Guided Kayak Tours and Canoe Trips are a great way to get out on the water by kayak. See much of the native habitat Florida has to offer as you paddle down one of the many rivers, creeks, or marshes with our kayak guide. Expect to see plenty of wildlife on your kayak tour such as ospreys, bald eagles, manatees, the Florida Alligator, otters, and numerous waterfowl.

This is the way old Florida was and still is here on the Nature Coast. So come join us as we paddle our way into history and beauty of eco tourism via kayak tours.

For a limited time, stay at the beautiful Plantation Inn and Resort using our discount code and take one of our many eco kayak tours at a special rate. Call 800-632-6262 to make reservations. Tell the operator you have a discount code: PADDLE and get the special rate.

MANATEE AND KING'S BAY TOUR

We leave from our waterfront site and paddle out among the wildlife that inhabits our bay. We have many year round manatees who call King's Bay home. Cool fall temperatures bring in over 300 manatees to our Bay for the winter. Our Springs stay a constant 72 degrees farenheight, (22 Celcius), year round. The summer brings warmer temperatures to the Gulf of Mexico for great fishing and fun on the water. We also have numerous roosting birds in and around Crystal River so bring your binoculars and camera. Our guides will interest you and educate you about our sensitive Bay, how the plant species differ, and how changes in climate and nature effects our ecosystem. Many times of the year we see bottlenose dolphin as they teach their young how to hunt and catch their meal. Don't be surprised to watch ospreys dive for their meal and take it back to their waiting family which roost in the trees canopy. Tours run approx 2 - 3 hours. $40 per person

RAINBOW RIVER TOUR

The Rainbow River is formed by a "First Magnitude Spring" (Rainbow Springs), and ranked fourth in the state for volume of discharge. Paddle, float, and swim in this crystal clear river. We'll start our trip at KP Hole Park, then paddle up to the head springs at Rainbow River State Park. We'll get out at the park and tour the area ending up at the Falls in the Garden. Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities. After our walking tour, we'll get back into our kayaks and paddle down the river passing many of the springs that pump over 500 million gallons of pure water into the river each day. This Aquarium like river tour runs approx. 4 -5 hours. $45 per person. Park entrance fees included.

SUNSET TOUR

The evenings are so beautiful here in Crystal River. The night sky brings out so many stars. We start this tour at the close of our business day and paddle out to the Bay. We make a stop over at the famousThree Sister's Springs for great photo opportunities. As the sun goes down, we'll make our way out to the headwaters of the Crystal River and watch as the sun drops over the horizon. After sunset we can stop at one of the local waterside establishments and check out the nightlife or just relax with a beverage overlooking the water. 2 -3 hours. $25 per person

BENNETT'S CREEK or WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER TOURS

Just west of Yankeetown the Withlacoochee River empties its water into the Gulf of Mexico. Three miles upriver is an estuary waterway that meanders through marshlands and tidal flats with oyster farms and great redfish beds. The Bennett's Creek is a rookery for spoonbills, wood storks, egrets, osprey and a plethera of other birds and waterfowl. Further up river the Withlacoochee is a haven for other species or birds, fish, and animals including wild pigs, otters, alligators, and bear. There are different segments of the river to explore, so come back often and take them all. 4 -5 hours. $50 per person

CHAZZAHOWITZKA REFUGE AREA and SEVEN SISTERS

While this river rises and falls with the tide, the Seven Sister's Springs feeds the flow of "CHAZZ" river out to the Gulf of Mexico. Thousands of years of different salts have disolved the porous limerock and left a multitude of caves. Some people brave the different holes and like a "Wack-a-Mole" game, disappear in one hole and come out another. While we don't condone this, we do encourage a cool dip into the spring holes and swim about. We'll take you down the nature trails where you can view old fishing and hunting shacks. At the end of one creek called "The Crack" is a minerals spring called the "Hole in the Wall," where its soothing waters are said to heal and invigorate the bather and make the person come out years younger. We think it's just the experience that does that, as people definately smile more after their experience. Bring a lunch as the shores of the spring is a great place to take a break. 3 - 4 hours. $45 per person

