Crystal River Boat Tour: Coastal Marsh Exploration

Embark on an exclusive boat tour in Crystal River Preserve State Park. Discover the coastal marsh and learn about the ancient river dwellers who once called this area home.

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Crystal River Preserve State Park - Enjoy a leisurely and professionally narrated boat tour on the 24-passenger vessel Monroe. Tour times are 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
    Your onboard naturalist will make learning fun while discussing the park’s myriad historic cultural resources as well as the rare, spring-fed estuary…
What's Included
  • Private transportation
What's Not Included
  • Food and Drinks
Additional Information

Our tours offer a truly distinctive experience in Crystal River. Onboard the 24-passenger vessel, Monroe, expert naturalists deliver captivating narrations about the park’s rich history, cultural treasures, and the spring-fed estuary that supports the Gulf of Mexico’s wildlife.
Witness a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys,…

Location
3266 N Sailboat Ave
North Sailboat Avenue
Meet at the boat deck located in front of the Visitors Center
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(10 Ratings)
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1 star
Claudia
Oct 30, 2024
Fabulous Tour of Crystal River - The boat is very comfortable, and the seating makes it easy to view beautiful Kings Bay. Captain Wayne pointed out wildlife and explained the rich history of the area. We took our own coolers for light refreshment s, and the boat had built-in holders for cans/cups. Captain Wayne sent clear directions to the pier and prior to our trip. I highly recommend this pleasant excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ladykim
Apr 10, 2024
First solo trip - Amazing experience so much history shared. I learned about the local past. The spots where we saw eagle nests and shell islands was so much fun. Great extra having the binoculars for us to use. Definitely looking forward to visiting more of Crystal river. My first solo day was very memorable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prpeters1950
Mar 15, 2024
Convening with Nature - Had a lovely morning on the Crystal River. Our tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and pointed out birds, their nests, etc and background on the area. Saw many Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Pelicans and more. We even had two (2) dolphins running alongside a shortwhile. My husband topped it all when he spotted a small (3-5ft) alligator! As our captain came close it submerged and didn't spot again. Definitely would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeff_e
Mar 7, 2024
Beautiful trip up the river - Knowledgeable host/captain; gorgeous ride up the river. Lots of wildlife and history fun facts. Highly recommended for family and friends visits to the area!
Review provided by Viator
Wei_h
Feb 22, 2024
Wish the River Be Crystal Again - Learned from this trip that the Crystal River lost her crystal water due to the 2023 hurricane flood. Wish the Mother Nature will recover this river back to the origin. Also learned from this trip that the Crystal River area was the southern end of the ancient tribes trading market beginning from the Mississippi River. However they were long gone before the European came.
Review provided by Viator
Bonnie_e
Jan 13, 2024
Great experience - A great experience from start to finish. A warm and friendly greeting and staff that were happy to share their love and knowledge of the area history and nature. The trip just the right length for us and went right out to the gulf on a comfortable boat. A treat to see eagles and a white pelican.
Review provided by Viator
Rond161
Jan 4, 2024
Try it, you'll like it. - Informative ride on the river. Saw a few manatees as well. Recommend the cruise for anyone. On time and great captain and narrator.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair43586
Apr 13, 2024
Educational nature boat ride - The manatees had left but it was a nice educational trip on the boat. Holly had a lot of knowledge about the area. Saw some eagles in the nest.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robbie_s
Mar 29, 2024
Great Presentation of Area’s History and Beautiful Sites - Captain and First Mate are awesome Guides, presenting the rich history of the area and the wildlife native to the area! Even though Viator presented this as a Manatee Tour, I would recommend this tour for the history lesson, the boat ride, the trip to the Gulf and all the wildlife in between!
Review provided by Viator
Paul_s
Jan 30, 2024
We were disappointed... - We were disappointed because we thought we would see manatees, It wa more bird watching then anything.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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January 2025
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