Take to Crystal River’s clear waters with full-day kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals featuring transparent hulls for stunning underwater views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and moderate fitness levels; paddling endurance recommended for full day use.
Wildlife
History
Crystal River's aquatic springs have long been sacred to indigenous peoples and are now protected as critical freshwater habitats in Florida.
Conservation
This area emphasizes sustainable tourism through eco-friendly practices and limits on boating to protect sensitive wildlife and water quality.
Hunter Springs Kayak
Take to Crystal River’s clear waters with full-day kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals featuring transparent hulls for stunning underwater views.
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 water shoes
Protect your feet from shells and slippery rocks in shallow areas by wearing sturdy water shoes.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Use eco-friendly sunscreen to minimize impact on aquatic ecosystems during your paddle.
Bring a dry bag
Keep personal items dry and secure during your water adventure by packing a waterproof bag.
Start early to avoid crowds
Morning paddling offers peaceful waters and better chances of wildlife sightings before midday heat.
Life jacket (PFD)
Mandatory for safety and required by local regulations when on the water.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and preserves the fragile aquatic environment.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during your paddling adventure in Florida’s heat.
Dry bag
Keeps belongings safe and dry while paddling.