and-a-half-hour guided paddle in All-Clear tandem kayaks with dry-box storage, included photos, and the option to swim with manatees. Equipment such as wetsuits and snorkeling gear is provided on select guided tours. Rental options cover multiple durations—two, three, five, and eight hours—as well as multi-day rentals with drop-off and pick-up service within a five-mile radius and operating hours from 7:30 am to 5 pm.
Specialized offerings include a four-hour Guided Eco-Tour for outback exploration and annual memberships for frequent visitors. Hunter Springs Kayak emphasizes small groups, direct access to Crystal River springs and islands, and photographic documentation on select tours, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking guided wildlife viewing, spring exploration, or flexible watercraft rentals.
Completed waivers are required for rental participants to ensure a seamless experience and confirm readiness before boat drop-off and pick-up safety procedures.
Location
Crystal River, FL
Operates from Hunter Springs area
Small Groups
10 max
Private tours limited to 10 participants
Rental Lengths
2–8 hrs +
2, 3, 5, 8 hour and multi-day
Photo Packages
Select tours
Professional photos on guided trips
Reserve guided manatee swims, clear kayak rentals, or multi-day packages — small-group tours, photo packages, and flexible rental lengths available.
Wear a wetsuit for cooler water
Water temperatures in spring-fed areas can stay cool year-round; wetsuits help maintain comfort during extended paddling and snorkeling.
Keep a safe distance from manatees
Federal law protects manatees—observe quietly from afar and avoid touching to minimize disturbance.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the water’s delicate ecosystem by using environmentally friendly sunscreen products.
Check weather before heading out
Sudden thunderstorms can occur; plan your trip to avoid dangerous conditions on open water.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm in cooler water and extends your time comfortably on the water.
winter|spring|fall
Waterproof dry box
Protects valuables from water during paddling and snorkeling.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Prevents sunburn while protecting Crystal River’s sensitive aquatic environment.
summer|null
Snorkel gear
Included with the package for underwater viewing of manatees and fish.