SALT RIVER / MARSHLANDS TOUR

You'll see why this are is called the Nature Coast as we paddle down the Salt River. The name comes not from an actual river, but a natural pathway through the coastal islands. It's part of the Florida Circumnavigation Trail which was the old Canoe and Kayak Trail. We'll go down the trail as it takes us through marshes, mangroves, wildlife playgrounds, and we'll see how the ecosystem has changed over the millenia. Paddling is easy, but this is a longer trip so bring a lunch as we stop half way for a break. We'll see a few houses off in the distance at Dixie Bay, but don't expect a lot of concrete and buildings. We'll see Florida the way the ancients did thousand of years ago. The tidal flats are a wonderful way to see the natural beauty Florida has to offer. 4 - 6+ hours. $65 per person. Includes shuttle.

For biking enthusiasts, the 46 mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a must-do for a pure Florida land tour. It is presently the longest paved old railroad trail in Florida and the corridor runs through small towns, ranches, and all natural areas as it makes its way south from Dunnellon to Trilby. The trail's length, popularity, and proximity to numerous communities have given rise to seven trailheads, information kiosks, colorful murals, and convenient parks. Although the trail makes for a long journey, food and drink are never too far off the beaten path. Take the trip in segments or peddle the entire strip in one day. Guides will point out areas of interest, historical sites, and stops along the way. Call for pricing. Dependant on length of trip, bike rentals, or shuttle service.

BIRDING / HIKING TRAILS

There are numerous birding trails in Citrus County. The nine mile loop curves all around the Crystal River Preserve Eco Center. Bring your camera, zoom lens, and binoculars because we have one of the largest selections of birds, waterfowl, and winged creatures anywhere on the planet. The mild weather in our area attracts them as does the freshwater tidal marsh, floodplain swamp, mesic flatwoods, and hydric hammock, and we'll see a flock! Dress for success so bring a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes, hat, bug juice and sunscreen. 4 - 6+ hours. $35 per person.

OTHER TOURS AND TRIPS

Our Archeaological tours take you to Native American Mounds at the Crystal River Archaelogical Site as well as other sites only reached by kayak or canoe. For over 1,600 years these native mounds were a prehistoric ceremonial center. Native Americans traveled great distances by boat to the complex to bury their dead with ceremony and to participate in trade activities. Crystal River has several of these mounds in the area. Travel by guided kayak tour to see some of them. Learn more of the history of these sacred sites by guided kayak tours and canoe trips with an archaeologist guide from the USF and the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Find out why these mounds are so close in relation to the mounds of the Aztecs. How and why did they end up here? Where did the people go? What did they leave behind? See first hand by a guided kayak tour or canoe trip. Trips are monthly and varying dates.

Ochlochonee River State Park and the Native American Arts Festival is in February. Learn to Tan a Hide, Flint Knap, throw an Atalatl, shoot an Arrow, and a lot of other things. We lead daily kayaking trips through the Preserve. Three rivers converge together to finally end their flow to the Gulf of Mexico.

Come with us as we watch fireworks from the water in our kayaks. Starting at the close of the day, join us at our private waterfront site. We'll launch from there and paddle out to King's Bay where we'll anchor safely away from the heavy boat traffic. We'll watch the firework's show over King's Bay while we'll enjoy a finger food and drinks pot luck, so bring your favorite finger food dish in Tupperware type containers. Must adhere to USCG maritime rules of night paddling. Reservations are limited, so reserve your spot on the water with us early. Call for info and reservations. FREE 352-795-2255

Christmas time is a magical time of the year. Tour area waterways as we check out the Lights of the Season from our kayaks and canoes. Following we'll enjoy breverages to warm our tummys!

Come join us for a canoe trip or kayak tour.  Set up a kayak tour or canoe trip to see native Old Florida the way it was hundreds of years ago, untouched and unspoiled.

For other events, and fun days, please go to: "Calendar of Events"

Each year, the during the last week in September and first week in October, join our team to paddle Nootka Bay in Vancouver Island, BC. Limited to 10 persons, this tour is unlike any other and an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.

