ORIGINAL CLEAR KAYAK TOUR IN CRYSTAL RIVER
↠ THREE SISTERS SPRINGS | MANATEE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD ↞
AWARD-WINNING EXCELLENCE
Embark on the Crystal River’s #1 clear-kayak adventure – Get Up And Go Kayaking has earned the Travelers’ Choice Award 5 years running, with over 2,500 glowing 5-star reviews!
CONSERVATION CHAMPIONS
Paddle with a purpose on our eco-friendly tour – a portion of every booking fuels manatee and spring conservation in Crystal River and beyond. Protect the gentle giants while making unforgettable memories!
ORIGINAL & UNRIVALED
Join the first-ever clear-kayak tour in Crystal River and glide in the clearest, most comfortable kayaks on the water. Our pioneering legacy guarantees an authentic Old-Florida experience.
UNOBSTRUCTED SPRING VIEWS
Ditch the colored plastic kayaks – our crystal-clear kayaks put you inside the underwater world. Capture jaw-dropping content for Reels and TikToks as you float over seagrass beds and possibly encounter some local manatees!
INTIMATE GROUPS
Paddle with up to 10 adventurers for close-up views of Crystal River springs and (almost) every manatee sneeze. Enjoy expert insights from your local guide. Got a bigger group? Just ask!
EXCLUSIVE WATER ACCESS
Explore the springs of Kings Bay in the best way possible – our completely clear kayaks. We guarantee access to the waterway and a memorable experience. If you’re looking for a family friendly alternative to the theme parks, this is it!
↠ ABOUT OUR TOURS ↞
Unlock the #1 Crystal River clear-kayak adventure—Florida’s premier eco-experience! Discover why paddlers choose us over every other tour:
Why Choose Our Clear-Kayak Tours?
100% Transparent Kayak – Witness the underwater world beneath you: manatees, turtles, rays, and more – all in crystal-clear detail.
Award-Winning Guides – Led by our elite, eco-certified experts, you’ll learn insider secrets about local springs, wildlife behavior, and conservation.
Most Comfortable Seats – Float in style on the most comfortable clear kayak seats on the water – no sore backside here!
Flexible Cancellation – Book with confidence: cancel up to 12 hours before for a full refund (our competitors only offer 24-hour notice).
Guaranteed Individualized Experience – With a max group size of 10 paddlers, you can rest assured that you will not get “lost in the crowd” with us! IF you are looking for a larger party size, we may be able to accommodate – please contact us!
↠ CRYSTAL RIVER KAYAK TOUR OPTIONS ↞
↠ TOUR LOCATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS ↞
Manatee Season Spectacular (Nov 15–Mar 31)
- Premier Manatee Encounter – Paddle our ultra-clear kayaks through the winter refuge where dozens (if not hundreds) of gentle giants congregate in warm 72 °F springs throughout Crystal River.
- Extended Wildlife Viewing – Drift silently as manatees, turtles, and graceful
waterfowl glide beneath you. - Guided Eco-Education – Learn about manatee behavior, conservation efforts, and local spring ecology from our expert guides.
- Flexible Small-Group Experience – Limited to just 10 paddlers for an intimate, personalized tour. Enjoy VIP-style service, expert tips, and guaranteed front-row access to Kings Bay’s manatee hotspots.
Three Sisters Springs Tour (April 1st – November 14th)
- All-Access Springs Tour – Guaranteed visit to Three Sisters Springs! In case of inclement weather affecting access, we’ll explore other beautiful springs like Jurassic, House, and Hunter Springs.
- Refresh, Recharge & Swim – We’re the only clear-kayak company offering swim tours in Three Sisters Springs while on a tour! Dive into crystalline blue pools aboard your transparent kayak, surrounded by lush flora and vibrant birdlife – an experience no other tour can match!
- Seasonal Wildlife Encounters – Keep your eyes peeled for our year-round residents – we occasionally spot Manatees coming in and out of the bay and dolphins weaving through channels/hunting for food!
Potential Wildlife Sightings
Paddle through Crystal River’s most biodiverse habitats – spot rare and iconic species up close in their natural spring-fed sanctuary:
- Manatees gliding in 72 °F waters
- Playful dolphins weaving beneath your hull
- Turtles basking on sunlit logs
- Stingrays skimming sandy bottoms
- Colorful wading birds on docks or flying overhead
- Occasional otters & juvenile alligators at safe viewing distance
Tour Highlights & Perks
- Ultra-Stable Clear Kayaks: Industry-leading hull design and premium boat seats ensure fatigue-free paddling for beginners and pros alike.
