Things to do in Crystal River

Q: What are the top things to do in Crystal River?

The top things to do in Crystal River are: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Q: What are the top activities in Crystal River?

Top activities in Crystal River include: Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer Small Group VIP Manatee Pontoon Tour in Crystal River Private Manatee Tour in Crystal River

Q: What are the top things to do near Crystal River?

Check out things to do near Crystal River: Florida Gainesville Clearwater Tampa Orlando

Welcome to Crystal River

Located along a stretch of Florida shoreline known as the Nature Coast, Crystal River is famous for its wildlife refuge dedicated to the preservation of manatees. Here, the river and dozens of freshwater springs set the scene for outdoor adventures including snorkeling with manatees, clear kayaking excursions, fishing charters, and eco tours. And in addition to the long list of things to do on the water, Crystal River also offers a historic downtown and attractions such as the Three Sisters Spring Boardwalk and Fort Island Gulf Beach.

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Top 2 attractions in Crystal River

Tours & Tickets

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

5,900

If you've ever dreamt of swimming with manatees in their natural habitat, Florida’s Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is where to go. Established in 1983, the 177-acre (71-hectare) refuge is home to America’s largest concentration of the 1,000-pound gentle giants. West Indian Manatees flock to the more than 70 turquoise-colored springs in Crystal River for warmth during winter. With hundreds of manatees in a small area, sightings are frequent.More

Tours & Tickets

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

A relic of a bygone era when family road trips were still coming into vogue, Weeki Wachee Springs has been luring visitors off US 19 for 70 years. Why? This clear, cold and deep natural spring has real mermaids.Young women, outfitted with shimmering tails and an oxygen lifeline to the surface, perform synchronized dances in the currents of the steadily flowing Weeki Watchee Springs State Park.Occasionally accompanied by the unsuspecting wandering manatee, otter or fish, the mermaid shows are themed and involved—like underwater musicals—for onlookers to peer through the site's 16-foot, glass-fronted basin from their seats in the 500-person amphitheater (For the best view, higher levels are recommended).In addition to the shows, admission also includes riverboat rides, native Florida wildlife shows featuring alligators and snakes and access to picnic areas and Buccaneer Bay—a small beach with a kiddie pool and three waterslides dumping into the spring. With spring water always hovering at 75°F (24°C), it can be chilly to swim in on overcast days or in the winter months, given that a typical indoor pool is heated to 82°F (28°C) or so. Those visiting in summer can easily spend a full day or more—young mermaid enthusiasts ages 7 to 14 can join two-day camps to learn the underwater ballet moves of the Weeki Wachee mermaids.More