Quick Details
Adult
Ages 15+
$ 79
Child
Ages 3-14
$ 69
Morning Clear Kayak Wildlife Tour on the Chassahowitzka River
The Chassahowitzka River at 8 AM is a different river. Glass water, no boat traffic, no heat — and wildlife that’s actually moving.
This 2-hour guided clear kayak tour launches at first light, when river otters, bald eagles, osprey, dolphins, and wading birds are at their most active. In a 100% clear tandem kayak, you see it all — above the waterline and below it.
We’re the original and only clear kayak tour company on the Chaz, running since 2021. Five boats, ten guests, and a river bordered by the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge just south of Crystal River.
This is Old Florida at the best hour of the day!
Highlights
- The best wildlife hours on the river — 8 AM is when otters, eagles, and dolphins are most active, and when the water is at its clearest
- 100% clear tandem kayaks — see the spring beds, fish, and limestone straight through the hull, no snorkel needed
- The original clear kayak tour on the Chaz, running since 2021 — and still the only one
- Ten guests maximum, always — we own five boats, so small groups aren’t a promise, they’re just how we’re built
- Bordered by the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge — protected land is why the wildlife is still here and the crowds aren’t
- Twenty minutes from Crystal River — same Manatee Capital of the World® waters, none of the lines
- Done by 10 AM — beat the Florida heat and still have your whole day
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100% clear tandem kayak for underwater viewing
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Paddles and premium kayak seats
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Coast Guard approved life jackets and safety whistles
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Dry bags for phones and valuables
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Expert local eco-tour guide
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Exclusive Chaz location sticker
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Photos from your guide
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Gratuity for your guide
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$10 parking fee, paid at the Seven Sisters Campground office on arrival
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Reusable water bottle
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Swimsuit or clothes you don’t mind getting wet
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Water-friendly shoes or sandals
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Towel for after
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Sunglasses and a hat
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A light layer — mornings on the water run cooler than you’d expect
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Minimal gear — the less you bring, the better you see through the kayak
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*Please do not apply sunscreen to the backs of your legs. It permanently clouds the clear hulls and cannot be removed.*
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- Check-In & Orientation (15 min) — Meet your guide at the trailer, get fitted for your life jacket, and run through paddling basics. First-timers welcome; these boats are stable and easy.
- Launch at First Light — Push off into the calmest water of the day. No wake, no traffic, no crowds.
- Wildlife Watch — Paddle the spring-fed channels and side creeks while the river is most active. Otters, eagles, osprey, dolphins, turtles, and wading birds.
- Seven Sisters Springs — Float above the natural limestone spring system, visible straight down through your clear hull. Optional swim (April 1 – November 14).
- Guide’s Choice — Your guide picks the day’s best route based on tide, water clarity, and where wildlife has been. No two mornings are the same.
- Return & Wrap-Up — Paddle back, grab your Chaz sticker, and be done by 10 – 10:30 AM with the whole day still ahead of you.
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- Reservations required for all tours.
- Weight limit is 425 pounds per kayak and 250 pounds maximum per seat.
- Minimum age is 5.
- One adult required per child under 14.
- Children 70 pounds or under must bring their own Coast Guard approved life jacket — sizing is very specific and safety is our priority.
- All kayaks are tandem (two-person).
Frequently Asked Questions
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All Sales Final: Once booked, all sales are final, and no cancellations are permitted unless specified otherwise.
Unsafe Weather: In the event of unsafe weather, we offer the option to reschedule, receive a gift card, or provide a full refund.
Trip Protection: Purchasing Trip Protection allows guests to cancel or reschedule their initial tour at any time for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour time. Guests will be reimbursed for the full ticket amount, less the cost of Trip Protection and any booking fees. If Trip Protection is not purchased, all sales are final. -
Our weight limit is no more than 250 pounds per person and no more than 425 pounds per 2 people that are in the same kayak. All of our kayaks are double kayaks. Unfortunately our kayak manufacturer has given us this strict limit of 250 pounds per person and we cannot exceed this limit.
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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. -
Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%!
A mandatory gratuity of 20% will be added for groups 11 or more. -
Alcohol is not allowed on any of our tours.
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- Reservations are required for all tours.
- There is a $10 Parking Fee per Seven Sisters Campground – you will need to pay by the entrance upon arrival. Their office is located to the right once you enter the campground!
- Pets are allowed on the tour as long as the weight limit is not exceeded.
- 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 14.
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This is an intermediate paddle. Our guides will help if it is your first time!
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Pets are allowed to come on tours as long as the weight limit is not exceeded.