- Expert-Led Eco-Education: Our award-winning guides deliver insider knowledge on spring ecology, manatee behavior, and local conservation initiatives.
- Exclusive Conservation Impact: Every booking fuels manatee and spring preservation, so you are paddling with a purpose on Florida’s top eco-tour.
- Small-Group VIP Experience: Max 10 paddlers means personalized narration, flexible pacing, and guaranteed front-row access to local springs.
- Complimentary Pro Photos: Capture jaw-dropping, social-media-ready moments without extra fees – our guides shoot and deliver!
- FREE Sticker following your tour
Ready for the ultimate clear-kayak adventure?
Don’t settle for ordinary! Choose Crystal River’s top-rated, most transparent paddling adventure. Experience the magic of floating over springs, the thrill of wildlife encounters, and the satisfaction of supporting sustainable tourism. Reserve now and paddle into Florida’s best-kept secret!
↠ CRYSTAL RIVER | THREE SISTERS SPRINGS | KINGS BAY ↞
Welcome to the iconic waters of Crystal River, often celebrated as Kings Bay, home to the famed Three Sisters Springs. As you embark on your kayaking journey through these historic waters, you’ll traverse areas lovingly known as “Manatee Refuge” due to their popularity with these gentle giants. The constant 72-degree waters create a year-round sanctuary for an array of marine life.
The renowned “Manatee Refuge” is not just a name but a testament to the area’s role as one of the largest winter havens for the West Indian Manatee. Here, clear kayaks provide a unique window into the underwater world, offering a serene yet vibrant kayaking experience.
As you paddle through, you’ll also glide over “Ancient Waters” – a path that’s not just about natural beauty but rich with history. This stretch of water is where you can feel the pulse of ancient civilizations, with nearby Crystal River Archaeological State Park providing insights into millennia of human history.
Beyond the historical and wildlife encounters, the journey through Crystal River is an exploration of unmatched natural beauty. The clarity of the water offers a surreal experience, akin to floating on air, where every paddle stroke enhances the connection to this enchanting waterway.
Embark on a voyage through Crystal River, where each name and location along the way – from Manatee Refuge to Ancient Waters – brings you closer to the essence of Florida’s natural and historical grandeur. Here, every paddle stroke is a step further into the heart of this legendary waterway.
↠ CRYSTAL RIVER MANATEE SEASON KAYAK TOUR OPTIONS ↞
↠ OUR CRYSTAL RIVER STICKER ↞
Collect the exclusive Crystal River sticker on the day of your tour from your guide! Collecting more location stickers can unlock some great rewards. Learn more about our loyalty program
↠ MEET OUR TEAM ↞
Austin
Ryan C.
Connor
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I’m Connor Smith! I’m born & raised in Florida and have grown up exploring springs and hanging with manatees all the time! I also love music, water skiing and telling stories. If it’s below 65 degrees out, I will most likely be layered up. I can’t wait to be your guide!
Izzy
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Izzy is originally from Washington State. She decided to move to Florida moved to be able to enjoy the wonderful nature and wildlife every day! On her days off she enjoys paddle boarding, biking, and exploring new springs!
James
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James is an Army Infantry Veteran who grew up in middle Tennessee. He has a love of the outdoors and nature. He spent several years building an off grid homestead, before buying an RV and traveling around the whole country for 2 years exploring all the different national parks. In his travels he discovered Crystal River and decided to buy a house here. In his free time he enjoys paddleboarding, hiking and fishing and meeting new people on his adventures.
Jimmy
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Jimmy is a Marine artillery veteran that recently moved back to north central Florida with his wife and daughter. He loves being on the water, in the water, and around the water – as well as hiking and exploring everything the beautiful part of Florida he grew up in has to offer.
Ryan T.
Crystal River Clear Kayaking FAQ's
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Crystal River is a wildlife wonderland! During your kayak adventure, you might spot:
- Marine Life Galore: Look out for the West Indian Manatee, especially in winter. Dolphins frolicking, turtles gliding by, and an array of fish like bass, snook, bluegill, mullet, and snapper could also make an appearance.
