crystal river preserve state park

The park has many trails for biking and hiking as well as a ranger station with some small exhibits and helpful staff, They also offer some sightseeing boat trips, which unfortunately, while we were there were not running due to mechanical issues. A back up boat might be useful as they had to cancel many trips.

almost all of the geocaches raided by nasty people as well. The only one we just couldn't find was in an incredibly trashy nasty, Boulder strewn area. Nice enough nature center, but the dioramas were tired and dusty.

The people and programs for the protection of the manatee are great. Summer was not and would not be the time to observe the manatee. The cold winter months are best around any of the many springs that feed Kings Bay.

We signed up for the sunset cruise to the golf and really enjoyed it. The sunset was beautiful and the guide was informative and took his time so we could all get beautiful pictures. The only reason I didn't rate this as excellent is the way you have to get tickets. No one was in the office where you had to go to buy the tickets and we had to search and search before someone showed up and even then they didn't know anything and we had to wait for them to find another person to help us. But, the cruise itself was great and we had lots of fun.

Nice and informative little museum, and the boat tour was fun, and a wonderful time. The volunteer was very knowledgable and charming- made for a terrific afternoon.

Went here to take the boat ride and learn about the area - If it's in the 50's - the boat ride is FREEZING - dress for it. Very pretty boat ride, focus on local environment and animals/birds. Very low key. We sat in the back of the boat and it was hard to hear the guide. My husband and enjoyed it - may have been too tame for my 12 and 14 yr old

The beautiful nature preserve was filled with an incredible and diverse array of animal, bird and plant life. Peace and tranquility only a short drive from the "attractions" which Florida is so famous for......

And it's free! Took a 7 mile bike loop through a maritime jungle/forest and it was delightful for this New Yorker. Got a little muddy and my feet wet on my hybrid but it was well worth it. Took a 1.5 hour tour ($15) with a docent in a pontoon boat on the Crystal River-also well worth it. Great trails and hikes if you're not into Disney World.

Took a boat ride at the Manatee Festival this past weekend. Although there were far too many boats and swimmers in the water, there is so much to do in this area during the festival and at any time of the year! The boat ride was very beautiful, our guide was very nice and helpful. The area is gorgeous and we were able to see the manatees swimming freely and from a distance see them frolicking in areas prohibited by boats and swimmers. Gorgeous town! Cant wait to return.

This is a must do for visitors to Crystal River. I have done this boat tour twice, once with family and this time with friends, and each time we have seen wonderful wildlife, bald eagles, otters, pelicans, blue herons, among many others. The guides are wonderful and explaining the historical and geographic importance of the area. Very relaxing, informative and humorous guides. Binoculars were provided. The boat ride doesn't run every day, so make sure you visit M,W, or F 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. The boat trip lasts over an hour and takes you to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park first to view the mounds from the water and then to the start of the Gulf. They also have sunset cruises, which I haven't been on, but the area has awesome sunsets. Wonderful area to walk on the numerous trails also, and a small museum.

We drove through and saw lots of birds and one alligator. The next day, we rented Electric, motorized, bikes in town and rode them around the "7 Mile Loop Trail". It was very pleasant with several kinds of habitats. Might be a laborious hike but it was an excellent ride.

I put my Kayak in at Mullet Hole and paddled the channel east to the end and west to the park visitor center. It was a wonderful place to paddle. I also rode on the mountain bike trail on the west side of the park. It is a road with a little mud but gorgeous maritime forest.

Drove quite a way to the visitors centre to find that all the walks etc were some distance away. And rather oddly the video showing was for another area of the state completely. We would have been really interested in learning about the area we were in. Disappointed

I am an animal advocate and debated long and hard before participating in this tour, but was convinced because I was told it was "non-invasive." Nothing can be further from the truth. A small group of manatees are corralled in a roped-off area the size of most master bedrooms. There were over 30 tours boats congregated around them, and literally hundreds of swimmers, snorkelers, and paddleboarders splashing, screaming and invading their space.There was one elderly volunteer in a kayak trying to maintain control, but she didn't stand a chance.I was in the water less than 10 minutes before becoming overwhelmed with regret for having participated in this venture.There's no doubt: the manatees are doomed. Our interest in these magnificent animals will be their end.I have been haunted by this experience ever since, I mean that with utter sincerity. Please, don't make the same mistake. If you love manatees, let them live in peace. Don't buy a ticket to any of these dozens of outfits that profit by invading their already diminished world.I've attached a couple of pictures, but my little camera couldn't capture the scope and scale of the human encroachment on these manatees.

If you are not up for swimming with the manatees, you can rent a canoe or kayak for an hour or two in Crystal River and see plenty, both in their favorite hangout in Three Sisters Springs and the adjacent water. For a longer trip, you can venture further into King's Bay. For landlubbers, there is also a walking tour of Three Sisters, but you have to pay to get in. Canoe access is free, though it can get quite crowded, as the springs area is actually quite small.