Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park
4
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
About
Crystal River Preserve State Park is a remnant of the Florida coastline that has changed little since Europeans arrived over 500 years ago. The park preserves more than 27,000 acres of diverse natural communities such as scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. Much of the property is still untouched, allowing visitors a glimpse at what this area of Florida looked like centuries ago. Given the natural community diversity, the preserve is an ideal location for birding and wildlife viewing. The preserve offers several miles of hiking and biking trails and two designated kayak launches. From Labor Day to Memorial Day (September-May) Eco-heritage boat trips leave from the park headquarters. The 1.5-hour boat tour gives visitors the opportunity to see coastal marsh and learn how it and the associated marine estuary provided for the ancient river dwellers that once lived here. The 24-passenger vessel “Monroe” runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. The cost is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for children under 12 years of age, children 6 years of age and under are free. Boat tickets can be purchased one hour prior to departure, forms of payment accepted are cash or check.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Crystal River Preserve State Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
32 within 5 kms
Attractions
29 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
158 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
49
Average
23
Poor
5
Terrible
3
dml240
Greencastle PA84 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed the echo, boat tour with Captain Scott, and narrator Miss Mary. Lots of birds to see including bald eagles, pelicans, and cormorants.
The guide was very knowledgeable and shared lots of information on the history of Crystal River. Enjoyed the beautiful boat ride. Binoculars were also supplied which was a great extra.
The guide was very knowledgeable and shared lots of information on the history of Crystal River. Enjoyed the beautiful boat ride. Binoculars were also supplied which was a great extra.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elise G
Hudson River Valley, NY1,283 contributions
Feb 2022
It's a good thing that I love to walk/ hike and spend time with my husband. To that end, I had a great time. Though the trail claims to go through 16 ecosystems, it really did not seem to change much at all during the seven mile loop.
Pluses: the trail was very well maintained. There was no garbage. The "trail" was more like a dirt road, so it was quite easy and accessible. Benches were place along the trail if one needed a rest. Signage was so great. It was a bit funny actually, to see signs with an arrow, or the word, "loop" when there was really only one way to go. We did see two alligators in the water in sunny spots. We also saw a fair amount of birds and different foliage.
Minuses: flat, flat and flat. The environment does not change all that much during the seven miles.
If I were to visit again, I would definitely do it by bike! If you're up for walking, and don't care much about changes of scenery, and like a big flat loop, this trail is for you.
Pluses: the trail was very well maintained. There was no garbage. The "trail" was more like a dirt road, so it was quite easy and accessible. Benches were place along the trail if one needed a rest. Signage was so great. It was a bit funny actually, to see signs with an arrow, or the word, "loop" when there was really only one way to go. We did see two alligators in the water in sunny spots. We also saw a fair amount of birds and different foliage.
Minuses: flat, flat and flat. The environment does not change all that much during the seven miles.
If I were to visit again, I would definitely do it by bike! If you're up for walking, and don't care much about changes of scenery, and like a big flat loop, this trail is for you.
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve M-P
Gloucestershire, UK1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
I would have given 0 stars but had to give 1 minimum. My wife and I were on holiday in Florida back in August 2023. We saw the chance to see the manatees and jumped at the chance to do this. In our eagerness, we booked it only to see we had booked the wrong day so we wouldn't be Stateside. The following morning, I saw they offer a refund up to 24 hours before the trip, so I rang them twice on their number and no answer. I left a voice mail explaining what had happened and hoped someone would contact me either via email or phone. Nothing! We returned to the UK, and I filled out the form on their website explaining the mix-up. Still NO response. I did this another 3 times and still NOTHING! This is not a good experience as I have lost money to the company. I bet they won't even respond to this. So tomorrow (November 17 2023) this company takes our money and will have 2 empty seats. It's not a pleasant experience at all. Very unhappy and I want my money back!
Written November 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
APicard0207
North Palm Beach, FL77 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My husband and I did a nice hike on NY Day. It was the perfect length & as pretty well maintained. We did go off the path at one point (on purpose) & we are so glad we did! It took us closer to the water and it was a bit more challenging. We also saw a hawk on a branch about 2 feet in front of us! He wasn’t afraid at all & seemed to be checking us out as well.
The next day we brought our bikes & did the 7 mile loop. I am not sure I would hike this trail, but it’s perfect for biking. Make sure you have a fat tire or mountain bike though. This trail was a lot of fun to ride! We saw two large deer on the path.
The next day we brought our bikes & did the 7 mile loop. I am not sure I would hike this trail, but it’s perfect for biking. Make sure you have a fat tire or mountain bike though. This trail was a lot of fun to ride! We saw two large deer on the path.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thefamily3
Lafayette, IN423 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Enjoyed a hike there around lake and along river . Saw an alligator 🐊 in the wild which was exciting! Also saw a snake a crab several lizards 🦎 and birds and squirrels. Was a beautiful day and nice experience. Will go again
Written February 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnD_BT
Dade City, FL63 contributions
Dec 2019
This really is a wonderful place to enjoy nature. Plenty of different areas to walk, bike or just sit and picnic. This is a wildlife area. Watch out for snakes. Got to see a monster cottonmouth my last visit.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stkittchick
Ontario133 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
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.
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.
