Osprey Bay Outfitters
Osprey Bay has three locations in the state. The Tamp Bay location offers kayak tours and trips throughout the area and into the Crystal Beach region. Trips are offered at varied times each month. Interested parties should contact the outfitter for specific Crystal River kayak trips. Tours include kayaks, kayak gear, guide and snacks with drinks. It is common to see manatees during trips. The trips can accommodate beginners as well as seasoned kayakers. Double and single kayaks are available, depending on the size of your party. Kayak rentals are available.
Osprey Bay Outfitters
8808 Rocky Creek Dr.
Tampa, FL 33611
813-243-5737
ospreybay.com
Sweetwater Kayaks
manatee,sea cow,mammal,water,river,homosassa sprin image by Earl Robbins from
Fotolia.com
Sweetwater Kayaks, based in St. Petersburg, offers kayak tours and rentals. Kayak tours include trips up the Crystal River out of the Crystal Beach area. The trip is designed to search for manatees. Tours include all kayak gear, kayaks and guides. There are discounted rates for the tour if you have your own kayak and gear. Lunch and drinks are provided.
Sweetwater Kayaks encourages guests to bring water cannons and squirt guns when the temps are warm. The trips goes for 2.5 miles up the river and around King's Bay where there are an estimated 500 manatees that spend the winter months.
Sweetwater Kayaks
13060 Gandy Blvd.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
727-570-4844
sweetwaterkayaks.com
Simply Kayaking
Simply Kayaking offers day tours, multi-day trips and rentals. Day tours include kayaks, kayak gear, guides, drinks, bottled water, snacks, sun-screen and binoculars. Simply Kayaking offers several different launch zones and trips, including one in Crystal Beach. Manatees are frequently spotted on tours.
It is recommended that you bring a pair of polarized sunglasses to reduce glare when you watch the marine mammals in the water. For a small additional fee, you can purchase the "souvenir package" on tours. This package includes a t-shirt and "boonie" hat to take home.
Simply Kayaking
700 Florida Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
727) 481-0184
simplykayaking.com
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
