Paddling on the Crystal River

How to access the river on your own.

If you are from Florida and live on the Crystal River then this post won’t be news to you. However, if you just want to visit Crystal River for a swim, paddle, or maybe see some manatees, then you might find it can be quite difficult and expensive.

If you are after renting kayaks and taking a guided tour, then there are plenty! To name a few visit the Crystal River Tourist Information Center here.

But if you want to just drop your paddle board, canoe, or kayak in and enjoy a nice day on the water, and maybe peacefully glance at some manatees while you are at it, then you are at the right place.

Public Access to Crystal Springs

There are two public places where you can launch your kayak or paddleboard for free.

• Hunter Springs Park, 104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River  
• King’s Bay Park, 268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River 

Hunter’s Springs Park is where I feel the locals go. It has a public beach and you see a lot of kids and families out enjoying the water in the summer. There is a parking fee at the beach and it’s not too bad, but parking is limited and if you try to skirt around paying it, you will get a ticket. It’s closely monitored. At Hunter Springs Park, I have not seen rentals. This area does get busy but if you aren’t hanging about and want to get out on the water, then this is a fantastic place and my favorite. Check out the website to see all the amenities. They even offer scuba classes here. Before you head out in the kayak or paddleboard, I suggest looking at an aerial map of the park to figure out where to go.

I’ve provided a little map and path in red where you can take your paddles. Pete’s Pier is a good marker for where to take a left. The water is deep and gets a little choppy at times since these estuaries lead into the Gulf. For little ones, be sure to have them in Coast Guard-approved life jackets. If you head all the way out to Buzzard Island, it is a bit of a hike (paddle). I have seen manatees where ever you see a red line above. I have gotten out and snorkeled near manatees in the quieter coves. I DID NOT GO CLOSE TO THE MANATEES. You shouldn’t either. I once saw a mother and her calf. Absolutely beautiful. Please, please, please. DO NOT swim close to the manatees and absolutely do not touch them with your paddle, hand, or anything else. For more really great information about manatee viewing etiquette check out the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

King’s Bay Park has a very big playground for the kids and also has a handicap-accessible kayak launch. This park does have a launch fee in addition to a parking fee at the park so I do not use it. Also, commercial companies offering kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboard tours launch here.

If you want a nice park to visit and view the manatees then Three Sister’s Springs is the place to go. Three Sister’s Spring is boardwalk viewing access to the river only. You can not swim or launch a non-motorized vehicle here, including kayaks, paddleboards, and whatever else you try. This is a wildlife refuge. It’s a great place to visit if you are say, pushing a stroller or wanting a leisurely stroll.

Have other great places to drop in your paddles? Let me know in the comments below! Thank you for stopping by and stay tuned to the travel blog for more Florida Springs visits, trips, and tips.

Pro Tip:

1. Grab A Snorkel Mask. Something like this. I had a variation of this one and the plastic that held the strap did break against a pool deck. But still, a good investment if you like swimming and snorkeling. Whenever I used it at the YMCA people always asked me about it.
2. Take a water camera or a GoPro.
3. And finally, the water is 72F! Unless you are from Sweden or Michigan, that’s cold! (Kidding-not really). Don’t be ashamed to don a spring suit.

Enjoy!