Things to do nearOzello Keys Marina

    Ozello Keys Marina is a laid-back waterfront launch point in Crystal River, Florida, prized for its access to manatee-rich springs, open Gulf waters, and unspoiled backcountry flats.

    Ozello Keys Marina occupies a remote corner of Citrus County where the land dissolves into a maze of tidal creeks, oyster bars, and mangrove-fringed islands. The Ozello peninsula itself is one of the least-developed stretches of Florida's Gulf Coast, and the marina has long served as the practical gateway into this estuarine wilderness. Fishing guides have worked these waters for generations, targeting redfish, snook, and trout in the grass flats that extend for miles toward the open Gulf.

    From the marina docks, boaters reach open water quickly, making it a convenient base for fishing charters and kayaking excursions into the backcountry. The surrounding estuary is part of a broader network of protected lands, including the nearby Crystal River Preserve State Park, which shelters thousands of acres of tidal marsh and upland habitat.

    Wildlife is the constant backdrop here. Bottlenose dolphins frequently work the channels alongside fishing boats, and roseate spoonbills wade the shallows at dusk. In winter, the warm spring-fed outflows draw manatees in concentrations that have made this corner of Florida famous among wildlife enthusiasts. The unhurried pace and genuine remoteness of Ozello Keys Marina make it a place worth seeking out for anyone who wants to experience Florida's Gulf Coast as it existed long before the crowds arrived.

    2355 S Ripple Path, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

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    Tips for visiting Ozello Keys Marina

    1

    Visit during winter months, roughly November through March, when West Indian manatees gather in the warm spring-fed waters just offshore and sightings from the docks are common.

    2

    Bring polarized sunglasses to cut the glare on the shallow flats, where you can spot redfish and spotted sea trout tailing in only inches of water.

    3

    Launch a kayak or canoe early in the morning before the afternoon sea breeze picks up, as the sheltered creeks around the Ozello peninsula are glassy and calm at first light.

    4

    Pack a cooler with your own food and drinks, since the marina sits in a rural stretch of the Ozello peninsula with limited dining options immediately nearby.

    5

    Explore the surrounding backcountry by boat at low tide to read the grass flats and locate the deeper channels, which hold the most fish and the clearest water for wildlife watching.

    Top tours & experiences near Ozello Keys Marina

    Showing 1-11 of 11 results
    Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River Backwater Mangroves

    Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River Backwater Mangroves

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    Fishing Lesson Aboard Your Own Boat in Crystal River

    Fishing Lesson Aboard Your Own Boat in Crystal River

    Sharpen your fishing skills with personalized guidance from a seasoned local captain

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    Mangrove & Gulf Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Mangrove & Gulf Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Fish mangroves to the open gulf on a 4- or 6-hour inshore charter

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    Full-Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Full-Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

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    Half-Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Half-Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Explore Florida's inshore waters with a captain who brings 30 years of experience

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    Crystal River Sunset Cruise Through Mangrove Backwaters

    Crystal River Sunset Cruise Through Mangrove Backwaters

    Unwind with Gulf views, sunset scenery and a chance to swim

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    Full-Day Nearshore Gulf Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Full-Day Nearshore Gulf Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Build your saltwater fishing skills with an experienced, hands-on captain

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    Bay Scallop Snorkeling Charter in Crystal River

    Bay Scallop Snorkeling Charter in Crystal River

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    Private Sunrise Fishing Charter in Crystal River

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    Scalloping Charter In Homosassa

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    Shallow-Water Grouper Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Shallow-Water Grouper Fishing Charter in Crystal River

    Hook strong grouper on light tackle in shallow Gulf waters

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