Discover the magic of Florida's Kings Bay on this Guided Kayak Manatee Swim Tour. Encounter gentle manatees in their natural environment and explore the pristine waters with expert guidance. An unforgettable adventure for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic paddling skills recommended but not required
Wildlife
History
Crystal River has long been a popular destination for ecotourism and eco-education, playing a key role in manatee conservation efforts.
Conservation
Hunter Springs Kayak emphasizes low-impact paddling practices that help preserve the delicate ecosystems of Kings Bay and protect its diverse marine life.
Hunter Springs Kayak
Discover the magic of Florida's Kings Bay on this Guided Kayak Manatee Swim Tour. Encounter gentle manatees in their natural environment and explore the pristine waters with expert guidance. An unforgettable adventure for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
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 Neutral-Colored Clothing
Choose clothing that blends with natural surroundings to avoid startling wildlife.
Bring Waterproof Gear
Use waterproof bags or cases for electronics and personal items in case of splashes or weather changes.
Apply Sun Protection
Use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay protected during sunny days on the water.
Arrive Early
Getting to the launch point early ensures the best chances for wildlife sightings during optimal times.
Sun-protective clothing
Helps prevent sunburn and keeps you comfortable during extended time on the water.
summer
Waterproof towel
Use to dry off after swimming or if you get splashed.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin from the sun without harming marine life.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water to improve visibility and protect your eyes.