Choice Activities at Crystal River

America As You Like It • 10 May 2023
Take yourself to a piece of paradise filled with an abundance of wildlife and fabulous beaches. Take yourself to Crystal River in Florida. With a range of activities and a whole array of wildlife, no one will be left out. Based near the Gulf of Mexico, these crystal-clear waters make your holiday even more magical. This blog will take you through a myriad of options and exploration of this incredible area. 

Airboat Rides

Take in the sights with an airboat ride; the best way to see the Withlacooche River and coastline. Operating all year round with options for lunch as well, your experience will be epic. From otters, alligators to birds, dolphins, and stingrays, the array of wildlife is amazing to see and take in the scenery on this 2-hour ride all around Crystal River. Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast or just looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, airboat tours are the perfect adventure for yourself as well as family and friends. 

Fishing and scalloping to cook your catch.

At Crystal River, you are also able to partake in fishing and even take home and cook up your catch. The best time to fish near Crystal River for sailfish, tarpon, spotted seatrout, mahi-mahi, and cobia is from January until September. The best times for amberjack, grouper, and king mackerel are November until March. Scalloping season begins at the beginning of July until early September every year. Harvesting is done about 2-3 miles from shore in the gulf and can be found almost anywhere eelgrass is located. Just bring a towel and yourself to truly learn how to scallop and cook a delicious seafood meal! You can bring your catch of the day to seafood restaurants, and they will cook it for you. 

Paddleboarding and Kayaking 

A fantastic activity for you to get involved in is paddleboarding - a relaxing activity to go with the flow of the ocean, literally! To see the river from a different vantage point and take in the surroundings and wildlife. Manatees are a highlight that are a must see for an authentic Crystal River experience. Rent a paddleboard and paddle around King’s Bay. With springs and rivers filled with vibrant colours and perfect Instagram shots to explore, this is a must do activity to enjoy and heighten the holiday experience. You can paddleboard all year round and enjoy spectacular weather. Not a paddleboarder? There is also the option of kayaking. With a spectacular option of clear bottom kayaking to view the outstanding range of wildlife available in the region. 

Golf

Fancy putting a hole in one? Would you like to play a spot of golf? There are many golf courses to pick from. From Skyview at Terra Vista to Plantation on Crystal River, the championship course, and the lagoons course. An 18-hole golf course with fantastic weather and views is hard to beat. With Terra Vista being in Top 50 Master-Planned Communities of America, it is easy to see why this is a sought-after course for golf enthusiasts. With a pro shop available and lesson available as well there are many options to pop off for a game of golf. The Plantation on Crystal River is also 18 holes designed in traditional style, with a full-service pro shop, personalised instruction, and annual tournaments, discover the ultimate standout in Central Florida golf resorts. 

Beaches and Swimming

Known as Florida’s Natures Coast, Relax, kick off your shoes and enjoy the sunshine! Crystal River features shallow, grassy flats, an ideal place to snorkel and search for scallops in the summer months. It promises great fishing, numerous parks, preserves, springs and wildlife refuges—and it’s famous for its large manatee population. But what you may not know is that it’s also home to two sandy beaches. While Crystal River, beaches aren’t the typical Sunshine State beaches that stretch on as far as the eye can see, they nevertheless offer opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, or just kicking back. The fantastic beach is Fort Island Gulf Beach. At the end of Fort Island Trail, you’ll find Fort Island Gulf Beach. This 1,000-foot Crystal River beach is far enough off-the-beaten path that you’re unlikely to stumble on it. With a roped-off swimming area, and calm and shallow waters. With pavilions and picnic tables you can bring a packed lunch, or during the summer months, grab a bite from a vendor. There is a boat ramp and dock convenience, as well as a pier, where you can try out your fishing skills or just enjoy the views. This is a free facility with ample parking. With white sandy beaches and views to take in, it is a must for anyone travelling to the region. 

Scuba diving and natural springs

You’ve explored above the water, now immerse yourself with the locals down below. With scuba diving in 9 metres of water to the open cavern entrance The Crystal River area is internationally acclaimed for scuba diving. You'll find a variety of diving locations with clear waters and amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing. From deep springs welling from the Great Florida Aquifer to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, there is an incredible underwater world to explore here. From Rainbow River Dive, Manatee Springs Dive, Blue Grotto, and Devils Den. With equipment hire included and range of tour options available to suit every level, explore a variety of springs and learn how these amazing places were geographically created. 

Manatee Viewing

Crystal River is synonymous with manatees. With Three Sister Spring being the main area in Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. The peak season for you to see these fun-loving sea cows is November through to April. The best time of day to view these wonderful creatures are early morning and during the week. If you do not want to swim with manatees but would like to learn about them there is also the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Read our blog about swimming with manatees here.

Monkey Island

Welcome to Monkey Island! A fascinating piece of history dating back to the 1960s. GA Furgason created the island in the 1960s to avoid boat collision for the fisherman. Then come along three mischievous spider monkeys! Ralph, Ebony and Emily needed relocating after having a little too much fun. A decision was made to create Monkey Island. A sanctuary where the three monkeys could live and thrive in a suitable environment. With renovations completed recently and with the primates resettled you can go to the monkey bar and view these playful creatures whilst sipping a delightful cocktail or bucket of beer!. While you can view them, you are not able to go on the island.


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