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Rainbow River Florida: Unforgettable Snorkeling and Diving Experience
4.6
69 Ratings
Crystal River
Experience the unforgettable snorkeling and diving adventure at Rainbow River in Florida. Explore crystal clear waters, encounter diverse marine life, and discover hidden fossils. Perfect for the whole family!
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- 821 SE US Hwy 19 - Starting at American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River, snorkelers and divers check-in and try on gear. After a brief orientation, follow the guide through a neighboring small town to a beautiful wooded river just north of the shop. Loading the gear at the docks is made easy and the boat ride view is unbelievable. Traveling up the river you may see several types of fish, turtles and even the occasional otter. Learning history about the Rainbow River from your captain adds interest to the boat ride. Once in the water the boat drifts with the group so boat riders can also observe all that Rainbow River has to offer. Back on board the boat there is a short cruise back to the docks to unload the gear and swap dive stories.
What's Included
- Snorkeling, diving, and riding activities available.
- Rental equipment on site.
- Voyage led by US Coast Guard certified captain.
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- County charges fifteen dollars per person for parking and use of facilities.
- Towel and swimsuit.
- Equipment available for rent.
- Vehicle transportation.
Additional Information
After your morning encounter with manatees, unwind with an afternoon drift on Rainbow River, a place perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. With its crystal clear springs and over 200 feet of visibility, there’s no other place in Florida quite like Rainbow River. Witness a variety of fish, turtles and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Unearth fossils emerging from the numerous springs scattered along the riverbed. At the drift’s conclusion, you’ll discover a quaint cavern, teeming with Sun fish. This snorkeling or diving experience is something the whole family can enjoy.
- Scuba Divers must present open water certification or higher
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Equipment available for rent at time of check-in.
- Please arrive at our center 30 minutes before your reserved tour time
- Please have your swimsuit on underneath your clothes for a quicker check-in
- Don’t forget your towel and a smile
Location
821 SE US Hwy 19
Southeast US Highway 19
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(69 Ratings)
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Matthew_f
Jun 23, 2024
A very nice trip :: 5... - A very nice trip :: 5 Star snorkeling experience in one of Florida most protected waters :: our guide was very nice and safety forward.
Review provided by Viator
Rogerandmarlene
Jun 5, 2024
Glass bottom boat tour worth every penny. Good for all ages. Handicap accessible. - We visited Silver Springs State Park and took the glass bottom boat tour. The boat tour was so worth taking! We had the best boat captain who made the trip even better with his knowledge and his "Dad" jokes. The river is awash with many different bird species, fish, and alligators. We did the shorter boat trip which was just fine. The Creek Trail, a 3/4-mile all-paved loop, near the boat queue entrance was just the right length and has the original "Seahunt" dock, which was pretty cool--a blast from our past. Recommend this park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide60506723254
Jun 1, 2024
Quality service, great professionals, and fun dives thanks to Austin!! - This is my second trip to Rainbow River for a drift dive and both were with American Pro Diving Center. They have boat captains and dive masters who know this dive and the river really well. They set me up each time for a fun drift dive. As dive shops go, they can do instruction to any level, have their own boats, and an on-site indoor private swimming pool. Today’s dive was awesome. Austin did an amazing job as Captain supporting everyone on the dive. They are the shop I call when I want to dive Crystal River!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Global01323752020
May 31, 2024
Great experience! - Amazing adventure! Our guide Austin was knowledgeable and friendly and patient! The experience was breathtaking and beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stevezeinner
Apr 21, 2024
Amazing dive shop and staff - Visited yesterday as we signed up for a drift dive along the rainbow river. Austin our guide was great. The dive ship is incredible, so clean and inviting and with all the gear you would need. Plan to do more dives with them in the future. A must visit when visiting the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway48600929540
Mar 30, 2024
Definitely recommend - Our group had a great time! Our guide, John, made sure everyone had a great time, was knowledgeable about the area, and somehow managed to keep track of 2 divers and a handful of snorkelers. Wanted to do this trip again, but it was sold out, so I’d recommend booking in advance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jwatson958
Feb 26, 2024
Rainbow River - Dunnellon, Florida - We visited the Dunnellon, Florida area in Feb.2024. The Rainbow River is always nice to kayak and a stop at Swampys Restaurant topped off a very nice paddling trip. We spent the week at Rainbow River Bungalows which was an outstanding place to rent!We launched at K P Hole County Park and paddled up to the head spring in Rainbow River State Park before heading back down to Swampys. Great day in Dunellon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorrainegt3063mk
Aug 6, 2023
The Hitchin Post Drive inn - Great burgers and fried mushrooms. The hamburger is basic,no special sauces or extras to take away from the fresh taste of the hamburger. The deep fried mushrooms are just the best. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The fries and onion rings, fresh cut and deep fried. It's a busy little drive inn with a couple of picnic tables for outside dining. Worth the drive from Calgary
Review provided by Tripadvisor
775nicolej
Jul 5, 2023
Relaxing and scenic - Make sure to get there early for rentals. The river was beautiful and scenic, with friendly people on the route and some wildlife. Relaxing and easy path (we kayaked). They also have a pool-like area in the springs. I suggest bringing a noodle if you're not a strong swimmer. Gets crowded toward the afternoon but is still enjoyable. They also have areas to picnic and relax. Would recommend this experience if visiting central/north fl.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ana_l
Jul 3, 2024
Horrible - Terrible experience they didn't give us the 3 hours they pull us from the water in les than 30 min because one of the divers had a panic Attack and they stopped the entire trip and they didn't answer the phone I asked to a refund was a lot of money I paid for that trip almost $400 with the sutes rental
Review provided by Viator