We will have dinner in Gold River and spend the night in a hotel.  We board the ferry, (a converted mine sweeper), the next morning and tour down river through the Vancouver Island Wilderness toward Nootka Bay with meals on board ship covered. 

See bald eagles and osprey dive for their meal in the Bay and river. See momma bear with her cubs on the shoreline as she teaches her cubs how to catch salmon. Plenty of wildlife surround us without the confines of cages. It's a zoo experience like no other.

 
     The ship's hoist will lower you and your kayak safely and easily into the water in the afternoon.  When we're all in the water we'll paddle to the mouth of the river and out into the bay and make our way to base camp.
      For ten days you'll paddle day trips from our base camp and around the area inlets, streams, and bays.  We'll be with Orca and Grey Whales, Dolphins, Sea Otters, and Sea Lions.  Have a chance at fishing for Salmon.  Eat what you catch.  Fresh Pacific Salmon is the best in the world.  
     The water is cool and crystal clear.  The air is so fresh and crisp.  The weather at that time is known as "roofing season" which is the time of little rainfall, but the sun is warm and we're told there are zero bugs (something hard for Floridians to believe).  
     Everything is provided from dinner and lodging on the first night to dinner and lodging on the last night in Gold River.  Meals on the ferry are provided.  Meals at camp are cooked for you.  The drinking water is fresh and clean, and there's even sun warmed showers.  
     The sunsets are amazing, and the nights are filled with all the stars of the heavens you can see without the city light's pollution.  

      This is a trip you'll always remember and want to do over an over.  Limited to ten persons.  Cost is $1,999 USD and covers all expenses for dinner and lodging in Gold River on September 30th through the kayaking adventure and dinner and lodging in Gold River on October 9th. 

CHECK IT OUT>>>>>  Discover Nootka   Password and Sign-In is: GUEST

While travel to and from Gold River, BC is on your own, call us for information on transportation to and from Gold River, BC.  It's suggested to make your travel reservations early to save money.   A list of what to bring and complete itinerary will be sent to you after your deposit is received. 

Cost for this lifetime experience is $1,999 USD. Limited to 10 persons. $500 Deposit, fully refundable if canceled before August 15th.  Sorry, non-refundable after that.  Passport is required. Make your reservations early.

Check out the whole Discover Nootka site: DISCOVER NOOTKA The username and password is GUEST.

We work closely with the Crystal River State Park and during the Season, the Crystal River Preserve State Park hosts a Heritage - Eco River Tour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at both 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Tours are approx. 1 1/2 hours long and cost is $10 per adult, children over 6 are $8, and under 6 are free. Call the park for reservations and more information. 352-563-0450. Then when you finish the morning tour, come out to Crystal River Kayak Company where we have our own kayak launch site, and rent a kayak or canoe. Bring your receipt from the morning Eco Tour of that same day and receive $5 off a kayak or canoe rental.

Kayaking is fun, and A Crystal River Kayak Company Inc. practices safety when kayaking. We realize not everyone kayaks at the same level or expertise.  For that reason we have different skill levels of tours available.  Our guides make sure everyone stays in a group and the slowest paddler sets the pace.  Our boats are stable and our guides are trained to handle an emergency.  Each group guide carries a first aid kit, VHF radio, and has training in CPR, First Aid, Basic Boating Skills Course, and are excellent swimmers.

Our tours are relaxed adding an easy, comfortable pace that is set by the group. Learn tips and paddle techniques on these tours.

Overnight tours and camping trips are available and planned by amount of interest.  Please call for details. This will be an exciting experience in both expedition kayaking and camping. Suwannee River, Key West, Ochlochonee Bay, Black River in Pensacola just to name a few.

The evenings are beautiful in Crystal River.  The sunsets over King’s Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are picture perfect. Not many people get to experience this view, and even fewer experience it from a vantage point that even the most romantic would be envious. You can experience this opportunity by the light of the moon in a canoe or kayak. The sky is full of brilliant lights besides the moon.  Come out and see them on a night excursion.

There are only a limited number of spaces available, so make your reservations early.  For more information call (352) 795-2255 for details, schedules, and availability.