17. Kayaking With Manatees, Florida
While there are many year-round 72-degree Fahrenheit natural springs off Crystal River here, if you visit Three Sisters Springs during manatee season, you can go kayaking with manatees. You can go solo, take a two-hour tour in a clear kayak, or even go on a “kayak and swim eco-tour” of the river. Crystal River has a very low current, so this is a great place for beginners and families too.
No permit is needed to kayak here. Both Hunter Springs Park and Kings Bay have metered parking and several kayak launches. There’s Crystal River Preserve State Park too. If you rent a kayak, you can usually park in the company’s parking lot.
(Continued on next page)
