A Guide To Visiting Crystal River

Kayaking & Paddle boarding – Crystal River is a kayaker’s paradise because you can paddle along a network of seven rivers, crystal-clear springs, open bays and freshwater lakes.

Scalloping – If you’ve ever wanted to dive for your own dinner, this is your chance. The delicious Bay Scallop can be found in the warm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico every summer. After you’ve got the catch of the day, you don’t need to worry about cooking it yourself. Just clean it up and bring it to one of the local restaurant and they’ll cook it for you. It’ll be the freshest meal of your life, and you’ll feel like a local Floridian.

Boating – There’s no better way to explore Crystal River than by being on the water. You can do this via a fishing guide, eco-tour, thrilling airboat ride or a relaxing sightseeing boat tour.

Fishing – Crystal River is known for its world class fishing, and visitors come from around the world to experience the sport on the pristine waterways. You’re guaranteed to have memorable days on the water because there’s an abundance of fish near the shore on that short run to the Gulf of Mexico. Crystal River and Homosassa offer Florida’s best saltwater sport fishing whether you choose to fish in deep-water offshore or saltwater flats inshore. You can also fish in freshwater in the 23-mile Tala Apopka chain of Lakes.

Swimming at the Beach – Aside from swimming in the crystal clear rivers and bays, you can also be a beach bum at Fort Island Gulf Beach, Crystal River’s Hunter Springs Park, and Hernando Beach.

Bicycling – Peddle down the best trails in Florida, including the 46 mile Withlacoochee State Trail that has no shortage of forests, lakes, and small towns making for a beautiful and scenic ride. There are also mountain bike trails weaving through Withlacoochee State Forest and Crystal River Preserve State Park.

Birding – Don’t forget to pack your binoculars because manatees aren’t the only charming creatures in the area! Citrus Country is a bird watcher’s paradise due to the huge variety of species, including the VERY rare Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

Golf – You can find great golf in every direction with a wide variety of courses ideal for every skill level, budget, and preference.

Even if you happen to catch one of those rare rainy days, Crystal River has lots to keep you occupied indoors. They have typical activities like movie theaters, bowling, and even an escape room. 

You can also immerse yourself in the rich history at the town’s museums and expand you knowledge at the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Fort Cooper State Park in Inverness, and the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins in Homosassa.

Something you don’t want to miss, rain or shine, is the live mermaid show at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. You can see dozens of different of species of fish (including a nurse shark) and even a few rescued macaws. There are two touch tanks – one with sea stars and sea urchins and the other full of the friendliest little sting rays. Up front, there’s a 15,000 gallon tank where you can watch the mermaid show that occurs 3 times daily.