Written December 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Main S
Lecanto, FL108 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
On the way to this boat tour you pass the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a National Historic Landmark. It's a 61-acre, pre-Columbian, Native American burial ground. The reason for mentioning this is that I had no clear idea of the significance of all that until I took the tour on the Heritage-Eco Boat Tours. It's a mile down the road at the Crystal River Preserve State Park. No charge to get in but there is a fee for the ride and you need to get there early. 1½ hour trip allows the participants the opportunity to see the coastal marsh, and to learn how it and the associated marine estuary provided for the pre-Columbian people that lived here. Boat trips are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. Call Crystal River Preserve State Park to confirm. 352-563-0450. $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for children 12 and under (children 6 and under are free). It was very worthwhile and there is a lot to learn on this tour.
Written July 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SussexShelley
Arundel, UK768 contributions
We liked this place so much we returned the next day, driving 100 miles each time. The first day we did a smallish walk through woodland and open areas, our first taste of 'wild' Florida. I nearly trod on a snake which was a bit too exciting for me! The Visitor Centre is on an inlet of the Crystal River, an extremely beautiful place with lots of birds.
The second day we did the boat trip. This is a 1 1/2 hour trip up the river with expert commentary from the Park volunteers. This was enjoyable and informative, we saw numerous varieties of birds, and dolphins close by the boat. We didn't see manatees but were told where to see them, which we did later that day. The park is free, and the boat trip cost $10. Much better than the trip we did later on at Myaka State Park.
Next door to this Park is the Archeological State Park. This has burial mounds and is a good place for a picnic, also a small museum. Also worth visiting.
The second day we did the boat trip. This is a 1 1/2 hour trip up the river with expert commentary from the Park volunteers. This was enjoyable and informative, we saw numerous varieties of birds, and dolphins close by the boat. We didn't see manatees but were told where to see them, which we did later that day. The park is free, and the boat trip cost $10. Much better than the trip we did later on at Myaka State Park.
Next door to this Park is the Archeological State Park. This has burial mounds and is a good place for a picnic, also a small museum. Also worth visiting.
Written December 1, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally L
West Sussex18 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
We visited the state park expecting it to be quite small, but we were so wrong. The place is very big & we spent about four hours there easily.
The amount of manatees was quite incredible & they are free to come & go. The volunteers are a wealth of information & clearly passionate about their jobs.
All the animals there (except Lu the hippo) are all native to Florida & it was a very educational visit. Only $13 to get in which was worth every cent.
There is a small café area & gift shop. There are strollers & wheelchairs too.
The best bit is a sunken viewing area where you can watch the thousands of fish swimming around the natural spring & sometimes the manatees come right up to the glass.
The amount of manatees was quite incredible & they are free to come & go. The volunteers are a wealth of information & clearly passionate about their jobs.
All the animals there (except Lu the hippo) are all native to Florida & it was a very educational visit. Only $13 to get in which was worth every cent.
There is a small café area & gift shop. There are strollers & wheelchairs too.
The best bit is a sunken viewing area where you can watch the thousands of fish swimming around the natural spring & sometimes the manatees come right up to the glass.
Written November 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
premabass108
Crescent City, Florida
Are there primitive camping sites available in the park?
Written April 23, 2017
There is not a camping option at the Crystal River Preserve. The closest primitive camping near water is in the little town of Chassahowitska 15 miles south at the Chassahowiska campground (county owned, concession run) or Mutual Mine in the Withlacoochee State Forrest 15 miles East in Inverness.
Written April 23, 2017
Hi Is there any tubing in this area? Thanks Dee
Written March 3, 2017
I think you could go to the right when you arrive at the building. There is a small park on the other side of the canal where I think you could turn around and park. They launch boats there so I'm guessing it wouldn't be a problem.
Written December 16, 2016
sallyday2016
Tampa, Florida
Is the park pet friendly? We would like to bring our dogs with us to hike on the trails, but would also like to go on one of the boat rides. Please advise. Thank you.
Written November 8, 2016
Dogs must remain on a leash (6' maximum) while on trails and in the park. Dogs are not permitted on the boat ride unless they are legitimate service animals.
Written November 9, 2016
shumc47
Central Florida, Florida
Trying to figure what "law" requires I pay a $13.00 adult admission fee to a State Park that my taxes have already paid for once?
Written September 25, 2016
This park has no fee. Most of the state parks only have about a $5 entrance fee, depending on the number of people, etc.
Written March 4, 2017
I want to go kayaking, we own our own, can we come to the park and launch? Do you have to have all safety equipment, life preserver, and a helmet?
Written August 2, 2016
Yes, the park has a launch site for kayak. I don't believe the park staff monitors the launch of kayaks.
Written March 4, 2017
Can i snorkel with the manatees on my own or i am required to go with a tour?
Written February 13, 2016
The Crystal River Preserve state Park is not the best place to view manatees. It is a nature boat ride giving an overview of the river area. The best place to view manatees is the Three Sisters Springs Sanctuary which is a far\ederal wildlife preserve. You can go there to walk on a boardwalk by going to the visitor center at 915 N Suncoast Blvd (state rd 19) Crystal River. The cost is $15. No parking is allowed at the preserve. You can also rent a kayak at various locations in Kings Bay. They give detailed instructions on how to deal with and approach manatees. There are a few locations to tie up and swim once you reach the sanctuary, about 20 minutes by kayak. The easiest way is probably with a tour. Your are provided a wet suit, swimming noodle, snorkel and mask. We were at the preserve on 2/13 and saw more than 100 manatees.
Written February 14, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 17
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing