Includes: Crystal River Watersports, Plantation Adventure Center, Explorida Adventure Center, Manatee Tours and Dives, The Manatee Eco Tourism Association (META), represented by River Ventures, offers manatee tours at Kings Bay. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and are available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the day, weather permitting.
When: Saturday – First tour departs dock at 9:30am, last tour departs at 4:30pm. Sunday – First tour departs dock at 9:30am, last tour departs at 3:30pm.Planned change
Get more information from the Citrus County Chronicle
Cost: Tours are $10 for adults. Children ages 6-12 are $5 and children 5 and under are free. Tickets for these tours must be purchased at the boat dock only.
Location: You can check the boarding location on the map. It is located on the west (water side) of US 19 at the end of NW Third Street.
Manatee Ecotourism Association
The Manatee Eco Tourism Association (commonly known as META) was founded nearly ten years ago by a group of local dive shop owners and other interested parties to promote responsible practices for swimming with manatees in the waters of Citrus County. was established. Over the years, membership in this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has expanded to include representatives (including individuals) of the Citrus County tourism industry engaged in manatee tours, accommodations, and restaurants. Now sustainable ecotourism.
Among META’s many accomplishments is the development of the Guardian Guides program by Save the Manatee Club. The program established voluntary guidelines that industry and environmentalists could agree on, and provided training and lectures on local ecology and manatee biology. It also acts as the “eyes and ears” on the water alerting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Wildlife Commission of manatees in need of intervention and rescue by tour operators.
What: Hunter Springs Kayaks offers guided kayak tours. Your tour guide will take you on his 1-hour tour of the Bay and Hunter Springs area to see the beauty of the Nature Coast up close. You can book your time in advance online via the link at www.GoManateeFest.com. *Depends on the weather.
When: Saturday – First tour departs at 9:30 AM, last tour departs at 4:30 PM. Sunday – First tour departs at 9:30 AM and last tour departs at 3:30 PM.
Location: You can see the kayak launch location on the map. It is located on the west (water side) of US 19 at the end of NW Third Street.
Three Sisters Springs – Free Shuttle/Tour
[Insert Photo: Three Sisters Springs]
What: Florida Manatee Festival, Friends of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, City of Crystal River, and US Fish and Wildlife jointly present complimentary shuttle from Manatee Festival to Three Sisters Springs. New visitor center! Both the Three Sisters and the Visitor Center host fun and informative programs throughout the weekend, including conservation exhibits at the Three Sisters Springs. An internationally renowned manatee sanctuary and beautiful wildlife park, the Three Sisters Springs is a must-do experience like no other in the world. Hundreds of manatees flock to the springs to take advantage of the constant 72-degree water temperature. The scenic boardwalks and surrounding trails provide the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of the incredible beauty of the Nature Coast as well as the manatees.
When: Saturday, 9am-3:30pm (last shuttle to Three Sisters departs at 3:30pm).Sunday 9am-3:30pm (last flight to Three Sisters departs at 3:30pm) *Times may vary
Cost: Free on festival weekends
Where: Festival-goers can catch the shuttle bus on 5th Avenue near the gate entrance.
