Things to do
Kayak or paddleboard the springs
We do not keep kayaks at the house and we do not recommend launching from our dock — the canal is rocky and oyster-edged. Better plan: rent from a real launch point a few minutes away.
Host tip · Hunter Springs Kayaks (3-, 5-, and 8-hour rentals at 36 NE 4th St, next to Hunter Springs Park), Crystal River Watersports (large fleet, downtown launch), and River Ventures (full-service, includes manatee tours). Clear-bottom kayaks are available and worth it. Reserve online during manatee season.
Season
Year-round
Distance
5 to 10 min drive to rental shops
We do not keep kayaks at the house and we do not recommend launching from our dock — the canal is rocky and oyster-edged. Better plan: rent from a real launch point a few minutes away.
Related
More things to do in Crystal River
Swim with manatees at Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with West Indian manatees. November through March, hundreds gather in the 72° springs at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, five minutes from the house.
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Rent a boat for the day
Bring your own 27 ft-and-smaller boat and dock at the private floating dock, or rent one for the day. Crystal River has flats, channels, and the open Gulf within thirty minutes. Excellent for fishing, scalloping, sandbar days, and sunset cruises.
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Scalloping in the Gulf
July 1 through Sept. 24, the shallow grass flats off Crystal River fill with bay scallops you can hand-pick while snorkeling. Bring home dinner.
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Manatee season in Crystal River
Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. you can legally swim with wild manatees. Season runs mid-November through March. Here's how to plan it.
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Three Sisters Springs — what to know before you go
Three Sisters Springs is the centerpiece of the Crystal River manatee refuge. Here's how to access it, when to go, and what to bring.
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