Paddle through crystal-clear springs in Florida’s Crystal River on an unforgettable kayaking tour, with a chance to swim among manatees and learn from expert guides. Discover why this is a top wildlife adventure!
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Basic paddling ability and moderate fitness recommended for comfort across calm water.
Wildlife
History
Crystal River’s springs have been sacred to indigenous people and later recognized for their ecological importance in Florida’s early conservation movement.
Conservation
Tours follow strict guidelines to protect manatees and their habitat, supporting ongoing preservation efforts in the Crystal River ecosystem.
Hunter Springs Kayak
Paddle through crystal-clear springs in Florida’s Crystal River on an unforgettable kayaking tour, with a chance to swim among manatees and learn from expert guides. Discover why this is a top wildlife adventure!
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.
Book early for manatee season
Reserve your spot between November and March for the best chance to swim with manatees during their seasonal gatherings.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Help protect delicate aquatic ecosystems by choosing eco-friendly sunscreen formulations.
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated on the water as Florida can be hot and humid, even on a short paddle.
Secure belongings in dry-box
Use the provided dry-boxes to keep phones and cameras safe and dry during the tour.
Lightweight quick-dry clothing
Keeps you comfortable and dries quickly after potential swims with manatees.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet from rocky riverbeds and wet conditions both on and off the kayak.
Waterproof camera or case
Capture stunning moments without risking water damage to your device.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is key on warm paddling adventures.