Crystal River Clear Kayak Manatee Sunset & Glow Tour
Paddle clear kayaks at sunset, spot manatees, and watch the springs glow after dark with local guides
From$91/ person
Search all experiences
Discover what we've curated for you
Paddle clear kayaks at sunset, spot manatees, and watch the springs glow after dark with local guides
Discover what we've curated for you
2.5 Hours
Clear kayak, Life vest, Guide
Glide through Crystal River in all-clear tandem kayaks with a local guide. Watch the sunset over Kings Bay, then turn on kayak lights to reveal glowing springs and underwater life.
All kayaks are tandem; partners required, max 250 lb per person and 425 lb per kayak. Ages 3+ only; minors must ride with someone 13+ from the same party and have an adult 18+ present. No swimming or footwear on kayaks and no pets; tour runs Nov 15–Mar 31 with a per vessel launch fee; arrive 30 minutes early for the required video and waivers.
Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your tour. No refunds or rescheduling with less than 24 hours' notice. Arrive 30 minutes early; late arrival may result in missing your tour.
1 SW 1st Pl Crystal River, FL
This is clearly a favorite for manatee encounters in Crystal River, and it's easy to see why. The guides get consistent praise by name, with Kyle, Jax, Jon, Jonathan, and Cypress all earning shoutouts for being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and genuinely invested in creating memorable experiences. Families love the accessibility here, from helping an 84-year-old into a kayak to making kids feel like they're having the best day ever. The equipment is well-maintained, the clear canoes are a hit, and whether you're renting on your own or booking a guided tour, the staff provides helpful tips on where to spot manatees. A couple of things to note: one reviewer mentioned the check-in staff could be friendlier (though guides were great), and another felt uncomfortable with the volume of tourists around the manatees, which seems more about personal preference than the company itself. The overall vibe is overwhelmingly positive, with people calling experiences "life-altering" and "unforgettable." The combination of quality gear, passionate guides, and those up-close manatee encounters keeps people coming back.
Our family rented kayaks and a paddleboard to see the Manatees at Three Sisters Springs. What an amazing experience. We couldn’t believe all the manatee and how crystal clear the water was. You could see their every move. The equipment was well maintained and the staff is great. We are so happy we chose Paddles. It was a memorable experience.
Greg R
February 4, 2026
Our family rented kayaks and a paddleboard to see the Manatees at Three Sisters Springs. What an amazing experience. We couldn’t believe all the manatee and how crystal clear the water was. You could see their every move. The equipment was well maintained and the staff is great. We are so happy we chose Paddles. It was a memorable experience.
Greg R
February 4, 2026