- Bird-Watcher’s Paradise: The skies are bustling with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic Ospreys, graceful Herons, soaring Pelicans, and if you’re lucky, the regal Bald Eagle.
- Unique Underwater Views: Thanks to our clear kayaks, not only do you get to see the surface dwellers, but you also get a sneak peek into the underwater realm as you paddle.
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- Reservations are required for all tours.
- There is a $5 Parking Fee per the city – you will need to pay by the entrance upon arrival.
- Pets are allowed on the tour as long as the weight limit is not exceeded.
- Alcohol is prohibited
- Manatees and other wildlife are wild! We cannot guarantee sightings though we do our best to take you to the places where we are most likely to see them based on the day’s conditions!
Please do NOT put sunscreen on the back of your legs because it eats the clarity away and cannot be cleaned off.
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We encourage you to bring the following:
- Water (preferably in a reusable water bottle)
- Swimsuit/clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet
- Sunglasses/hat
- Shoes that can get wet/sandals
- Towel for after the trip
- Any extra gear you’d like! Remember – the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak!
We will provide you with the following:
- Dry bags to store your personal items
- Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles
- A clear kayak with seats and paddles
- A knowledgeable tour guide
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- Every tour is given on one of our 100% clear kayaks.
- Our fleet is small (5 kayaks) so expect an exclusive experience (no more than 10 people at a time).
- Our guides are always helpful and entertaining (and they love tips).
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- Yes, children are welcome on our tours!
- We require children 30 pounds or under to bring their own Coast Guard approved life jacket as the size is very specific and safety is of utmost importance.
- We require one adult per each child under age 11.
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This is a beginner paddle, so you do not need prior experience!
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Tips are greatly appreciated. Our guides work very hard to provide all guests with an unforgettable memory! Standard US gratuity is 20%!
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No more than 425 pounds per boat (two guests) and no more than 250 pounds per seat (individual)
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Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single.
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No
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Trips that are canceled by Get Up And Go Kayaking due to inclement weather, will be rescheduled or refunded.
All sales are final, however, we do offer Trip Protection at Crystal River for 10% of the ticket price to allow you to cancel for a full refund for any reason up until 12 hours prior to the trip time.
No-show participants will not be refunded.
This includes showing up with less paddlers than the original amount booked for.
Get Up And Go Kayaking will not launch in unsafe weather conditions. Because of this, trips may need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to safety issues. If this is the case, your reservation will be refunded in full (if it has already been paid). We will not be held responsible for any reservation that you fail to keep due to any unforeseen circumstances. We also reserve the right to change or cancel any tours due to circumstances beyond our control. In this instance, Get Up And Go Kayaking can refund the tour price, not any other expenses that may have been incurred.
TOP-RATED CRYSTAL RIVER KAYAK TOURS
★★★★★
Very fun excursion - we lucked out and got to see/paddle near several Manatees. Launching the kayaks was quick, easy, and on time. Shade was an amazing guide - friendly, attentive, and interesting. He had lots of good info for us about the area, the ecosystem, and the wildlife. Thanks for the fun trip, and keep up the good work!
– Jon M. | Tripadvisor
Great kayaking! Saw manatees just as soon as we got in water! Our tour guide was fantastic! Her knowledge of the area, the birds, and the manatees was phenomenal! Tour guides can make or break a tour and let me say, and she made the tour great! Would recommend Get up snd Go Kayaking in the future. Do this, you won’t regret!
– Norma A. | Tripadvisor
We enjoyed our kayaking experience. We were able to see 2 manatees up close during our trip. Our guide Hunter, was great! He made our trip a “splashing “ good time! He was very knowledgeable about the River and pointed out many natural features and wildlife.
– Bill W. | Tripadvisor
We loved the relaxed, laid back vibe of our guide, Winsor! He knew exactly where to take us to see the manatees. It was awesome just hanging out with manatees and watching their activities. Having a manatee swim under your kayak is a wonderful experience!
– Julia S. | Tripadvisor
I celebrated my birthday yesterday and it was such an amazing first time experience Kayaking and being so close up to the manatees! Our guide Chris was so awesome and made this day even more special because he was so nice and you could tell that he is very passionate about his job and really cared about giving us all an exceptionally great experience! I would definitely do this again!
– Michelle | Tripadvisor↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞
Send Us a Message
Call or Text Us
(352) 747-4289
(Available from 8:00am – 5:00pm)